CBD legalization in Germany
Because the legal situation keeps changing, the question of whether CBD is legal actually isn’t that easy to answer. CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from the hemp plant. Since cannabidiol doesn’t contain addictive substances, it doesn’t fall under the Narcotics Act and is allowed as an individual substance in this country. The WHO (World Health Organization) has also classified CBD as harmless.
But that still doesn’t fully answer the question of legality. There are exceptions, criteria and contradictions that affect the legalization of CBD. We’ll explain how you can stay within legal limits, which CBD products are allowed and what you need to keep in mind when buying them.
Exceptions and criteria for CBD legalization
Even though CBD is considered harmless, there are restrictions. Many CBD products don’t just contain cannabidiol, but also other active compounds from the hemp plant. Plants and products that fall under the Narcotics Act are generally illegal. However, there are exceptions that allow them to be sold.
Criteria for CBD legalization
Hemp seeds are one example of these exceptions. They’re legal as long as they’re not used for cultivation. Products made exclusively from hemp seeds (e.g. hemp seed oil) are also allowed.
For a CBD product to be legal, two criteria must be met:
- The products must come from hemp plants grown in Europe and use certified seed (industrial hemp), or have a THC content of less than 0.2%.
- The products may only be used for scientific or commercial purposes that rule out misuse for intoxication.
While complying with the THC limit is usually not a problem, the second criterion is harder to assess. Since the “Hanfbar trial” in 2021, misuse for intoxication is considered excluded for processed products like CBD oil or capsules – which makes them 100% legal as long as the THC level is below 0.2%.
CBD Flowers, on the other hand, are officially illegal but exist in a grey area. Many experts believe that CBD Flowers don’t cause a high. Plus, selling only small quantities further rules out misuse. Buyers usually don’t need to worry as long as the amounts are within personal-use limits – however, the upper limits vary from state to state.
For CBD oil, the rule is: THC content must be below 0.2%. Sellers should also check whether the respective federal state classifies the product as a medicinal product or as a novel food.
What does cannabis legalization have to do with CBD?
Since the traffic light coalition (SPD, FDP, Greens) took office, cannabis legalization has been on the political agenda. It’s meant to curb the black market, ease the burden on law enforcement, and decriminalize consumers. The measure is also seen as protection against contaminated or adulterated drugs.
There’s still no fixed date for legalization. It’ll probably first be introduced “on a trial basis” for four years and then reviewed. If the impact is negative, the law can be reversed.
This is relevant for CBD retailers because an adjustment of THC limits is expected. That would make cultivation and extraction easier and simplify sales. Whether the status of CBD will actually change remains to be seen – but it’s a ray of hope for many retailers. It’s also still unclear who will be allowed to sell cannabis in the future; sales might remain restricted to pharmacies.
Legalize it
We at CBDShop24 stand for the legalization of cannabis and support the decriminalization of consumers. Our products are intended exclusively for legal use – we don’t sell any products for getting high.
You can find more information about our high-quality cannabidiol products on our website. Discover our range: CBD oils, hemp foods, hemp cosmetics and many other products. See for yourself the quality of what we offer!
If you have any questions, we’re always here for you – get in touch now!
