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Is CBD oil legal in Europe? The EU Laws & Regulations overview for 2023

Updated January 27, 2024
Written by
Avatar photo
Mag. Valentin Mis, LL.M.
CBD Legal
The information provided in our articles has undergone a thorough research process by a team of writers, editors, legal advisors, and medical experts to guarantee accuracy. Only reputable sources have been cited.
Furthermore, to ensure the most recent and relevant data, the content is consistently evaluated against current scientific literature and expert recommendations.

 

For a long time, cannabis and all its derivatives were illegal all across the world. It was mostly seen as a harmful drug and was therefore forbidden to use and to grow. But as our knowledge about the cannabinoids progressed, it was discovered that cannabis offers so much more than just its psychoactive effects. And after the useful effects of cannabis extracts (such as CBD) became widely known and accepted, governments around the world started adjusting the laws to allow the use of the substances. The member states of the European Union were among the trend setters in this process. Although many obstacles remain before the CBD market in the European Union can be considered as harmonized and open, we believe that the EU and especially a couple of its member states are moving in the right direction. You can see this as more and more companies are entering the CBD oil market producing a wide variety of CBD products.

Now that the CBD and other similar substances became known for their healing properties, people began to look differently on marijuana altogether. But despite the CBD’s popularity, such transitions need time. CBD and CBD-containing food supplements have become considered in the EU as a novel food. In essence, novel food is by definition a type of food that had not been consumed to a significant degree by humans in the EU before 15 May 1997, when the first Regulation on novel food came into force. 

Over the last few years, many countries worldwide are slowly legalizing certain cannabinoids and their extracts, and we believe this trend is going to continue. But you still need attention for details while figuring out what’s legal and what isn’t. The legal values of substances in question are accurately defined, and what’s legal in one country might be illegal in another.

legal_illegal

THC is often the issue – it is not the substance you’re after, but it still often ends up in your extract. The plant, used as the raw material for extracting CBD is Cannabis Sativa L., a plant that also contains the psychoactive substance. While the extraction process is optimized for CBD, some of it will still end up in the extract.

There is also THC-free CBD extract, called CBD isolate. Because this product doesn’t contain any psychoactive substances, it’s more likely to be legal. Some countries do allow sale and consumption of CBD, but only if it’s THC-free. You can read more about CBD isolates in this article.

However, being THC-free doesn’t necessarily mean legal. Before starting your CBD store, or going into any CBD – related business, thoroughly check the law regarding CBD, that applies to your situation.

How do the specific regulations impact my CBD business?

If you’re planning on getting into any CBD – related business, knowing your country’s law is absolutely essential. Even if you have the purest intentions, you might find yourself in serious legal trouble, if you end up dealing with something that’s illegal. Even though dealing with CBD will often mean you’re dealing with a cosmetic product or a food supplement, don’t forget that you’re also dealing with a formerly illegal drug. If you’re interested in the sale of CBD, you need to be familiar with the law of the country you are based in as well as the law of the countries you’re selling to. Whether you want to grow industrial hemp, process Cannabis Sativa L., or sell CBD oil, you need to be familiar with all the applicable laws.

Medical_cannabis

Is CBD completely legal in the entire European Union?

The European Union may just be the biggest world market for CBD products and CBD sale was until a couple of years back unrestricted. Even though some might describe the situation with the novel foods regulation described above as a setback, we would not be so pessimistic. The regulation and the decisions of the EFSA might be just what is needed to harmonize the EU internal market regarding the CBD and CBD oils and launch rapid growth in the EU CBD market in the years to come. 

So is CBD completely legal in the entire Euroropean Union?

There is, unfortunately, no short and definitive answer to this question, as every member state of the EU has its own laws and regulations. While all CBD products aren’t legal in every country in the European Union, it is legal at least in some form in most countries.

Regarding the general attitude towards cannabis in general, Europe was long one of the most liberal places worldwide. A nice example is the Netherlands, where the recreational use of marijuana has been legal for decades already. Another example is the Czech Republic, where possession and use of the substance were decriminalized.

While recreational and medicinal use of a substance are two completely different things, a generally relaxed attitude still helped get CBD and similar substances gain standing among wider crowds and thus contributed to it being legalized sooner. Many countries were already in the process of decriminalizing cannabis in the last decade, which made legalizing CBD easier.

But to get back to the original question, where is CBD legal? To get a definitive and unambiguous answer, we need to talk about the laws and regulations in all the member states. We’ll go over each country in the EU separately, check whether CBD is legal there, but first, let’s look at the EU novel food regulation, which is common for all the member states.

The major change in the whole of the EU happened in February 2021, when Cannabidiol, derived from cannabis secured its name as an INCI ingredient.

The brand-new entry dedicated in the CosIng to Cannabidiol is:

Cannabidiol (CBD) (CANNABIDIOL – derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis).

Essentially this means that non-synthetic CBD can be finally incorporated into CBD skin care formulations! 

While CBD may be recognized as a novel food, CBD still has to undergo a registration procedure in front of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to be regarded as the novel food, all across the EU. As of the middle of 2022, 19 applications were made to the EFSA to recognize CBD products as novel food. None of the applications were concluded as of November 2022, as EFSA decided that it needs to gather further information regarding possible adverse effects of CBD – it is extremely important to note that this does not mean that CBD is considered unsafe – quite the contrary, 

EFSA has stated that stopping the application procedure  is very common in this types of procedures and that it will work closely with all relevant stakeholders to procure the relevant data to finalize the procedure. This shows good will on the side of the EU authorities to wrap up the applications regarding CBD in a way most beneficial to all stakeholders, including consumers.

*2021 Update*

The major change in the whole of the EU happened in February 2021, when Cannabidiol, derived from cannabis secured its name as an INCI ingredient.

The brand-new entry dedicated in the CosIng to Cannabidiol is:

Cannabidiol (CBD) (CANNABIDIOL – derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis).

Essentially this means that non-synthetic CBD can be finally incorporated into CBD skin care formulations! 

*2022 Update*

While CBD may be recognized as a novel food, CBD still has to undergo a registration procedure in front of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to be regarded as the novel food, all across the EU. As of the middle of 2022, 19 applications were made to the EFSA to recognize CBD products as novel food. None of the applications were concluded as of November 2022, as EFSA decided that it needs to gather further information regarding possible adverse effects of CBD – it is extremely important to note that this does not mean that CBD is considered unsafe – quite the contrary, 

EFSA has stated that stopping the application procedure  is very common in this types of procedures and that it will work closely with all relevant stakeholders to procure the relevant data to finalize the procedure. This shows good will on the side of the EU authorities to wrap up the applications regarding CBD in a way most beneficial to all stakeholders, including consumers.

*2023 Update*

New EU Common Agricultural Policy

On 1 January 2023 a new Common Agricultural Policy, also known as CAP came into effect in the EU. CAP is one of the pillars of the modern EU and it sets forth common standards for the import of certain agricultural products into the single EU market, as well as sets the conditions and standards for the benefits the farmers may obtain for growing certain crops such as hemp.

Among other matters it regulates the import of hemp into the EU market and as such regulates the standards hemp has to meet in order to be imported into the EU. The most important difference from the previous CAP is that the threshold of permitted THC in raw imported hemp was raised from 0,2 % back to 0,3 % as it was before 1999. Furthermore, EU farmers may be eligible for grants and other benefits for growing hemp – however the THC level must remain below 0,3 %, as the EU would like to discourage the production of hemp that might be used for illicit drug production. 

Nonetheless, this is still a step up, the previous edition of CAP limited grants and similar benefits only to hemp with less than 0,2 % THC content. Growing hemp with higher THC content may be allowed in some member states of the EU, such as Italy and Czech Republic, on the other hand, some member states may choose a lower threshold of THC in hemp grown on its soil. 

In the following chapters, we’ll cover the status regarding CBD for each member state:

austria cbd  Austria – YES with a prescription

Cannabis (and consequently CBD) is somewhat of a gray area in Austria. Possession of cannabis was decriminalized in 2016, but not legalized. This means that having cannabis is still prohibited, but instead of jail, you’ll probably only get fined.

Medicinal cannabis is a thing in Austria, meaning you can get CBD with a doctor’s prescription.

Selling cannabis, however, is considered a much more severe offense, which can end with imprisonment.

Growing industrial hemp in Austria is permitted, but only to extract active substances for medicinal uses.

Up until 2018, it was legal to sell CBD in Austria, as long as the THC levels were below 0.3%. Now, CBD in the form of a food supplement became illegal but is still allowed to be sold as an aromatherapy product.To summarize: you technically can sell CBD oil in Austria, as long as you label it not for human consumption.

 

belgium cbd Belgium – Yes with a doctor’s prescription

Cannabis is still illegal in Belgium but possessing it was decriminalized for adults over 18, only up to 3 grams. In general, the use of THC products is illegal, but well-tolerated and only rarely prosecuted.

Medical cannabis and drugs for medicinal use with active substances, deriving from cannabis, are completely legal. While medical TCH has not gained as much traction as elsewhere in Europe, it is still a growing and expanding movement.

Industrial hemp has been grown in Belgium for years, but for commercial purposes only. Growing and processing of any cannabis plant are prohibited, even with less than 0.2% THC content.

CBD has been sold both online and in stores for years and with virtually no issues, despite being illegal due to a law, passed in 1912. You can also freely buy dried hemp flowers.

To summarize: Though Belgium is more strict than other countries in Europe, it is often found in stores and can be purchased hassle-free. CBD oil and similar products are technically still illegal but are regularly sold in stores. The situation in Belgium is rather confusing.

 

bulgaria flag Bulgaria – Yes

Bulgaria was the first country in Europe that made CBD legal and allowed its sale, but only if it’s made from industrial hemp.

They managed to surpass the above-mentioned EU regulation about novel foods by classifying CBD simply as food. That way, dealing with CBD products is completely legal.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in Bulgaria, as long as they have below 0.2% THC content.

 

croatia cbd Croatia – Yes

Possession of low quantities of THC-containing drugs was decriminalized in Croatia, which means getting caught will only result in a fine.

All products, made from industrial hemp and CBD – containing products are legal, as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC. CBD oils and similar food supplements can also be imported in the country.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in Croatia, as long as they have below 0.2% THC content.

 

cbd cyprus Cyprus – Yes

Cyprus made CBD legal, but only if it comes from industrial hemp. It must also not exceed the 0.2% THC-limit at any point in its production. It is also allowed to travel to Cyprus with CBD oil, bought in the United Kingdom.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in Cyprus, as long as they don’t exceed 0.2% threshold of THC content at any point in production.

 

cbd czechia Czech Republic/Czechia – Yes

When it comes to cannabis, the Czech Republic is one of the most liberal in the whole of Europe, where recreational cannabis was decriminalized years ago. Possession of up to 10 grams and cultivation of 5 plants or less will only result in a small fine.

According to the state, any cannabis products with less than 0.3% THC are legal. This means that the and use of CBD oil is completely legal in Czech Republic.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in the Czech Republic, as long as they contain below 0.3% THC.

Denmark – Yes

The use of CBD oil and similar cannabis products have been on the rise in the past few years. With the rise in familiarity and use in Denmark, some changes in regulations have occurred, but they made the understanding of what’s legal and what isn’t somewhat ambiguous.

The whole legal status in Denmark regarding CBD products is kind of a grey area. Since July 2018, the cannabis-derived products with below 0.2% THC levels are no longer subject to the laws regarding drug use and possession. Instead, these products are now considered as medical and food products, when it comes to regulations.

Because of that, it is not completely clear whether CBD oil with listed medical benefits would be considered a food supplement or a prescription medication.

Despite this legal ambiguity, CBD oil is being sold hassle-free in both online and offline stores. However, this is only valid for products under the 0.2% content level, as any product above that is still illegal.

To summarize: CBD oil and similar products can be bought hassle-free in Denmark. This is only valid for products, containing less than 0.2% THC.

 

cbd estonia Estonia – Yes

In Estonia, recreational cannabis is decriminalized, where possessing up to 7.5 grams will only result in a fine. Possessing and distributing large amounts of cannabis still remains illegal.

Dealing with medical cannabis is allowed, but only with a special permit.

The country made CBD legal, but it must not exceed 0.2% THC level.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in Estonia, as long as they contain below 0.2% THC.

 

cbd finland Finland – Yes with a doctor’s prescription

Finland had made CBD legal, but products containing CBD are considered a medicine and require a prescription issued from a medical professional. Any other cannabis derivatives are illegal and though it’s not often enforced, punishments for even minor possession can be fairly harsh.

To summarize: CBD oil is only legal in Finland with a doctor’s prescription.

 

is cbd legal in france flag France – Yes

*Update 2023*

The European Court of Justice ruled that the French ban on imported CBD products that were produced legally in EU member states is illegal under the EU law. In particular, the French authorities tried to ban all products that were produced from the flowers of the stem of hemp, even if their THC level was below the prescribed threshold. The European Court of Justice (1) decided that as CBD cannot be treated as a narcotic drug such ban is not allowed and that authorities must present conclusive scientific proof that CBD is harmful. 

This might be a game changer in the CBD market as France is a big market in itself and growth in France can contribute to fast growth of the CBD market across all of the EU. It seems that France is finally willing to comply with the decisions of the European Court of Justice and the import of CBD oil into France is now allowed. In response to the ruling, the French courts followed the European Court of Justice and ruled that a ban of hemp products derived from the flower of hemp is disproportionate.(2)

The legal status regarding CBD oil and medical cannabis is similar to other western European countries.

Possession of cannabis has been decriminalized and is punishable only with a fine.

CBD oil and is completely legal and can be sold in stores and online, as long as it does not exceed 0.3% content of THC. 

To summarize: CBD oil is completely legal in France, as long as it contains below 0.3% THC.

1) https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2020-11/cp200141en.pdf

2) https://businesscann.com/big-win-for-french-cbd-industry-as-ban-on-flowers-officially-scrapped-but-government-response-suggests-issue-far-from-over/

 

cbd legal in germany flag Germany – Yes

Germany was amongst the most liberal countries in the EU when it comes to accepting cannabis, which does show on its current legal status regarding CBD oil. It is completely legal to be sold and purchased, as long as it doesn’t exceed the 0.2% threshold THC content.

If you’re interested in the details regarding the CBD oil market in Germany, we suggest reading this article.

*Update 2023*

The German CBD market has experienced quite a turmoil in recent months and the situation is unfortunately unclear. In October 2022 two men were convicted with a final ruling of a Federal Court of Justice for selling 60 kg of industrial hemp with less than 0,2 % of THC but rich in CBD to a wholesaler who then resold the CBD products to local CBD shops.(3) The court argued that the sold hemp could be considered a narcotic and disregarded the fact that the hemp was lawfully produced in Spain. 

Nonetheless, the government already responded with a law that would make it clear that only hemp with a THC level above 0,3 % should be treated as a narcotic drug.(4) The law might go even further and even legalize recreational use of marijuana.(5)

The developments in Germany are definitely something you should follow closely as it is the largest market in the EU and it holds significant influence over policy decisions in many other member states.

3) https://internationalcbc.com/german-federal-court-of-justice-upholds-cbd-flower-convictions/

4) https://businesscann.com/hemp-and-cbd-to-be-removed-from-german-narcotics-act-bringing-an-end-to-business-prosecutions/

5) https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-burkhard-blienert-eu-drugs-plan-to-legalize-cannabis-is-out-heres-what-it-says/

 

greece cbd Greece – Yes

Greece had made CBD legal, but only if it doesn’t exceed 0.2% THC content level during its production. It is also permitted to travel to Greece with CBD oil, bought in the United Kingdom.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in Greece, as long as they don’t exceed the 0.2% threshold of THC levels at any point in production.

If you’re interested in the details regarding Greece’s legal status of CBD, you can read more in this article.

 

hungarian flag Hungary – Yes

CBD is legal in Hungary. In fact, the status regarding CBD is the same as in Greece.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in Hungary, as long as they don’t surpass the 0.2% threshold of THC content at any point in production.

 

ireland flag cbd Ireland – Yes

In Ireland, CBD is legal, but it is still somewhat of a grey area.

*UPDATE 2023*

Ireland is one of the few EU member states that seem to be going towards the consensus of liberalizing and harmonizing the thriving EU CBD market. In an unprecedented move, the High Court of Ireland ruled at the end of 2022 that CBD products containing any trace of THC are to be considered as narcotic drugs and thus illegal.

Consequently this means that currently only CBD products that do not contain THC are allowed in Ireland as per the court ruling of the High Court. The ruling caused a huge uproar in the Ireland CBD community that has already started with legal proceedings and lobbying activities to overturn the ruling. The situation is thus rather unclear and we recommend that you exercise caution when selling or buying CBD products in Ireland.

6)https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2022/11/09/high-court-dismisses-challenge-to-irelands-ban-on-sale-of-products-with-thc/

 

is cbd legal in italy Italy – Yes

CBD oil is legal in Italy if it comes from industrial hemp. It must also not exceed the 0.6% THC threshold at any point in its production, which is substantially more than what’s allowed in other countries in Europe.

The cultivation of hemp is also legal in Italy.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in Italy, as long as they don’t surpass the 0.6% threshold of THC levels at any point in production.

 

latvia cbd Latvia – Yes

In Latvia, CBD is legal, but only if it doesn’t exceed 0.2% THC content level during its production. It is also permitted to travel to Latvia with CBD oil, bought in the UK.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in Latvia, as long as they don’t surpass 0.2% levels of THC content at any point in production.

 

lithuania flag Lithuania – Yes

CBD is legal in Lithuania. In fact, the status regarding CBD is the same as in Latvia.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in Lithuania, as long as they don’t surpass a 0.2% threshold of THC levels at any point in production.

 

cbd luxemburg flag Luxembourg – Yes

CBD is legal in Luxembourg. In fact, the status is the same as in Latvia, with the only exception in the THC levels. Luxembourg permits a maximum of 0.3% THC.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in Lithuania, as long as they don’t surpass 0.3% threshold of THC levels at any point in production.

 

cbd malta flag Malta – Yes with a prescription

Possession of cannabis is decriminalized in Malta for quantities up to 3.5 grams.

Malta made CBD legal, but only for medical purposes, which means it is only available with a doctor’s prescription.

To summarize: CBD oil is legal in Malta, but only with a prescription.

 

netherlands cbd The Netherlands – Yes

Among all the countries around the world, the Netherlands has long been one of the most liberal countries, when it comes to cannabis. Recreational use of cannabis has been decriminalized, and its sale and use are widely tolerated, but only in licensed coffee shops.

Technically speaking, CBD is legal, but CBD oil is illegal, because of a detail in law, stating that cannabinoids shouldn’t be isolated from the cannabis plant. Despite this specific law, CBD is widely available in the Netherlands, online as well as in stores.

To summarize: In the Netherlands, CBD is legal, and while CBD oil is technically illegal, it is widely available.

 

poland cbd Poland – Yes

Formerly, the mindset in Poland towards illicit substances was very negative, and the same was true for cannabis. Fortunately, this has changed for the better in recent years.

Poland made CBD, but only if it doesn’t surpass 0.2% THC level during its production. It is also permitted to travel to Poland with CBD oil, bought in the UK.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in Poland, as long as they don’t surpass 0.2% levels of THC at any point in production.

*UPDATE 2023*

The Polish government amended the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction so that now CBD products are legal as long as the levels of THC do not surpass 0,3 %.(7)

7)https://www.traple.pl/en/cannabis-in-poland-significant-changes-in-legislation-jurisprudence-and-on-the-market/

 

cbd portugal Portugal – Yes with a prescription

In Portugal, the recreational use of cannabis is decriminalized – up to 25 grams. CBD is also legal, but because it is considered a medicine, it can only be acquired through a doctor’s prescription.

To summarize: CBD oil is legal in Portugal, but only with a prescription.

 

romania cbd Romania – Yes

CBD is completely legal in Romania, as long as it doesn’t surpass a 0.2% threshold of THC levels.

 

slovakian flag Slovakia – Yes

*2021 Update*

In March 2021, Slovakia removed CBD from the list of narcotic substances.

Starting May 2021, the sale of CBD is legal in all forms except as a food ingredient. This move makes CBD fully legal all across the European Union, while CBD still awaits to be authorised for human consumption.

 

cbd slovenia Slovenia – Yes

In Slovenia, recreational use and possession of cannabis was decriminalized but is still punishable by a fine.

Regarding the legality of CBD: its use and sale are permitted by law, but only as long as it doesn’t surpass the 0.2% threshold of THC content.

We’d also like to point out that Essentia Pura is based in Slovenia. The fact that we produce CBD oil and similar products, that are extracted from cannabis also makes us proof of the legality of CBD in Slovenia.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in Slovenia, as long as they don’t surpass 0.2% levels of THC at any point in production.

 

spain cbd Spain – Yes

Spain is also fairly liberal when it comes to cannabis. By law, cultivating cannabis for personal use is legal.

Despite this regulation, it is forbidden to sell CBD products as consumables. However, they can be sold as cosmetics. Therefore, it is completely legal to use and sell CBD oil, as long as it’s labelled “for external use only”.

And besides that necessary label, CBD oil sold in Spain must also have under 0.2% content of THC.

If you want to learn more in detail about the legality of CBD in Spain, check this article.

To summarize: CBD oil is completely legal in Spain, as long as it doesn’t surpass a 0.2% threshold of THC levels, and is labelled as a cosmetics product.

 

sweden cbd flag Sweden – Yes

Sweden had made CBD legal but unlike other European countries, it can’t contain any THC. Therefore, only THC-free CBD oil can openly be sold and consumed.

To summarize: CBD products are completely legal in Sweden, as long as they don’t contain any THC.

 

is cbd legal in uk United Kingdom – Yes

Though the UK is not a part of the European Union anymore, we still think it’s relevant to include it in this list, as the markets are still interconnected and the CBD oil sale in London is booming.

The UK had made CBD legal but unlike some of the other European countries, it can’t contain any THC. Therefore, only THC-free CBD oil can openly be sold and consumed.

Growing hemp is also allowed in the UK, but only with a special permit.

To summarize: CBD oil is completely legal in the UK, as long as it is completely THC-free.

 

Conclusion

As CBD is becoming more and more popular, countries around the world have started accepting it. And much like other countries, so has the EU.

We’ve established that the legal status of CBD in the EU isn’t the most straightforward topic. Each country has its own law, which dictates the way they deal with CBD and cannabis extracts in general. Even though the EU is trying to harmonize the laws, the process is rather slow.

However, it’s safe to say that throughout the whole of the EU, CBD oil and other similar cannabis products are legal. Yes, some countries have a weird law or regulation, making the legality of CBD somewhat ambiguous. With Slovakia changing its mind in 2020 you can now legally buy CBD oil in every member of the EU – on the other hand, this also means you can try to sell CBD oil in every member state of the EU, though you should always keep in mind the peculiarities of the legal landscape in each country.If Disclaimer: The laws and regulations on this topic are always changing, which means that any information on this topic may quickly become outdated. Moreover, we at Essentia Pura do not guarantee the accuracy of the data, as this article is for informational purposes only. However, it should give you a good overview of the current state in the EU and act as a solid starting point for more thorough research. We cannot stress enough the importance of thorough and correct knowledge on this subject for CBD sellers as well as customers.

Disclaimer: The laws and regulations on this topic are always changing, which means that any information on this topic can quickly become outdated. Moreover, we at Essentia Pura do not guarantee the accuracy of the data, as this article is for informational purposes only. However, it should give you a good overview of the current state in the EU and act as a solid starting point for more thorough research. We cannot stress enough the importance of thorough and correct knowledge on this subject for CBD sellers as well as customers.

Last updated in January 2023

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4 minute read

What is CBD Distillate? An Overview

Updated January 27, 2024
Written by
Avatar photo
Mag. Nejc Rusjan, MBA
CBD Business
The information provided in our articles has undergone a thorough research process by a team of writers, editors, legal advisors, and medical experts to guarantee accuracy. Only reputable sources have been cited.
Furthermore, to ensure the most recent and relevant data, the content is consistently evaluated against current scientific literature and expert recommendations.

 

With terms like CBD distillate, full-spectrum oil, and isolate, navigating the ever-growing market can easily become overwhelming. Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of the many derivatives of the hemp plant. It has become widely popular because of the benefits it offers without the psychoactive effect.

What is CBD

CBD, which is also known by its proper scientific name of cannabidiol, is a substance found in cannabis and hemp plants. It is most commonly used as a dietary supplement. This cannabinoid has been found to have potential benefits for the health of mammalian (and human) bodies.

It goes into effect by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a powerful regulatory body that is responsible for overseeing a vast variety of bodily functions, including sleep patterns, mood, inflammation, and hormonal balances.

Since CBD distillate mimics the functions of endogenous cannabinoids produced within our bodies, it may help rebalance many of these systems within the body. Cannabidiol has also been shown to help the digestive system to help clear out toxins, help induce relaxation, and alleviate stress.

Although CBD products have many benefits, they are not regulated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

For more information about CBD benefits, check out this very informative piece from the Outwittrade team, for recent science-backed facts about Cannabidiol.

What is CBD distillate

CBD distillate is a highly concentrated extract. It is derived from hemp and cannabis plants, although the latter is not very common. CBD distillate contains usually upwards of 90% cannabidiol with the balance including minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant oils and extracts including THC (usually less than 0.3%). It is considered one of the purest and cleanest extracts available on the market, second in purity only to CBD isolate.

The scientific definition of distillation is that it is the act of purifying a substance usually through a collection of heating and cooling methods. The end result of a distillation process is known as a distillate.

To distillate CBD (cannabinoids) is quite a bit different than the older ways of producing cannabidiol concentrates such as shatter, wax, crumble, and budder. 

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In the process is used heat, steam, and vacuum pressure to separate compounds in a solution from each other and therefore to obtain distillate cannabinoids. By influencing each compound’s boiling points, extractors can collect them individually. Distillates can be refined as much as desired by running the distillation procedure multiple times. In the case of CBD distillate, the end product is a golden yellow color with a consistency that is very similar to honey.

You can imagine that CBD distillate is not the only product you can make from hemp. You can make CBG, CBC, CBN, THCV distillate, etc. or any type of cannabinoids from hemp or cannabis, in a very concentrated clean pure form.

This process ensures that CBD distillate can be processed and sold in states where THC-infused products are not yet legal.

Is it a psychoactive substance

CBD oil products have a calming effect

CBD distillate is a mood-altering compound that has significant therapeutic benefits, like relieving pain and nausea, reducing inflammation, and treating some seizure disorders. If you’re consuming CBD distillate, you will tap into the therapeutic benefits, but because the distillate product doesn’t produce intoxicating effects, and it will NOT get you high.

Humans and other mammals have an internal network of chemicals and receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems called the endocannabinoid system. These receptors, named CB1 and CB2, bind with molecules called ligands (in this case endogenous cannabinoids like anandamide) to control the release of neurotransmitters like glutamate and dopamine. The endocannabinoid receptors, ligands, and certain enzymes work in concert to affect a variety of processes in the body, including thought, memory, mood, pain management, and appetite.

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Can you vape CBD distillate?

The supplement market is full of CBD products claiming to contain a specific level of CBD, full or broad-spectrum distillate CBD and other cannabinoids, and less than 0.3% THC. CBD distillate products can be found in different forms on the market, but the most popular are CBD oil, gummies, bath bombs, capsules, tinctures, chocolates, and others. Vaping, it happens to be one of the best ways to take CBD. Read our article on vaping CBD for more information.

For many users, vaping offers advantages when compared to ingesting oil products. When heated and inhaled, these compounds are quickly and effectively absorbed into the body. While the effectiveness and quick time to onset is extremely favourable, the current state of the vape industry can be off-putting for health-conscious users.

 

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14 minute read

Top CBD suppliers and CBD manufacturers in Europe

Updated January 27, 2024
Written by
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Jure Batagelj
Staff Writer
The information provided in our articles has undergone a thorough research process by a team of writers, editors, legal advisors, and medical experts to guarantee accuracy. Only reputable sources have been cited.
Furthermore, to ensure the most recent and relevant data, the content is consistently evaluated against current scientific literature and expert recommendations.

CBD is fairly new in the world of health and food products and supplements. It is sometimes called a magic substance, as it is claimed it is capable of alleviating symptoms of countless illnesses, and generally improving well-being, with virtually no side effects.  Considering all that, it’s no surprise that it became so popular so quickly.

It’s been only a few years since CBD became widely accessible, and you can already find it available in many different shapes and forms. You can for example get CBD oil and use it as a food supplement or in different cosmetic product to help with your skin. Alternatively, you can buy ready-made CBD products, such as capsules, gummies, vape juice and in various other forms. 

As always, the ingenuity of business quickly caught up with the consumers wishes and started offering CBD in many different shapes and forms. In this article, we’ll talk about companies that correctly identified the coming wave of CBD oil, and in response developed and launched high-quality products, which can satisfy even the most demanding consumers. So if you are interested in selling CBD products, you should definitely read on and familiarize yourself with top players who can assist you in your business.

Qualities Of A Good CBD Manufacturer

As mentioned, CBD production is a new and fast-growing industry. And in such an environment, companies often sprout out of nowhere and disappear just as fast.

If you’re a CBD salesman, quality should be on the top of your mind and your first priority. In such a fast-growing industry, finding products isn’t difficult. The problem is, that the market can quickly get flooded with below-average stuff that does not really perform as advertised. In the long run this type of products do more harm than good to the whole industry.

Therefore, offering only high-quality products is a great way to stand out from the crowds and outpace your competition. However, great products are only developed and produced by excellent manufacturers.

So how to identify the manufacturer to supply you with premium CBD oil and similar hemp products? To put it differently, what qualities should a good and respectable CBD manufacturer have?

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Qualities of a good CBD oil manufacturer

In the next paragraphs we will explain some of the most important things you should watch out for when you are choosing which CBD manufacturer will supply our CBD oil business.

Using quality hemp 

To this day, the CBD industry has been left fairly unregulated. This means that some CBD manufacturers can get away with using sub-standard ingredients. Using harmful pesticides, and various heavy metals while growing and processing cannabis is an example of low-quality raw material you should avoid. Because of that, CBD salesmen should be extra careful when choosing their CBD supplier or manufacturer. Any respectable manufacturer should be able to prove that the cannabis they use was grown and maintained according to proper standards.

Traceability 

Good CBD manufacturers should not only exclusively use high-quality hemp, but should also know, where does it come from. Knowing the hemp’s origin and the environment in which it grows is an important step in assuring high quality.

Good extraction process 

Quality ingredients are just the first step. In order to get high-quality CBD products, having the correct extraction process is just as important. CBD oil can be extracted from hemp in numerous different ways, but not all processes yield the same results. But more on that in the next chapter.

Product analysis

A constant end-product analysis is a crucial step in the CBD production process. In the CBD industry, monitoring the product’s content levels for the crucial active ingredients is vital. Otherwise, you risk selling a product that isn’t in compliance with the labeled values. A 2017 study has shown that end-products often have lower CBD levels than advertised, which is another indicator of how unregulated the CBD market is. Therefore, having consistent and high-quality products is a good way of getting ahead of the competition.

Certificate of Analysis (COA) 

These three words have become one of the most important phrases in the CBD industry overall. A certificate of analysis is a laboratory report, stating the content levels of different substances in a product. In the CBD industry, a COA will list cannabidiol and other active substances’ content levels. Besides the active ingredients, a COA will also list levels of harmful substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and molds, which should all be under the standard threshold. COA is, therefore, a very important document. It ensures that the customer knows exactly what he’s getting, and creates a certain level of transparency.

Proper manufacturing facility 

When researching different CBD manufacturers, you should make sure they have a proper manufacturing facility. Since this industry is mostly unregulated, the CBD oil could come from pretty much anywhere. Ideally, you wouldn’t want your CBD oil to be made in someone’s backyard but with proper, high-end and certified equipment which can deliver safe and beneficial products for your customers.

CBD manufacturing facility

Extraction process

We have already mentioned above that the extraction process is essential to produce a premium CBD oil product from hemp. 

The extraction of hemp oil is based on the solubility of cannabinoids and other active substances. There are different methods of extracting the substances from cannabis, with each having its own effectiveness. The yield and the quality of the product greatly depends on the process used.

Currently, the most effective and widely accepted extraction method is supercritical CO2 extraction. While it is more expensive than other extraction methods, it yields the best and purest results. In this case, “supercritical” means that the process is constantly maintained at just the right pressure and temperature. 

We at Essentia Pura perform supercritical CO2 extraction at our production facilities here in Europe and can always provide you with further information, so do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested.

Before we dive in, we should clarify something, namely manufacturers and suppliers can of course be different companies.:

Manufacturer produces the products, while a supplier is a company, that supplies retail stores with the products. In this article, we’ll only consider companies, that do both.

We also want to mention that Essentia Pura would also qualify for this list. We are both a manufacturer and a supplier of CBD oil and other CBD-related products, we’re based in Slovenia, Europe and have a proper manufacturing facility. We always strive for the highest quality in our productions. But for the sake of transparency, we decided to exclude ourselves from this list. We still invite you to check our website and, if you find us intriguing, contact us. But enough about us, let’s get back to the topic.

According to our research, the leading CBD companies in Europe, that both manufacture and supply CBD products, are:

But what makes these companies stand out among the rest? We’ll cover that in detail in the next chapters.

1 Essentia Pura

Essentia Pura is a Slovenian company, founded in 2014. It is working in manufacturing and wholesale of CBD like CBD oils and other CBD related products. It engages in supercritical CBD extraction and has, together with industry experts and scientists, pioneered numerous applications, processes, and developments that merge science, technology, nature, and healthcare. This is why quality of the products is of paramount importance to the company. Essentia Pura aims for the highest possible standards in its quality control procedures, based on this,  their supply chain is regularly audited and all manufacturing and R&D are performed in a highly controlled laboratory environment and by a team experienced in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.

Products

Essentia Pura offers various products which you can use in your CBD related business. You can purchase CBD edibles and gummies, Full spectrum CBD paste, CBD softgels as well as numerous CBD related cosmetics products.

In addition to that you can purchase:

If you have any questions regarding the provided services and product, please contact the Essentia Pura team.

2 Medical Hemp

Medical hemp is a German business based in Berlin. They’re an innovative company, that specializes in CBD extraction as well as development and production of various hemp-based cannabinoids. They boast over 20 years worth of experience in the hemp industry, and a highly-qualified team with various core expertise.

Their products are always in accordance with the highest quality standards. They guarantee their product comes only from high-quality raw material, compliant with the strictest quality requirements of the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. They only use cannabis from controlled organic cultivation without the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals, that would diminish the quality of their CBD oil.

Products

The main focus of Medical hemp is the sale in bulk quantities. They offer three different kinds of product:

CBD oil. It comes in a “raw”, which means that it has not been decarboxylated and is rich in CBD-A (cannabidiolic acid). It is available as 4% or 10-12% concentrate.

CBD gold. This is their latest product, released to the market. It is unfiltered and comes in a decarboxylated form.

CBD crystal. Also known as Pure crystalline CBD isolate, it comes at a 99% purity level, and is extracted from the highest-quality hemp. Per their client’s requirement, they can also produce the isolate in different purity levels.

3 Deepnature Project

Deepnature project is a company, that puts a great emphasis on sustainability and nature-friendliness. They create pure, natural products, that infuse humans with inner strength, enjoyment, and help them stay active and healthy.

They have three main principles that they adhere to, in order to maintain high quality and innovative approach:

Sustainability. They only use sustainable and organic processes, from the cultivation to the finished hemp products. They process the whole plant – from the stem to the leaves – assuring nothing goes to waste. Everything is thoroughly controlled, certified organic and produced in Austria.

Quality. When developing new products, they closely cooperate with their partners in medicine and nutritional science. That way, they optimize for the highest efficiency of their active ingredients in their CBD oil. In other words, quality and innovation are two very important driving forces for them.

Fairness. Quality ingredients are just the first step on the way to creating quality CBD oil. The people, involved in the production are what turns organic cannabis into a high-quality CBD product. Their employees and partners all follow the principles of the Deepnature project and make sure only the top products make it to the shelves.

Sustainable cannabis pnaltation

Products

As we’ve already mentioned, the Deepnature project offers a selection of organic hemp products. But CBD oil isn’t all they offer – they also offer CBG products. Cannabigerol, or CBG for short, is another beneficial substance found in hemp.

While CBD is a fairly new substance, CBG is even newer. Scientists are conducting numerous researches to learn more about it. So far, the data they’re working with is still meager, but what little knowledge they have shows great potential.

The products they make are meant for end-costumers, meaning they don’t sell semi-finished products, like raw CBD oil. They are sold under a different brand – Medihemp. All of their hemp products are available on their online store, allowing you to choose amongst:

  • Full-spectrum CBD capsule
  • Full-spectrum CBD oil
  • Premium extract CBD oil (Pure CBD oil)
  • Full-spectrum CBG extract (available in 5% CBG content only)

Their CBD oils and CBD capsules come with different CBD content levels: 2.5%, 5%, 10% and 18%.

4 Max Hemp

To some, this may be just another company in the CBD industry, but the story of its inception makes it stand out among the others. The story begins in 2009 with the birth of a boy named Max. He was born with an extra chromosome (the Down syndrome), but was developing normally regardless. But then, at 7 months old, his medical state suddenly took a turn for the worse. He was diagnosed with epilepsy and started getting seizures multiple times a day. The doctors tried everything they knew, but any success they had was only temporary.

In the summer of 2014, his health deteriorated even further. The seizures became so bad, that he was put in an ICU. Again, doctors tried everything, but unfortunately without success. It was then that his parents first heard about hemp’s healing properties. At the time, this field wasn’t nearly as developed as it is today, and cannabis was still illegal in most countries. But for the parents, this was the last option to save their sun, so they tried the treatment. Two weeks after the first infusion, Mas’s health began to improve. His seizures virtually disappeared, and he could finally start living a better life.

Max was the first person to be treated with cannabis extract. His recovery was the spark, that led to the legalization of hemp-related products in Poland, and the inception of this company. They offer much more than just products, they’re determined to help others, so that such cases would never need to happen again. They work closely with doctors and have several consultants – one of which is Max’s mother Dorota.

Products

They specialize in products for end-customers, and have a variety of oils available:

  • Full-spectrum CBD oil
  • Full-spectrum CBG oil

All products come in a variety of sizes and active ingredient percentages. For more details, check their online store.

You can also order a concentration and metabolism test, or subscribe to their quarterly magazine Medicinal cannabis in theory and practice – though I believe that’s only available in Polish.

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5 Formula Swiss

Formula Swiss is a family-owned company, based in a small town named Zug, and one of the leading CBD manufacturers in Switzerland. They strive for the highest quality and use only organic, Swiss-grown cannabis. They use the supercritical CO2 extraction process, which is the cutting-edge in the CBD industry.

High quality is their first priority, and they do put a lot of effort into achieving it. They constantly monitor their products for harmful substances, such as pesticides, heavy metals molds, etc… They also monitor each line of their CBD oils separately, to ensure proper levels of the active substances. Their optimised processes and attention to detail, in combination with the best raw materials, allow them to produce the highest quality CBD oil.

Products

Formula Swiss produces more than just CBD oil. Their various offer of CBD products includes:

  • CBD oil drops in olive oil
  • CBD oil drops in MCT oil (available in different flavours)
  • CBD oil drops in hemp seed oil
  • CBD oil drops for pets
  • CBD creams and balms
  • CBD vape oils (available in different flavours)

For more details and information, check their website.

6 HemPoland

HemPoland is, as the name suggests, a Polish company, that deals with hemp. Unlike other companies listed here, they not only process the cannabis, but also grow it. They’re the first private company in Poland to receive proper licenses for growing and processing Cannabis sativa. It is the strain of cannabis most commonly used for manufacturing products, such as hemp oils.

Their main focus is on making high-quality CBD products, and the first step of that process is high-quality raw materials. And since they’re capable of completing the whole process, from seed to CBD oil, growing quality cannabis is in their field too. All their cannabis is grown in a sustainable way, without pesticides and other harmful substances. When it comes to the extraction process, they’re just as meticulous as with the growing. They use the high-grade CO2 extraction process, backed with the knowledge of a Ph.D. scientist, that carefully monitors the process.

Products

HemPoland offers a wide variety of products, from raw materials and semi-finished products, to finished products, meant for end-customers. Their offer:

  • Cannabis seeds
  • Non-processed straw
  • Processed seed products

And for the end-customers, they offer CannabiGold, their flagship product. CannabiGold is full-spectrum CBD oil, available in various packings and CBD content levels. The product is also available in form of capsules.

7 Sequoya

Sequoya is a global CBD company active both in Canada and in Europe with one of the leading European CBD manufacturing facilities in Poland. Sequoya Europe was the first company to obtain the Polish National Pharmaceutical Council`s license to manufacture, process, and distribute products containing THC. Sequoya engages in research and development, has its own excellent quality control and an efficient production line, all accompanied by a wide distribution service. 

Sequoya offers finished CBD products and private label production of hemp products, such as CBD full and broad spectrum oils, cannabinoid isolates (CBD, CBG), CBD distillates, CBD e-liquids. Sequoia’s customers include small and medium-sized entities all over Europe and the global, as well as the world’s leading cosmetics, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical companies

Products

Sequoya offers a wide range of products, which can be effectively adapted to their customers’ needs, if you are looking for purified products, only hemp extraction services, Hemp-CBD crude oil distillation, they can assist you. Their marketing and sales team is always ready to jump in and serve their clients.

Amon other they offer

  • Various CBD distillate products
  • Full spectrum CBD oil
  • Hemp terpenes

As mentioned, you can always arrange tailor made formulations and engage them for their research and development team, or merely have your products tested at their site to ensure that it is of the highest standard-

Work With CBD Manufacturers That Prioritize Quality

Quality is a word that keeps appearing in this article, and it does for a good reason. Prioritizing quality is a best-practice guideline that applies for most industries, but this applies even more for the CBD industry. If you take a closer look at the companies we talked about, you’ll find that all follow this guideline.

To summarize: whether you’re a CBD manufacturer, supplier, reseller, or retailer, or even just a consumer interested in CBD oil, you should avoid low-quality products. While such products still may work, using them would be a gamble, and one should never gamble when it comes to health and well-being.

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7 minute read

Is CBD Oil legal in Spain?

Updated January 27, 2024
Written by
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Mag. Valentin Mis, LL.M.
CBD Legal
Legally reviewed by
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Valentin Mis
Author
The information provided in our articles has undergone a thorough research process by a team of writers, editors, legal advisors, and medical experts to guarantee accuracy. Only reputable sources have been cited.
Furthermore, to ensure the most recent and relevant data, the content is consistently evaluated against current scientific literature and expert recommendations.
CBD oil and many other CBD-based products

In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in demand for products made with cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid extracted from Cannabis sativa L.

Different countries have different laws regarding this substance. In fact, some laws change from one state to another.

While in some countries the production and sales of CBD are strictly forbidden, it is safe to say that CBD is legal in Spain. Click here if you’re interested in CBD laws in Germany.

Continue reading to find out more.

Spain is one of the most liberal hemp producing countries in the European Union, right after the Netherlands. Spanish laws are in favour of the general EU law on industrial hemp to officially allow the production and purchase of CBD products containing less than 0,2% of THC. Some of the autonomous regions in Spain allow the sales of medical products containing above the specified percentage of THC, but Spain doesn’t allow it on a state level.

In 2018, the EU banned the use of CBD oil as a food additive for human consumption. Hemp seeds and skincare products are still allowed under EU legislation, though.

Spain is both a hot spot of industrial Hemp cultivation as well as one of the largest hubs for Cannabis research in Europe. This is also shown through the fact that Spain hosts the biggest cannabis event in Europe called Spannabis. It is an annual event that has been held in Barcelona since 2002.

In Spannabis you can find products related to the cannabis plant, and its industrial uses like cosmetics, footwear, textiles, building materials, or food.

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Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of 113 cannabinoids that comes from the cannabis plant. CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant in such a way to make it isolated from other cannabinoids. Most importantly, it is separated from THC, the psychoactive element in cannabis, which makes CBD legal in Spain. CBD is then added to a carrier oil to make CBD oil.

Medical cannabis is not regulated in Spain and cannabis cultivation in Spain for the purpose of extraction of cannabinoid is subject to prior authorization from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Products or AEMPS.

Cannabis can be cultivated and used only for personal purposes. As long as the plants are not visible from any public areas, there is no ban on growing hemp and producing your own CBD oil. Any purpose other than trade or sale of cannabis is legal.

This grey area led to the formation of cannabis clubs and user associations. These clubs and associations were formed as non-profit organizations and sold cannabis to its members.

Although Spain is a major cultivator of hemp and hemp products, the country is more is exporting the majority of its product to foreign markets, where Cannabis legality is in a grey zone, or outright illegal.

Where can you buy CBD Oil in Spain

Cbd Oil is legal only for personal usage

Since January 2019, the EU has categorized CBD which is added to food supplements as ‘novel food’, which means products need to be evaluated and authorized before they are permitted to be placed on the market.

If you want to buy CBD in Spain, you can choose from a wide range of products that fall within the legal frame. You’ll find many CBD products for skincare and the treatment of different skin conditions. You will most likely find it in alternative medicine shops or pharmacies.

For businesses looking to buy CBD in bulk, we’re offering CBD products in wholesale quantities at Essentia Pura.

Wherever you choose to buy it from, it should be purchased from accredited buyers and distributors only. This will reduce the chances of buying a low-quality product or breaking the law.

Regulations on buying and shipping CBD

CBD oil has become increasingly popular and mainstreamed in recent years, but there are still laws and regulations that must be followed. Even though it is legal in Spain, there are still many countries in which CBD is not legal.

In the last years, many countries worldwide started legalizing the usage and shipping of CBD products as long as they contain a low concentration of THC.

In the USA and most EU countries, CBD containing less than 0,3% THC is legal to be purchased and sent by mail.

When it comes to Spain, it is worth noticing that CBD oil products are being sold legally in the nation, and there are many online shops. Thus, leaving little doubt about the legality of CBD in Spain.

However, it is worth noticing that, like many other nations, there are no specific regulations governing CBD sales and consumption in Spain, which means that international and EU regulations mainly apply.1,2

This means there would be no issue in selling or buying CBD products in Spain that were legally produced in the nation or other EU states. Or products that have Novel Food approval from EFSA.

But, regretfully, things are a bit hazy in the EU. EFSA regards CBD as a “Novel Food.” However, applications for Novel Food approval by EFSA are on hold, as the agency cites the lack of sufficient safety data. It means that there are no CBD products that have received Novel Food approval by EFSA. This also means that selling CBD oil, gummies, or other  oral formulations may be an issue.3

Nevertheless, experience shows that CBD products containing THC within permitted limit are available nationwide. However, high-THC products are not legal.

Additionally, in 2022, the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) took some steps to legalize high THC products. It is planning to allow the sales of high-THC products through pharmacies.4 But, these legal changes do not concern CBD producers, as medical cannabis is different.

Finally, it is also worth remembering that Spain has many autonomous regions, which may have different regulations. Therefore, those planning to import or sell CBD in Spain must always take legal guidance, as rules in the various areas of Spain may differ.

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Which countries have legalized CBD oil

CBD oil law and regulations for medical and recreational use of hemp and cannabis are constantly changing in most countries around the world. As the popularity of both species of the plant increases, countries start to reduce the legal restrictions on cultivation, production, distribution, sales, classification, and taxation of hemp and its derived products.

Cannabidiol is listed in the EU Cosmetics Ingredient Database and in some countries, CBD-based products for topical use can be sold as cosmetics. Furthermore, today you can acquire those that are classified as prescription medications, but only in some countries and only with a medical prescription.

Recreational use of cannabis is prohibited in most countries. However, many countries have adopted a policy of decriminalization to make possession of small amounts of cannabis a non-criminal offence. Others have much more severe penalties, even imprisonment for several years. CBD as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid is usually not used in the same way and does not receive the same harsh treatment from the authorities.

Besides CBD being legal in Spain, it is also legal (at least to some degree) in the following European countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use and production of CBD-rich products are entirely legal in Spain as long as the product is designed for topical use only, for example, skincare products and medicinal balms and oils and it contains less than 0,2% of THC.

The agency in charge of regulating topical CBD in Spain is the Medicines Agency. This agency is stating which products are legal in Spain, and which are not. The agency is planning to make medical cannabis legal, though, which is a step forward.

When it comes to CBD for oral ingestion, like CBD oil or gummies, the legal framework is unclear. There is no local legal framework, and EFSA has put Novel Food regulations on hold. It means that selling CBD products for oral intake would be challenging in the nation.

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Is CBD Legal in Germany?

Updated January 18, 2024
Written by
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Mag. Valentin Mis, LL.M.
CBD Legal
The information provided in our articles has undergone a thorough research process by a team of writers, editors, legal advisors, and medical experts to guarantee accuracy. Only reputable sources have been cited.
Furthermore, to ensure the most recent and relevant data, the content is consistently evaluated against current scientific literature and expert recommendations.

Germany is Europe’s by far strongest and largest national economy. As of relatively recently, the country also has joined the CBD merry-go-round.

CBD is now legal in Germany

In this article, we are going to explore what you need to know about CBD in Germany. We will cover if CBD is legal in Germany and where can you buy CBD products in Germany. Another important question is how to start a legal CBD business in Germany without running afoul of the law. Last but not least, we take a quick look at the legal situation regarding CBD in the rest of Europe.

The Legality of CBD in Germany

Let’s cut right to the chase: Yes, CBD has become legal in Germany as of relatively recently. On March 3, 2017, an amendment to Germany’s narcotics law came into effect. It paved the way for CBD to become legal.

Thanks to that amendment, CBD can be traded legally traded in pure forms, such as CBD isolate or extract. Or it can be an ingredient in manufactured products like CBD oil or CBD vaping liquid. According to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), CBD products can be traded “for commercial and scientific purposes”. And in this context, it really doesn’t matter whether they are intended for medical or recreational use.

However, there is an important point regarding hemp (lat. Cannabis sativa), the raw material used in the manufacture of CBD products.

It must have been grown from certified seeds in countries of the European Union (EU). As a logical consequence of that provision, CBD must only be extracted from such legally cultivated hemp plants.

Legal Restrictions for CBD in Germany

CBD’s legality in Germany certainly is great news for consumers eyeing to use CBD for one reason or another. But it likewise is fantastic for people who are thinking of starting a business with CBD in Germany. Yet it’s not a free-for-all bonanza. There still are some restrictions that all CBD products must adhere to.

Hemp is no longer classified as a “hard” narcotic in Germany. But only hemp plants industrially grown within the EU are permitted to be used for extracting CBD. The regulation is to ensure that CBD products are of the highest quality.

Caps on THC Content

A CBD product legally traded in Germany also must not contain more than 0.2% of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). If the concentration is higher, the CBD product in question loses its legal status and again is subject to tight control under the narcotics law. That 0.2% THC threshold rule is also enforced in almost all other EU member states. There are only very few exceptions.

Obtaining Legal CBD Products in Germany

Consumers in Germany will have no problem finding physical stores selling ready-made CBD products such as CBD oil or CBD vaping liquid. But when buying, it is a good idea to make sure that the merchandise has been produced in the EU. This will practically guarantee the product to be of a very standard and that it’s fully compliant with the law. Interested buyers also can conduct a simple Google search to source dozens of online stores that offer a wide range of CBD products.

It is not against the law to order a product from outside the EU. But for the sake of quality and safety, it is best to stick with an EU-based supplier.

Essentia Pura: A Great Choice

An excellent choice as a supplier of top-quality CBD products is Essentia Pura, a company located in Slovenia. The firm’s extensive CBD portfolio is uncompromisingly EU-compliant. Furthermore, the hemp plants used by Essentia Pura to extract CBD are all coming from commercial farms under stringent EU supervision.

essentia pura logo
Essentia Pura supplies a broad range of CBD products

Besides ready-to-use CBD products such as oil or vaping liquid), Essentia Pura also offers CBD isolate, CBD crystals, CBD extract, and CBD paste. All of them are available in the highest purity achievable with current technologies.

Private individuals can use them to mix their own liquids and oils at home. But of course, they also are coveted by businesses as base ingredients for their own CBD product brands.

Starting a CBD Business in Germany

Registering a CBD business is very straight forward in Germany. It merely involves filing an application with the local chamber of commerce to formally establish a company.

But entrepreneurs must of course decide whether they want to run their new company as a home-based business or an actual commercial store. This choice is primarily dependent on the investment amount they want to seed.

Home Business or Regular Store?

A physical store necessitates substantial investment. After all, commercial space has to be rented, furnished and stocked. Then there are staff salaries to be paid. There also are recurring utility expenses, as well as a slew of taxes.

Many aspiring CBD business owners, therefore, choose to establish a home-based business instead.

That way they can sell their CBD products through an online store. And running a commercial website is considerable less cost-intensive than operating a physical commercial location.          

Sourcing a CBD Supplier in Germany

If you want to create your own CBD brand or intend to sell white label (unbranded) merchandise, you are going to need a reliable source. There are lots of companies on the Net that offer all types of CBD products. But it really pays out to stick to a trustworthy, reputable supplier, such as Essentia Pura, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of CBD products.

As the company operates under EU law, customers always can rest assured that Essentia Pura’s entire CBD portfolio is law-compliant.

CBD Products in Bulk and Wholesale Quantities

It is possible to order white label products from Essentia Pura in small quantities. But the company of course also carries out bulk and wholesale orders.

Essentia Pura CBD products are also available in bulk and wholesale quantities

And when it comes to creating a bespoke brand, Essentia Pura provides a comprehensive range of support services.

These include manufacturing CBD products to customer specifications.

Essential Pura’s CBD experts are always ready to discuss all your requirements. It’s as simple as contacting us.

Shipping to Other EU Countries

Germany may be a sizable market, harbouring an ever-increasing number of CBD users. Some CBD entrepreneurs may just be content with that. But while a CBD business is easy to conduct in Germany, a fledgling company may eventually want to expand to other EU countries, too. The EU is often criticized for its many shortcomings and heavy-handed bureaucracy. But one positive thing is that the commercial laws among the various member countries are generally quite similar. This also applies to CBD products. For instance, the THC limit of 0.2% is uniformly enforced in almost all EU member states.

Exceptions to the Rule of Thumb

But as always, there are a handful of exceptions. Austria and Czechia (Czech Republic) have legislated a threshold of 0.3% THC, for example. Meanwhile, Italy has set a very generous 0.6% THC content limit. But on the other hand, Ireland, Finland, and Norway do not yet allow any THC in CBD products at all. That means 0%, just to be clear. In Norway again, CBD products are exclusively available on medical prescription at the moment. The same goes for Malta. Furthermore, Belgium and Slovakia have not yet legalized CBD. However, they are expected to do so in the near future. And although not actually a member of the EU, Switzerland enforces a THC content of 0.1%.

Keeping Abreast of Rules and Regulations

It is tremendously important to keep these country-specific rules in mind if you intend to conduct your CBD business not only in Germany but also elsewhere in the EU.

Contract Extraction
Essentia Pura’s experts are a trusted information source concerning CBD products

After all, you want to avoid shipping illegal products to your customers.

If you are in doubt, you can always seek advice from one of Essentia Pura’s knowledgeable CBD experts.

They will be happy to update you on relevant regulations.

The company’s multilingual experts also will keenly answer all your questions regarding Essentia Pura’s comprehensive product range and the legality of CBD in Germany.

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Start Your Own CBD Business

Updated January 15, 2024
Written by
Avatar photo
Mag. Nejc Rusjan, MBA
CBD Business
The information provided in our articles has undergone a thorough research process by a team of writers, editors, legal advisors, and medical experts to guarantee accuracy. Only reputable sources have been cited.
Furthermore, to ensure the most recent and relevant data, the content is consistently evaluated against current scientific literature and expert recommendations.

CBD has become a buzzword lately, gathering increasing attention in the business world and press alike, which has caused a massive wave of investment in CBD and an unprecedented market growth. Perhaps you are thinking of joining the thriving CBD business community or you have heard about a business proposition regarding CBD and are just wondering what it is all about.

CBD EU laws compliant
CBD is a substance derived from the hemp plant

CBD basics

Before making any decision you should thoroughly familiarize yourself with the topic.

What exactly is CBD?

It is a chemical substance extracted from the hemp plant (lat.: cannabis sativa) and is thought to have numerous health benefits. For example, it is believed to help ease the suffering of people afflicted with a number of serious diseases, such as various types of cancer.

Additionally, CBD also has shown promising results in treating chronic health problems like epilepsy, anxiety, and insomnia. 

It should be stressed that CBD should not be confused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), though. THC is another chemical component of hemp. But unlike CBD, THC is a psychoactive substance that causes the so-called “cannabis high”. CBD, on the other hand, has no such properties. Thus, legislation against the use of CBD is being relaxed in more and more countries around the world.

Why Start Your Own CBD Business?

CBD is rapidly growing in popularity and makes headlines all around the world. Particularly in Europe, where more and more countries are relaxing their laws regarding CBD. Where legal, products containing CBD can now be freely purchased for therapeutic use and even to self-medicate. 

As CBD products are taking off big time, they represent a fantastic opportunity for proactive individuals to get into a potentially lucrative business. There is a proverb which says that “iron must be forged while it’s red hot” – and it translates perfectly to the CBD phenomenon. Eventually, more entrepreneurs will discover CBD products and jump on the business bandwagon. But as of yet, the idea is still relatively new. So, to stick with that proverb, the iron should be forged now; not later. If you start your own CBD business at this point you’ll have a high chance to be among the first. But if you wait for another year or two, you’re likely going to be just one of the countless others.

Industry intelligence from other new product launches in the past suggests that entrepreneurs who get in early usually reap great benefits from their business. Just think about smartphones or even the first vaping pens. Had you kicked off a business with these early on, you’d be very happy and financially comfortable today. Latecomers, on the other hand, have to battle against the ever tougher competition – and subsequently often falter due to that pressure.

Which Type of CBD Business Should You Start?

A rapidly growing market such as CBD is full of surprises and unpredictable events. Some of the market reports available online may be used as a great tool to help you decide how to position yourself when starting a CBD business.

To quickly recap, there are two main options on how to start your own CBD business:

You could choose to work for somebody as their agent or affiliate. Or you could go it all alone, being your own boss from the beginning.

Let’s take a quick look at both options:

You could hook up with an established company that has already rolled out its own brand of CBD products; or several. If so, you’d sell or distribute that company’s branded merchandise in return for a sales commission or other financial arrangement. Alternatively to that you could also choose to go into the dropshipping business.

But a much better way is to create your very own company and sell CBD products under your own brand name. And at your own profit, mind you! Most developed countries make it rather easy to register a new company. In most cases (and unless you want to go really, really “big”) you won’t even need to rent office space. Registering your home address as your business location is usually an option.In order to that you can contact various white label or private label manufacturers – if you are interested in the difference you can learn more about that here.

How to Sell Your CBD Products

Again, you have a choice between two general paths:

You could open one or several physical stores and stock them with your CBD products, selling them directly over the counter to walk-in customers. To do so will almost certainly require some substantial investment. Not only would you need to rent store space, but you also must put up furnishings and stock the shelves with product.

Then there are monthly utility bills to pay, such as electricity. And if you employ store clerks, they’ll expect reasonable salaries. But in the age of the internet, it is of course quite easy to go the online store route instead.

Design an attractive website in which you showcase your CBD products that visitors can order with a simple mouse click. You don’t even need to hire an expensive web designer to accomplish that task.

There are countless websites that provide design templates that are very easy to use even for absolute novices. Most of them let you use basic design elements for free. If you want something fancier, you’ll have to pay a small fee.

One example of a great do-it-yourself website design provider is Wix. But a bit of googling is going to yield dozens of others that are just as good. Besides helping you set up your website these providers generally also register your domain name and host your website; both at a manageable fee.

Once your online store is up and running, you’re ready to accept online orders and ship them off to your customers.

Creating Your Own CBD Brand

Instead of selling another company’s CBD products, the preferable solution for you is to create your very own CBD brand.

First, you’d need to think of a catchy brand name, of course. It can be as quirky and funny or as respectable and “down to earth” as you like. But whatever you come up with: Your brand name should be memorable and stick to prospective customers’ minds. Another task is to design an attractive brand logo. And developing suitable and attractive packaging is important, too.

Last but not least, you must of course offer a range of unique products in order to start your own CBD business. After all, something has to go into that eye-catching packaging that bears your brand label, right? If you have the skills to accomplish all of that on your own, then fine. If you don’t, you can still cheaply hire people on freelancer websites such as Upwork and others.

But there is an even easier way by using the comprehensive services of Essentia Pura. The Slovenian company is one of the leading CBD product manufacturers in Europe and offers an amazing variety of support options.

For instance, using your product specifications Essentia Pura can manufacture products of any kind for you – CBD oil, CBD extract, CBD isolate or CBD crystals. Or even CBD liquid. The firm also maintains a professional R&D department able to turn your creative brainstorming ideas into any type of packaging that you might need.

And yes, they even can design your unique brand logo for you!

Getting the Products to Start Your Own CBD Business

Essentia Pura’s state-of-the-art factory produces CBD of the highest quality, extracting it from naturally-grown hemp as the sole raw material. Depending on your business model, you can order unbranded CBD oil, isolate or extract from the company in bulk quantities as components for making your own CBD products.

Alternatively, you can discuss with Essentia Pura to manufacture ready-to-market branded products for you. The company will adhere to the exact product specifications that you give them. Or let Essentia Pura’s highly experienced development team create a bespoke brand for you from scratch.

You even could supply them with hemp plants from your own sources, if you so wish.

As you can see, the company is extremely versatile in its all-round approach.

Having a Reliable Supplier is Crucial

A quick internet browsing brings up a multitude of CBD product suppliers from all corners of the world. On closer inspection, many among them may turn out to be mere agents of larger companies. Or they are resellers that market other company’s products.

Yet other suppliers may raise suspicions regarding their merchandise quality, which may well turn out to be sub-standard. It is, therefore, best to put your trust in a reliable supplier with a proven track record.

Essentia Pura manufactures all its CBD products in its own factory. Nothing is purchased from third parties. That gives Essentia Pura full control over its product quality, which is constantly assessed and verified in the firm’s lab.

Research and developement
Rigorous quality control is a matter of routine at Essentia Pura

All hemp plants the company uses in the extraction process and subsequent manufacturing of CBD products have been grown naturally.

No chemically synthesized substances ever find their way into Essentia Pura products. Merchandise such as CBD isolate or CBD crystals are guaranteed by the company to be of the highest purity grade achievable with current technologies.

This gives customers the confidence that they always will receive top-notch supplies.

Essentia Pura, Your One-Stop CBD Partner

If you want to start your own CBD business, Essentia Pura is the perfect choice to be your one-stop partner.

Whether you order white label CBD products such as isolate, crystals or oil in smaller quantities or in bulk, the company lends you the same high level of support.

Cbd Oil is legal only for personal usage
Whatever your CBD product requirements: Essentia Pura can oblige

And if you have toyed with the thought of establishing your own brand, there is no easier way than to simply get in touch with Essentia Pura. The company’s dedicated support team is eager to discuss your requirements. They will take you through all steps of making your own CBD product brand become a reality.

From determining a suitable product range to devising a logo and packaging that effectively communicates your brand image: Essentia Pura is there for you.

Best of all, you can always rest assured to receive uncompromising quality and high attention to detail.

Essentia Pura’s Customer Agents Are Always Available. Contact Us At Info@Essentiapura.Com Or Call Us On +38651362880 Today.

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CBD Isolate vs Full-Spectrum: What’s the difference

Updated October 19, 2022
Written by
Avatar photo
Mag. Nejc Rusjan, MBA
CBD Business
The information provided in our articles has undergone a thorough research process by a team of writers, editors, legal advisors, and medical experts to guarantee accuracy. Only reputable sources have been cited.
Furthermore, to ensure the most recent and relevant data, the content is consistently evaluated against current scientific literature and expert recommendations.

The hemp plant (cannabis sativa) contains more than 140 chemical substances, among them cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. The two best known of these substances are of course THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

While THC is the psychoactive chemical responsible for producing a “cannabis high”, non-psychoactive CBD has in recent times made headlines due to its efficacy in treating, preventing and possibly even curing certain health conditions such as anxiety, insomnia and epilepsy.

There also is increasing evidence from clinical studies that show that CBD eases pain and discomfort, for instance in advanced cancer patients. It is therefore no wonder that CBD is gathering increasingly more users, especially on the background that many countries have begun relaxing their legislations against cannabis.

Commercially available CBD comes in two main forms, either as CBD isolate or as full-spectrum CBD.

The Difference Between CBD Isolate and Full-Spectrum CBD

In simple terms, CBD isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol. The substance literally has been isolated from all those other chemical compounds naturally present in the cannabis plant

Although the actual cannabidiol content in full-spectrum CBD is significantly lower than in pure CBD isolate, the other accompanying components can greatly enhance the overall benefits that CBD imparts through a mechanism known as “synergic effect”.

Why 100% Purity is Impossible to Achieve in CBD Isolate

It basically is a matter of the extraction methods currently available. Minute traces of other hemp chemicals are unavoidable. Think of it like fine gold that can be purchased as bullion as an inflation-safe investment, for example.

Fine gold generally has a purity level of “only” 99.9%, the other 0.1% comprising metals such as silver or copper. And even “pure sea salt”, valued as a food ingredient, is never 100% pure but always contains tiny amounts of other substances that naturally occur in sea water, like manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium and various others. The same applies to CBD isolate.

While the extraction process results in a 99.9% pure product, there still will be traces of the other hemp plant compounds present. But as we already mentioned, this is not a bad thing, as the “synergic effect” of these other chemicals can actually increase the efficacy of cannabidiol.

What Are CBD Crystals?

CBD isolate sometimes also is referred to as “CBD crystals” – although the substance primarily is commercially sold as a fine powder. The term “CBD crystals” stems from the circumstance cannabidiol “clumps together” into microscopic crystals when it is extracted from the cannabis plant.

While CBD isolate sometimes is sold in this crystal form, it is most commonly ground into a fine powder because that makes it easier to dose and dissolve and use in industrial processes. Some industries prefer to order their CBD isolate in crystal form, others don’t. It is a matter of preference and for what type of end product the CBD isolate is to be used.

Terpenes in CBD Isolates

As we have already mentioned, CBD isolate is up to 99.9% pure, the remaining 0.1% consisting of trace amounts of the other chemical compounds naturally occurring in the hemp plant.

However, depending on the end product for which the CBD isolate is to be used, an additional amount of terpenes may be added to the powder. Terpenes basically are the aroma carriers of the hemp plant responsible for the typical “cannabis taste”.

Thus, if the end product is to be certain vaping liquids, for example, some manufacturers may choose CBD isolate with added terpenes in order to impart the desired flavor and aroma in their merchandise.

Is it Safe?

High-tech cannabidiol extraction from the hemp plant results in up to 99.9% pure CBD isolate. Traces of other chemicals still present in CBD isolate amount to much less than 1%. And when it comes to THC, the psychoactive substance responsible for the proverbial “cannabis high”, the CBD isolate products offered by Essentia Pura principally adhere to the 0.2% threshold that is allowed in most countries without breaking narcotics laws.

Accordingly, using our CBD isolate in the manufacture of consumer products therefore makes it virtually impossible to induce the effects of THC – unless the product is grossly overdosed (and it really would have to be a lot).

Our CBD isolate is entirely safe for industrial (but also individual) use and we guarantee the highest achievable purity of all our CBD isolates, whether in powder or crystal form. Having said that, it is understood that CBD isolate – or any cannabis-derived substance for that – must be strictly kept out of children’s reach.

Is it Water-soluble?

In its principal form, CBD isolate (as all cannabinoids) cannot be dissolved in water but is only fat-soluble.

That poses an obstacle for industrially manufactured products containing the substance. It can be relatively easily overcome, though, by simply adding some food-grade fat or oil to the ingredient list.

On the other hand, there also are CBD isolate powders available no, in which one or several fatty agents have already been incorporated – at the cost that the actual cannabidiol concentration is being somewhat lower, of course.

And then there are also water-soluble CBD powders available nowadays, which completely negate the necessity to add fats or oils to the product recipe.

Production of CBD Isolate

Just like with other CBD products (for example CBD oil, CBD extract or CBD distillate), the cannabidiol contained in CBD isolate is obtained through a technology known as supercritical CO2 extraction.

As its name implies, carbon dioxide (CO2) is used for target-specific extraction of the cannabidiol content in the hemp plant. Supercritical CO2 extraction equipment is normally only used in a lab setting to obtain small quantities of the targeted substance.

However, at Essentia Pura, we operate several supercritical CO2 extraction lines, which when linked up to one another in a sort of “extraction chain” are able to produce CBD isolate of the highest achievable purity on an industrial scale.

We, therefore, are able to offer CBD isolate in bulk and wholesale quantities at any time. In another blog, we shall describe the process of supercritical CO2 extraction in greater detail.

CBD Isolate in Wholesale and Bulk Quantities

While Essentia Pura is glad to fulfill smaller orders of CBD isolate or any other CBD products for home use, our true focus is on supplying various industries.

Due to our scaled-up production capacity, we constantly have sufficient quantities of CBD isolate in stock, enabling us to fulfill orders reliably and with short lead times.

Depending on their intended use, we even are capable of manufacturing CBD isolate and other CBD product batches according to the customer’s specifications. Our customer service representatives will be happy to assist you with all inquiries.

Industrial Use of CBD Isolate

With laws in many countries becoming increasingly relaxed, CBD isolate is used in a growing number of industrial products. At the top of the list would be pharmaceuticals, of course, with CBD isolate being an active ingredient in anything from analgesic creams and gels to pills and capsules.

Certain cosmetics likewise use CBD isolate in smaller concentrations, such as found in various skin creams, for example. Up and coming also are food and beverage products that contain legal amounts of cannabidiol.

Last but not least, a quite trending product segment would be nutraceuticals, more commonly known as food or nutritional supplements.