Sweden enforces a stringent legal framework and holds deeply rooted cultural apprehensions toward cannabis and cannabinoids. This rigid stance often leads to intense reactions towards cannabis use, prompting a discourse among citizens and global observers alike on the rationale behind Sweden’s cannabis regulations.

Some less-than-reasonable misunderstandings of the plant certainly seem to be at play. At the same time, Sweden has tentatively begun a small medical cannabis program¹ that is already threatening to grow out of control.

Will Sweden overcome its stigma enough to embrace the economic benefits of cannabinoids, or will one of Europe’s most progressive countries remain lamentably backward in the arena of cannabis? Find out how Sweden currently views cannabinoids (including CBD and CBG) along with projections for the future of cannabis in the Scandinavian nation.

Are cannabinoids legal in Sweden?

Sweden allows doctors to prescribe cannabis products through a medical cannabis program. Patients and doctors can agree on cannabis as a treatment without requiring other treatments first or additional hurdles.

Otherwise, though, cannabinoid law in Sweden reverts to the nation’s no-tolerance standard of THC. Swedish law does not classify products with even a trace of THC as hemp. Products containing isolate CBD, which does not include traces of THC, have been viable for sale since before the passage of the country’s new medical cannabis law in 2022.

Travelers and citizens should note that Sweden only legalizes cannabis with a doctor’s prescription. Also, the only products approved are the synthesized THC drugs Sativex and Dronabinol along with select options from Bedrocan, a major Dutch cannabis exporter.

There are no “medical dispensaries” in Sweden; all cannabis is dispensed through a conventional pharmacy. Cannabis has also not been decriminalized in Sweden, with even small quantities entailing harsh judgments under Swedish cannabis law.

Medical cannabis may be legal in Sweden now, but that doesn’t mean cannabis is culturally accepted. Use cannabis publically in Sweden, and you’ll find out just how much Swedes still look down on the plant’s use and the people who use it.⁴

History of cannabis in Sweden

Cannabis horticulture was introduced to Sweden as early as the 1st century AD². Extensive archaeological evidence suggests that cannabis cultivation became widespread by the fifth century AD with sites discovered where hemp retting³ was performed.

Sweden narrowly escaped becoming part of the Dutch Empire during its colonial days, but it remained largely under the Dutch sphere of influence. As a result, cannabis law in Sweden has historically largely mirrored that of its near neighbors.

Cannabis became a major cultural issue in Sweden in the mid-1950s when American jazz musicians began bringing the plant with them when performing in Swedish clubs. Cannabis use among young people became considerably prominent in Gothenburg and other major Swedish cities in the 1970s, and it became associated with overall drug use once Europe’s heroin epidemic hit later that decade.

Over the years, Swedes have accumulated an overall outlook on cannabis that is profoundly negative. A Swedish study⁴ published in Addiction in 2015, for instance, found that men registered in Sweden’s mandatory military service were more likely to be unemployed or in need of government assistance later in life if they admitted to using cannabis heavily as teens.

Highlighting Sweden’s bias against cannabis, the research lacked controls, with authors stating the associations are “not explained fully by other health-related, social, or behavioral problems.” This research style appears designed to produce a specific outcome.

History of cannabis and cannabinoid laws in Sweden

Cannabis in all forms was made illegal in Sweden in 1930⁵, shortly after a similar law was passed in Holland. Then, Sweden became one of the signatories of the UN Convention on Drugs in 1961⁶, coming into agreement with international positions on laws governing cannabis and other drugs.

Unlike the case in other countries, Sweden has never loosened its stance on cannabis. More accurately, Sweden first allowed medical cannabis through doctors, limited to approved synthetic cannabinoid pharmaceuticals or Bedrocan products.

Sweden has made no moves to legalize or decriminalize cannabis in a wider sense. Sweden does not legalize adult cannabis use and prohibits medical cannabis patients from growing plants or forming patient collectives.

All in all, Sweden features some of the most punitive and restrictive positions on cannabis in the entirety of Europe. Due to these restrictive laws, Sweden is the last thing from an ideal market for offering cannabinoids.

Which cannabinoids are legal in Sweden?

Cannabinoids are, in general, illegal in Sweden with only a few small exceptions being made. As we’ve discussed, Sweden has a small medical cannabis program consisting of pharmaceutical medications and imported Dutch products.

Aside from this token acknowledgment of cannabis, however, Sweden has mainly kept any product with any association with THC fully illegal. This complicates things for those offering THC products and for CBD or CBG purveyors, who often contain small amounts of THC.

Is CBD legal in Sweden?

Yes, CBD products are legal in Sweden, but only if they do not contain any trace of THC whatsoever. If a CBD product is found to contain any THC, Swedish authorities will consider it to be marijuana, resulting in confiscation, fines, or even prison sentences for the offender.

As a result, CBD isolate is usually the only type of CBD sold in Sweden. Even broad-spectrum CBD extract, which also contains zero traces of THC, is only infrequently used in Swedish markets due to the potential of a law-enforcement misunderstanding.

Is CBG legal in Sweden?

The Swedish government has not made any special exceptions for CBG, so if CBG products are to enter the country, they must simply not contain any THC whatsoever. Due to a lack of familiarity with the cannabinoid combined with the nation’s alarmist position on anything related to cannabis, it may, nonetheless, be wise to avoid importing CBG into Sweden.

Is THC legal in Sweden?

No, THC is not legal in Sweden except in the context of its government-controlled medical cannabis program, which mainly offers synthetic pharmaceutical cannabinoids rather than genuine cannabis products. Possessing THC products in Sweden can result in fines and jail time, while trafficking is a felony with mandatory prison.

Does Sweden have adult-use cannabis?

No, Sweden does not allow adult-use cannabis, and it may be one of the last nations in the Western world to adopt such a policy. In Sweden, cannabis use is culturally associated with laziness and criminality, a deeply entrenched stigma built over decades.

Can you import cannabinoids into Sweden?

Yes, cannabinoid products are generally clear for import into Sweden as long as they do not contain any THC whatsoever. Great care should be taken around THC-adjacent cannabinoids like delta 8 and HHC as well, which appear to be in the process of being banned⁷ even in cannabis-positive European nations.

CBD is the only cannabinoid fully approved for import into Sweden. Other cannabinoids will likely face Sweden’s strict stance on THC, which can even lead to felony charges.

Are there cannabinoid manufacturers in Sweden?

No, Swedish law prohibits the production of cannabinoid products on Swedish soil. All products in Sweden’s medical cannabis program are imported from other countries.

As with other EU nations, Sweden is much friendlier toward hemp products produced within the European Economic Area (EEA). Partnering with an EEA hemp producer is a crucial first step to selling cannabinoids in Sweden.

Sweden: Hemp’s frozen wasteland

Surrounded by darkness half the year and disciplined activity the other, Swedes have little time for distractions. This cultural context partly explains Sweden’s strong opposition to cannabis and cannabinoids. Why Sweden remains so staunch in rejecting cannabis and cannabinoids remains a mystery. If cannabinoids gain traction in Sweden, the nation could become a global tipping point for cannabis acceptance. Enter Sweden’s cannabinoid market bravely but with caution, focusing on CBD for now.

Sources

1. DeAngelo, A. (2022, June 30). An Inside Look At Sweden’s First Medical Cannabis Conference. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewdeangelo/2022/06/30/an-inside-look-at-swedens-first-medical-cannabis-conference/
2. Larsson, M., & Lagerås, P. (2014). New evidence on the introduction, cultivation and processing of hemp (Cannabis sativaL.) in southern Sweden. Environmental Archaeology, 20(2), 111–119. https://doi.org/10.1179/1749631414y.0000000029
3. Hemp Harvesting, Retting, and Fiber Separation. (n.d.). USDA. https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/41740/15855_ages001ee_1_.pdf?v=0
4. Danielsson, A., Falkstedt, D., Hemmingsson, T., Allebeck, P., & Agardh, E. (2015). Cannabis use among Swedish men in adolescence and the risk of adverse life course outcomes: results from a 20 year‐follow‐up study. Addiction, 110(11), 1794–1802. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13042
5. Sweden, drug use in | Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sweden-drug-use
6. SINGLE CONVENTION ON NARCOTIC DRUGS, 1961. (n.d.). United Nations. https://www.unodc.org/pdf/convention_1961_en.pdf
7. Dréan, M., & Battaglia, M. (2023, June 15). As France bans HHC cannabis alternative, stores rush to sell off stock. Le Monde.fr. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2023/06/15/as-france-bans-hhc-cannabis-alternative-stores-rush-to-sell-off-stock_6032081_7.html

Spain has recently become known as an international epicenter of cannabis tourism, raising questions about the nation’s actual stance on cannabinoids. Is the Mediterranean country as receptive to cannabinoids as it appears? From Spain’s stance on specific cannabinoids to insights into the nation’s overall cannabis culture, learn everything you need to know about marketing cannabinoid products to Spaniards. 

What are the cannabinoid laws in Spain?

Spain decriminalizes the possession and use of THC-rich cannabis products for most purposes. The nation also follows EU standards for CBD products, recently raising the maximum THC threshold to 0.3%.

Cannabis is not, however, “legal” in Spain, and the existence of cannabis clubs has led to considerable controversy over the years. It’s also important to remember that Spain is hardly monolithic with individual provinces and cities often imposing their own cannabis regulations.

History of cannabis in Spain

The modern science of “historical biogeography” commonly places the first entry of Cannabis sativa into Europe somewhere in the Iberian Peninsula¹, an area of Europe comprising Spain and Portugal. Using archaeological and geological records, scientists have been able to determine that cannabis use was already widespread in prehistoric Europe² with an emphasis on the Iberian Peninsula region.

It’s fair to say that cannabis is deeply rooted in Spanish soil, also influencing the country’s arts and history. Like most other colonial powers, the Spanish cultivated hemp extensively for sailcloth, and as the foremost colonial empire for centuries, Spain had a great need for sails.

It should come as no surprise, therefore, that the Spanish began cultivating hemp in Chile as early as 1545³, which most historians credit as the introduction of Cannabis sativa to the Americas. Records of cannabis use for medical or religious purposes in Spain are scant, but to this day, the Spanish are remembered for their connection to sorcery⁴.

Spaniards brought their own understanding of the occult, including the magical art of pharmacy, to the Americas, where it blended with the shamanistic beliefs⁵ of the natives. Already accustomed to entheogenic substances, indigenous peoples widely embraced the psychoactive properties of cannabis while colonizing Spaniards still mostly used the plant for sail fiber.

Spain underwent a great deal of cultural interchange during its colonial period, bringing certain spiritual practices back from the New World with it. Cannabis never truly died out in Spain, and the country’s 20th-century views on cannabis stem from the Iberian Peninsula’s ancient role as a cannabis homeland.

History of cannabis laws in Spain

In 1992, the Spanish government decriminalized the possession and personal use of all drugs⁶, becoming one of the first European nations to take this dramatic step. While this law did not make it legal to cultivate cannabis or use it in public spaces, it essentially made it impossible for the Spanish government to arrest you for possessing small amounts of cannabis.

Then, in 2015, Spain decriminalized personal cultivation of cannabis⁷ as long as plants were not viewable in public spaces. Nonetheless, Spanish citizens have taken to growing cannabis on their balconies, exploiting a legal loophole providing that balconies are private, not public spaces.

Buying or selling cannabis remains illegal in Spain. Due to the combination of these two decriminalization laws, however, cannabis clubs have formed and flourished throughout Spain. These clubs consist of members who make donations in exchange for products — legally, no actual exchange of tender for goods occurs.

Over the years, various cannabis clubs have been shut down in Spain, or members have been penalized. These actions were always on behalf of local governments, however, with the Spanish federal government sticking by its position that cannabis possession is decriminalized for personal use.

Which cannabinoids are legal in Spain?

The only cannabinoid that is specifically illegal in Spain is THC, and only within certain specific contexts. THC products are decriminalized in Spain, and the nation has not established specific provisions for other cannabinoid products. As such, regulations regarding CBD in Spain revert to EU guidelines⁸, which stipulate that CBD may be imported into member nations as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC.

Is CBD legal in Spain?

Yes, CBD is generally considered to be legal in Spain since the nation follows EU mandates. The EU has determined that CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are legal for sale within its member nations, and Spain has not made any moves to the contrary. Currently, CBD products are widely sold throughout Spain in boutiques, natural food stores, and similar locations.

Is CBG legal in Spain?

The legality of cannabigerol (CBG) in Spain is questionable since the EU has not ruled on this particular cannabinoid. The general thrust of current international cannabinoid law, though, is to accept new cannabinoids so long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.

With cannabinoids like CBG, it is especially important to remember the near-autonomy certain Spanish provinces have regarding import and export laws. Importing CBG into Catalonia, an area known for its lax positions on cannabis⁹, could be easier, for instance, than attempting to import the cannabinoid into Madrid.

Is THC legal in Spain?

No, THC products are not legal in Spain. Spain has many cannabis clubs because Spanish law decriminalizes cannabis use, possession, and, in some cases, cultivation.

While certain prescription cannabis medications are available through the Spanish pharmacy system, the nation has yet to enact comprehensive medical cannabis laws. Efforts are underway to push this agenda forward in 2023¹⁰, which would undoubtedly have a positive effect on cannabinoid laws in Spain, but so far, no system for fully legal cannabis sales exists.

Does Spain have adult-use cannabis?

No, adult-use cannabis is not legal in Spain. Instead, the country has decriminalized most forms of cannabis possession and use, effectively allowing anyone in Spain to use cannabis without facing legal repercussions. However, it is important to note that decriminalization is very different from legalization.

Can you import cannabinoids into Spain?

It is legal to import CBD products into Spain as long as they follow general EU and Spanish import procedures and contain less than 0.3% THC. Other forms of cannabis import into Spain are usually prohibited, as they are considered drug trafficking.

Unlike nations with medical or adult-use cannabis economies, there is no legal pretext for exporting cannabis products to Spain. Although cannabis use is decriminalized, importing cannabis products with more than 0.3% THC could be seen as illegal in Spain.

Are there cannabinoid manufacturers in Spain?

There are no legitimate, above-board THC cannabis manufacturers located within the borders of Spain. Since the nation has not enacted medical or adult-use cannabis laws, THC cultivation and processing is typically considered illegal drug trafficking.

The situation is different for CBD, though. Taking the Spanish government’s silence on the issue as tacit acceptance, various manufacturers have started producing CBD on home soil. CBD products made in Spain, however, do not benefit from the advanced methods and systems that have been developed in already-established cannabinoid economies.

As a result, Spanish-made CBD products are unlikely to compare favorably to imported options offered by larger producers servicing multiple countries. Spanish CBD producers must also abide by guidelines that are not imposed on foreign producers.

Summary: Iberian roots and Catalonian offshoots

Modern scientists are nearly universal in the belief that cannabis entered Europe by way of the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain and many other areas of Europe, cannabis cultivation never truly stopped. How could a century’s aberration cover up millennia of agricultural practice, after all?

It’s easy to forget, but Catalonia nearly became its own independent nation a few years ago, which the province’s stances on cannabis clearly reflect¹¹. Today, Catalonia is a massive hub of illicit cannabis trafficking, a situation never intended by lawmakers or even average users.

So, Spain represents both the best and the worst of cannabis. On the one hand, it’s the historical homeland of the plant, and on the other, Spain remains burdened by a difficult-to-dismantle black-market cannabis economy.

In such an environment, it’s important to make cannabis seem everyday. Whichever struggles the nation may currently be facing in the realm of THC cannabis, make it clear that non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD and CBG are in another category altogether.

Spain and cannabinoids go together beautifully, and they always have. By sidestepping the nation’s current adult-use cannabis issues and focusing on the core benefits of cannabinoids, entrepreneurs have the potential to be wildly successful within this uniquely cannabis-attenuated market. 

Sources

1. Rull, V., Burjachs, F., Carrión, J. S., Ejarque, A., Fernández, S., López-Sáez, J. A., Luelmo-Lautenschlaeger, R., Ochando, J., Pérez-Díaz, S., Revelles, J., Riera, S., & Rodriguez, S. (2023). Historical biogeography of Cannabis in the Iberian Peninsula: A probabilistic approach using palynological evidence. Perspectives in Plant Ecology Evolution and Systematics, 58, 125704. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ppees.2022.125704
2. Europe PMC. (n.d.). When and How Did Cannabis Reach Europe and the Iberian Peninsula? https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr425352
3. Brill, H. (1981). Marihuana: The first twelve thousand years. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.1981.10471902
4. Hammer, J. (2022, October 31). Spain’s Centuries-Long witch hunt killed 700 women. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/spain-centuries-long-witch-hant-killed-700-women-180981018/
5. Gareis, I. (2013). Merging Magical Traditions: Sorcery and Witchcraft in Spanish and Portuguese America. Oxford University Press eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199578160.013.0024
6. Decriminalisation in Europe? (n.d.). European Legal Database on Drugs. https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/attachements.cfm/att_5741_EN_Decriminalisation_Legal_Approaches.pdf
7. Weinberg, B. (2018). Cannabis cultivation decriminalized in Spain? High Times. https://hightimes.com/grow/cannabis-cultivation-decriminalized-in-spain/
8. Sabaghi, D. (2021b, December 14). European Union Increases THC Level For Industrial Hemp. Why Does It Matter? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2021/12/14/european-union-increases-thc-level-for-industrial-hemp-why-does-it-matter/?sh=5a3d8f18128b
9. Morel, S. (2022, April 8). In Catalonia, the law struggles with private cannabis clubs. Le Monde.fr. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2022/04/08/in-catalonia-the-law-struggles-with-private-cannabis-clubs_5980043_4.html
10. Diariofarma. (2023). La Sociedad Española del Dolor pide una ley del cannabis. Diariofarma. https://diariofarma.com/2023/05/25/la-sociedad-espanola-del-dolor-pide-una-ley-del-cannabis
11. Garcia, H., & Faus, J. (2023, June 28). Catalonia cracks down on booming marijuana industry. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/catalonia-cracks-down-booming-marijuana-industry-2023-06-28/

Italy, renowned for its Mediterranean climate, laid-back ambiance, and rich history, is gradually gaining recognition for a different reason. The southern European country is being considered a place where people can use whichever cannabinoids they wish without repercussion.

Is it true that cannabis has been decriminalized in Italy, and what does this mean for entrepreneurs seeking to offer cannabinoids to the Italian people? In this guide, we’ll explore all the intricacies of Italian law and culture pertaining to cannabis, providing a roadmap for approaching the Italian market with CBD, CBG, and other hemp cannabinoids.

Are cannabinoids legal in Italy?

Italy has decriminalized THC cannabis possession in quantities up to 1.5 grams. When it comes to other cannabinoids, the nation follows the general EU rule on the subject, which dictates that cannabinoid products are admissible for entry into EU countries as long as they are produced in the EU and contain less than 0.3% THC¹.

Overall, Italy should be viewed as one of the more lax cannabis markets. In nations that impose strict controls on cannabis in general, a confluence of cultural and regulatory factors usually prevents even non-intoxicating cannabinoids from flourishing. Since Italy accepts cannabis overall, it usually has no problem accepting non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD and CBG.

Italy operates a medical cannabis market, but oddly enough, the entirety of the medical cannabis supply chain in Italy is overseen by the military². Rather than standardizing the industry, this approach has simply led to supply chain gaps and facilities shutting down³.

Clearly, Italy is not without its own struggles surrounding cannabis production and regulation. It remains the case, though, that the general attitude toward cannabis is highly relaxed in the Mediterranean country.

History of cannabis in Italy

Cannabis has been cultivated in Italy⁴ since time immemorial. Archaeological records show that Ancient Romans grew hemp as early as the Late Pleistocene age with clear records evident dating at least as far back as 1000 BC. The cultivation of cannabis for textile, medicinal, and spiritual purposes has continued uninterrupted in Italy ever since.

The use of cannabis was so widespread in Rome that Pliny the Elder makes considerable space to mention its cultivation in his history. Detailed notes are provided on the sowing of seeds in the spring, reaping of buds at the autumn equinox, and then drying the plants by wind or the smoke of a fire. Cannabis cultivation remains a core component of treatises on agriculture throughout the ups and downs of the Roman Empire’s tenure in Italy.

After the fall of Rome, cannabis enjoyed great usage in Italy during the period of the merchant republics, who largely relied on hemp sailcloth to make their voyages throughout the Mediterranean. Hemp remained the main fiber used for sails throughout Italian Unification and only saw a decrease in popularity as synthetic sailcloths became available.

Then, the global War on Drugs swept through Italy, bringing along with it a temporary rejection of cannabis. This distance has only made the Italian people fonder of the plant, however, who now recognize in even more detail the vast medicinal and healing properties of cannabinoids.

History of cannabis laws in Italy

Despite the outbreak of anti-cannabis laws that spread throughout Europe in the wake of Napoleon’s conquest of Egypt, Italy, enjoying long relations with the Moors and their hash-smoking practices, continued to allow cannabis use all throughout the 19th century. In 1887, in fact, the Italian Dr. Raffaele Valieri⁵ became one of the first scientists to publish the results of his research into cannabis use among the terminally ill.

At the First International Opium Conference in 1912, though, Italy turned heads when it demanded that cannabis be banned⁶ along with opium, citing sudden issues with hashish that had erupted in Italian colonies in Libya. This request was granted during the Second International Opium Conference in 1925, but only in the context of international trade.

Even as its position toward the intoxicating components of cannabis soured, Italy remained one of the world’s most prominent producers and exporters of hemp until the 1950s. Then, a combination of slowing domestic production and hostile international views on drugs led Italy to shrink back on hemp production for more than half a century.

Italy was one of the signatories of the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs in 1961⁷, effectively making cannabis use illegal. Then, the nation banned hemp cultivation altogether in 1980, leading to the erasure of many irreplaceable Italian cannabis phenotypes that had resulted from centuries of careful interbreeding.

The period of full Italian cannabis prohibition would prove short-lived. In 1993, Italy made the controversial move⁸ of removing penalties for the possession of “soft drugs” at the culmination of a lengthy national discourse on the differences between “using” and “pushing” illegal narcotics.

This move began an overall push to bring hemp and cannabis back into the Italian regulatory fold. An era not without its drama, cannabis would be famously re-criminalized in Italy in 2006 before finally becoming decriminalized again in 2014⁹. This decriminalization only applies to personal use, however, with the cultivation and sale of THC cannabis remaining federal offenses under Italian law.

Which cannabinoids are legal in Italy?

The story surrounding cannabinoids in contemporary Italy is somewhat complex. The nation suffers from an overall drug criminality problem that it has tried to solve in countless ways. Recently, for instance, Italy legalized what it calls “cannabis light¹⁰,” which refers to domestically produced hemp products containing less than 0.2% (now 0.3%) THC.

Retailers took to this new law like wildfire, in many cases offering products containing more than the legal THC threshold or using strains not approved as “hemp” by the Italian government. Inevitable regulatory pushback has ensued, and the status of “cannabis light” products is anything but stable.

Despite these minor quirks, Italy generally allows the import and sale of non-THC cannabinoids as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. CBD and CBG are not considered “cannabis light” by default and do not necessarily need to be derived from approved strains.

Is CBD legal in Italy?

Yes, CBD is legal in Italy due to a combination of both EU and domestic law. Following all applicable EU guidelines on the subject, CBD products entering Italy must simply contain less than 0.3% THC and meet any other general import requirements. Italy is considered a CBD-friendly country with sales massively increasing through both brick-and-mortar and online platforms.

Is CBG legal in Italy?

The lesser-known cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) has not been explicitly addressed by Italian law. As long as CBG products contain less than 0.3% THC, however, offering them to Italians most likely won’t meet with any obstacles. Impressed by the benefits of both THC and CBD, the Italian market is eager to encounter new cannabinoids.

Is THC legal in Italy?

In Italy, possession of up to 1.5 grams of THC-rich cannabis is decriminalized, but not legal. This means that Italian police cannot arrest or fine you if there is less than 1.5g of cannabis in your possession. For larger quantities, fines may apply, but the possibility of jail time only appears if you have been caught with quantities of cannabis beyond the possession limit multiple times.

Enforcement of cannabis laws has gone down even more with the advent of Italy’s medical cannabis industry. Overall, culturally relaxed views on cannabis appear to have trickled down to the level of law enforcement, which is evidenced by even the Italian military playing a major role in relaying cannabis to its people.

Despite all this, it’s still important to remember that cannabis is not legal in Italy, only decriminalized. This remains a nation where cannabis is generally illegal, and if you bend the law too far, you might find out just how inflexible Italian cannabis policies can be.

Does Italy have adult-use cannabis?

No, Italy has not legalized adult-use cannabis, though it will likely be one of the first European countries to do so. The EU continues to make it difficult for individual member nations to establish adult-use cannabis industries, but Germany is spearheading a multi-nation initiative to overrule this position. As a country that embraces cannabis overall but is struggling with supply chain issues, Italy is an obvious candidate for a streamlined and modern adult-use cannabis industry.

Can you import cannabinoids into Italy?

Yes, cannabinoid products containing less than 0.3% THC are generally admissible for import into Italy. EU law dictates that imported hemp products must originate in member nations, however, so it’s necessary to work with a European distributor to access the Italian market.

Are there cannabinoid manufacturers in Italy?

Italy is bereft of cannabinoid manufacturers with domestic producers forced to stick to non-intoxicating strains of cannabis for the time being. As odd as it may seem at first, the primary cannabis producer in Italy is the Italian military with its monopoly on medical cannabis cultivation. Otherwise, the Italian market is wide open for cannabinoid manufacturers to establish their brands.

Summary: Viva Italia, viva cannabis

Out of all the European nations, Italy may be the foremost when it comes to cannabis history. The plant played a crucial role in every stage of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, and Italian farmers continued to grow hemp in the region for centuries afterward.

To the Italians, cannabis is no big deal: It’s an ancestral plant, widely misunderstood, that has the potential to be misused under some circumstances. The centerpiece of Europe’s diverse swath of positions on cannabis, Italy’s cannabinoid market is as ripe as its beautiful, ancestral farmlands.

Sources

1. Sabaghi, D. (2021c, December 14). European Union Increases THC Level For Industrial Hemp. Why Does It Matter? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2021/12/14/european-union-increases-thc-level-for-industrial-hemp-why-does-it-matter/?sh=5a3d8f18128b
2. Kington, T. (2022, December 30). A high ambition: Italian Army aims for self-sufficient cannabis market. Defense News. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/12/30/a-high-ambition-italian-army-aims-for-self-sufficient-cannabis-market/
3. Stevens, B. (2023). Italian Military Halts Production Of Medical Cannabis Production Piling Pressure On Supply Chain. Business of Cannabis. https://businessofcannabis.com/italian-military-halts-production-of-medical-cannabis-production-piling-pressure-on-supply-chain/
4. The long history of Cannabis and its cultivation by the Romans in central Italy, shown by pollen records from Lago Albano and Lago di Nemi on JSTOR. (n.d.). https://www.jstor.org/stable/23418014
5. Dell’Amico, M. (2014, January 9). La canapa in Italia dalle pipe preistoriche alla legge Cossiga. Wired Italia. https://www.wired.it/lifestyle/salute/2014/01/09/quando-tutti-gli-italiani-amavano-la-canapa/
6. A cannabis reader: global issues and local experiences: Volume 1 | www.emcdda.europa.eu. (2023, September 13). https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/monographs/cannabis-volume1_en
7. SINGLE CONVENTION ON NARCOTIC DRUGS, 1961. (n.d.). United Nations. https://www.unodc.org/pdf/convention_1961_en.pdf
8. Sabaghi, D. (2021a, September 13). Inside Italy’s Push To Decriminalize Recreational Cannabis. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2021/09/13/italy-wants-to-decriminalize-marijuana-on-the-ballot-amid-a-race-against-time/?sh=57d745a9639b
9. Cruciata, G. (2020). The crisis of marijuana criminalization in Italy. Filter. https://filtermag.org/criminalization-italy-marijuana-hash/
10. Italy’s “cannabis light” creates buzz even if the pot won’t | AP News. (2021, May 1). AP News. https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-italy-business-courts-international-news-ea9ac614af74488b8977e3dbe54dd795

Cannabis cafes in Amsterdam have always been notorious, but is that the only way Holland has distinguished itself as an epicenter of cannabinoid culture? Why is cannabis purchasable in the Netherlands in the first place, and what does it mean for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the Dutch market? We’ll cover all the details in this comprehensive guide to cannabinoid law and culture in Holland.

A note on terminology

First, it’s important to clear up the confusing English terms that refer to Holland. Technically, Holland is only an area in the Netherlands, the official term for the nation of the Dutch people. However, in English and other languages, Holland is commonly used to refer to the Netherlands as a whole. As a result, the names “Holland” and “the Netherlands” are usually interchangeable even though they mean slightly different things.

Are cannabinoids legal in Holland?

Most cannabinoids are illegal in Holland, including THC, which is outright banned. If this situation seems counterintuitive at first, you’re not to blame.

Contrary to popular opinion, cannabis is not legal in Holland. Instead, Dutch authorities have simply turned a blind eye to black-market cannabis operations servicing a network of coffee shops, in which the sale of up to 5 grams of cannabis per person was decriminalized in 1976¹.

Decriminalization is not the same thing as legalization, however. THC possession and use remains a crime in the Netherlands.

The nation established an Office of Medicinal Cannabis in 2001², making it one of the first nations to allow medical use of THC. However, access to the official Dutch medical cannabis system is very limited and only available through the context of conventional medicine. Even users who rely on cannabis for medical purposes, therefore, usually acquire their THC through gray-market coffee shops anyway.

Holland has one of the most bizarrely restrictive policies on CBD found anywhere in the world. CBD products are allowed in the Netherlands, but only as long as they contain less than 0.05% THC³, six times less than the general standard of 0.3%.

Adhering to this policy means that only isolate and broad-spectrum CBD products are allowed in Holland, reducing the potential benefits of the entourage effect. There has been a recent effort to change Holland’s tourism image, and perhaps imposing strict restrictions on the CBD market is a way of showing solidarity with this movement.

History of cannabis in the Netherlands

During a Dutch Rail effort to establish a new train line to the northeast region of Holland, workers stumbled upon a 4,200-year-old grave⁴ containing traces of Cannabis sativa. As appears to be the case for the vast majority of Western Europe, ancient peoples inhabiting what is now the Netherlands clearly incorporated cannabis into their medicinal and religious rituals.

Cannabis use in the region of Holland was generally unstigmatized until the formation of the Dutch East India Company, which unveiled the use of cannabis as a narcotic by certain cultures of the Far East. The economic closeness of the Dutch with these cultures led to a serious cannabis import problem, which wasn’t fully addressed until the late 1920s.

While still following general EU and UN guidelines on illegal drugs, the Dutch chose to go their own way with cannabis by allowing cafes to sell it for recreational use since the 1970s. Over the course of nearly 50 years, though, this practice has only exacerbated, not alleviated, social pressures caused by the illegality of cannabis.

History of cannabis laws in Holland

The first historical record of Dutch cannabis law comes from 1921⁵ when a ban on cannabis was lifted in Dutch-controlled Suriname at the behest of an immigrant association. The Dutch clearly continued to struggle with controlling cannabis use and commerce, however, as is evidenced by a ban on cannabis in Dutch Indonesia in 1927⁶ and a subsequent ban in all Dutch holdings (including Holland) the following year.

Then, in 1953, the Netherlands signed the Geneva Convention on Drugs⁷, enshrining the Dutch cannabis ban in international law. This ban would only last 23 years, however, before a Dutch commission on drugs found reason to believe teenagers buying cannabis from street dealers would make them more likely to try more dangerous drugs as well.

The Dutch, therefore, made a distinction in their law between “hard” and “soft” drugs, with cannabis being one of the latter and now authorized for sale in coffee shops in quantities of up to 5 grams. What Dutch authorities failed to do at the same time, however, was ensure a supply of cannabis to these shops existed outside the black market.

As a result, all cannabis sold in Dutch coffee shops is still provided by black-market growers, which has only strengthened organized crime in the Netherlands. Cultural acceptance of cannabis has led to both legal and economic incentives to produce other drugs, like MDMA, in the Netherlands as opposed to other European countries, giving Holland an overall reputation of criminality that its increasingly cosmopolitan-leaning government is having trouble tolerating.

Which cannabinoids are legal in the Netherlands?

The only cannabinoid that can be considered legal in Holland is CBD, and even then only under very strict guidelines. The conception that THC is legal in the Netherlands is entirely erroneous, and the Dutch government has not given any indication that they intend to allow the sale of any cannabinoids other than CBD anytime in the near future.

Is CBD legal in Holland?

CBD is legal in Holland as long as it contains less than 0.05% THC, one of the lowest THC thresholds for CBD products in the world. Hemp or cannabis cannot legally be processed into CBD extract in the Netherlands, so any CBD products sold in the nation must be imported.

Even though it is not considered to be within the sphere of Holland’s medical cannabis system, CBD imports are nonetheless processed by the Healthcare and Youth Care Inspectorate. Those interested in importing cannabinoids into the Netherlands can learn more on the official website⁸ of the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport.

Is CBG legal in Holland?

Holland has not made any special concessions for the recently popular cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) in the same way that it has for CBD, so it is safe to assume that CBG products are not allowed for import or sale in the Netherlands. Given the Dutch government’s unsparing approach to CBD commerce, it would be unwise to assume that imports of CBG or other non-CBD, non-intoxicating cannabinoids would simply fly under the radar.

Is THC legal in Holland?

No, THC-rich cannabis, still referred to as “marijuana,” remains illegal in the Netherlands for adult use. The only context in which THC cannabis is allowable in the Netherlands is when it is used and sold in authorized cannabis cafes or dispensed in pharmacies on a prescription basis. Coffee shop cannabis only becomes decriminalized at the point of sale with producers still operating entirely within the black market.

The Dutch medical cannabis program is too small and restrictive to meet a citizen’s average needs. The current “coffee shop” system only promotes low-quality products and criminal behavior. Clearly, the answer is a regulated and inclusive adult-use and medical cannabis industry, an answer that politicians in the Netherlands are proving slow to accept.

Does Holland have adult-use cannabis?

No, there is no adult-use cannabis program in the Netherlands. Citizens who wish to use cannabis products must buy them from a questionable coffee shop. Requests for third-party lab reports are often not taken seriously and usually do not result in the provision of any substantial information.

Once you have bought cannabis from a Dutch shop, you must use it on-site to stay within the nation’s decriminalization framework. It is illegal for Dutch authorities to arrest you for possession of under 5 grams of cannabis, but it is also illegal to possess THC-rich cannabis in any quantity, meaning that slap-on-the-wrist cannabis confiscations are common — especially in Dutch border towns.

Can you import cannabinoids into Holland?

Yes, importing cannabinoid products into Holland is the only way for them to enter the Dutch market. And, at present, the legitimate Dutch cannabinoid market consists solely of a highly restrictive CBD economy (<0.05% THC threshold) and a minuscule medical cannabis program mainly servicing the terminally ill, perhaps calling into question the overall viability of cannabinoid imports into the nation at this time.

Are there cannabinoid manufacturers in Holland?

No, the only cannabinoid manufacturers operating within the borders of Holland are either black-market or associated with the nation’s medical cannabis system. Processing hemp or cannabis for other reasons in the Netherlands is illegal by national law9.

Summary: Holland, an illusory cannabis paradise

It wasn’t so long ago that cannabis was fully illegal practically everywhere in the world. By contrast, the Netherlands served as a nearly comical oasis for cannabis use due to its unique coffee shop culture.

While cannabis tourism still brings in nearly $400 million a year, the cost to the Dutch social fabric has been severe. A program initially started to prevent youth drug use has made the Netherlands the drug capital of Europe. Holland is now known as the continental epicenter of drug and sex tourism, something local authorities never intended.

Ironically, Holland is now also one of the most backward European countries when it comes to overall cannabis law. By legitimizing a gray-area industry, the Dutch allowed their cannabis black market to blossom while disabling average citizens from enjoying the manifold benefits of cannabinoids.

Caution is certainly warranted when approaching the Dutch cannabinoid market in its current state. As intensely restrictive policies on CBD show, the Netherlands has had a complex and challenging relationship with cannabis over the last 50 years, necessitating a thoughtful and measured approach moving forward.

Sources

1. Visram, T. (2023). The Netherlands was once a cannabis pioneer, but it still hasn’t legalized weed. What happened? Fast Company. https://www.fastcompany.com/90832031
2. Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport. (2020, September 24). Office of Medicinal Cannabis – The Office of Medicinal Cannabis. https://english.cannabisbureau.nl/
3. Hazekamp, A. (2018). The Trouble with CBD Oil. Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, 1(1), 65–72. https://doi.org/10.1159/000489287
4. Pascoe, R. (2012, April 11). Marijuana traces found in early bronze-age grave – DutchNews.nl. DutchNews.nl. https://www.dutchnews.nl/2012/04/marijuana_traces_found_in_earl/
5. Hoefte, R. (1998). In place of slavery: A Social History of British Indian and Javanese Laborers in Suriname.
6. Slone, T. H. (2003). Prokem.
7. UNODC – Bulletin on Narcotics – 1953 Issue 3 – 011. (1953, January 1). United Nations : Office on Drugs and Crime. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/bulletin/bulletin_1953-01-01_3_page012.html
8. Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport. (2021, September 14). Foreign patients and businesses. Import and Export | the Office of Medicinal Cannabis. https://english.cannabisbureau.nl/import-and-export/foreign-patients-and-businesses
9. Netherlands: An overview of the Dutch hemp market. (2020, May 18). USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/netherlands-overview-dutch-hemp-market

Renowned for its cultural sophistication, one might assume that French culture would warmly welcome cannabis. Just the contrary is true, though — today, France remains one of the few European nations with essentially zero medical or adult-use cannabis infrastructure, putting on an initially intimidating face for prospective cannabinoid entrepreneurs.

Just appraising France’s hardened exterior position on cannabis, however, would overlook its surprising acceptance of CBD. It’s unclear when, if ever, France will follow the rest of Europe’s lead on cannabis law. In the meantime, selling cannabinoid products in France certainly isn’t impossible even if the process presents unique challenges.

Are cannabinoids legal in France?

Some cannabinoids are legal for sale in France, but only by a hair’s breadth. CBD only became legal in France in 2021¹, for instance, by a court ruling that determined existing bans on CBD products were unconstitutional. This same ruling, though, determined that flowers of the hemp or cannabis plant containing CBD were still illegal, a ruling that was itself overturned two years later².

In summary, France was pressured by its citizens to legalize CBD sales. After legal challenges, it became clear that CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal. However, France has not legalized other cannabinoids, and THC remains strictly illegal without government authorization.

History of cannabis in France

In 2015, archaeologist Hervé Delhoofs discovered a vase³ within the burial site of an ancient Gallic woman who died at around age 30 in the 2nd century BC. Further investigations found that the vase had been used to house wine infused with Cannabis sativa.

This isn’t the only evidence that the Galls and related peoples of ancient Europe used cannabis in the distant past, but it’s compelling on its own. It appears that cannabis was a component of most religious and healing rituals of ancient Europeans with knowledge of its medicinal properties decreasing rather than growing over the centuries.

By the year 1800, Napoleon’s French found cannabis to be so disruptive that it was banned throughout occupied Egypt⁴, where French troops had seized upon the intoxicating properties of hashish in a culture where alcohol was religiously banned. Nonetheless, cannabis found its way back to France, where it played a pivotal role in the nation’s arts and culture of the mid-1800s.

Most famously, the use of cannabis amongst the literati in Paris led to the rise of the Club du Hashischins, whose members included Charles Baudelaire, Victor Hugo, and Alexandre Dumas among others. Baudelaire became notable for his poetic description of the hashish experience in Les paradis artificiels, considered a seminal piece of psychonaut literature to this day.

History of cannabis laws in France

Even in 1800s France, cannabis was firmly illegal with strict punitive measures put in place to disincentivize its sale and use. This uniquely anti-cannabis stance persisted throughout the 20th century with France being one of the key signatories of the 1953 Geneva Convention on drugs⁵, considered to be one of the first international anti-drug policies.

In 1991, controversy erupted as a non-governmental organization was denied importation of cannabis into France for administration to 10 terminally ill patients. In its defense, the court issuing the order referenced France’s adherence to the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs⁶, which made imports of cannabis products illegal.

France is unusual in its strictness in following this Single Convention, however, with many other signatories allowing medical cannabis programs. The only reasonable conclusion to draw is that France remains uniquely held back by its anti-cannabis stigma, a stigma over two centuries in the making.

Which cannabinoids are legal in France?

As it stands, the only legal cannabinoid in France is CBD. It wasn’t until 2013⁷ that France allowed the processing of cannabis into strictly medical products, which could be acquired with a doctor’s prescription only when all other available prescription treatments failed. Five years later, France announced it was launching a full inquiry⁸ into the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis, which would involve volunteer patients with various conditions.

The cannabis “medical experiment” was delayed until 2021, with some French citizens now receiving cannabis therapy for various conditions. This highly limited, experimental program remains the only state-authorized form of THC cannabis commerce in France.

Is CBD legal in France?

Yes, French courts have been forced to admit that CBD products containing under 0.3% THC are admissible under both French and EU law⁹. As a result, products containing CBD but no more than 0.3% THC are now allowed for sale in France, opening up the French CBD market like never before.

Is CBG legal in France?

It does not appear that France’s good graces with CBD extend to similar compounds. Imposing immense pressure on the French court system was necessary to allow CBD commerce, meaning CBG sales could take years.

Is THC legal in France?

No, THC is largely illegal in France with the only exceptions being made for terminally or chronically ill patients who did not experience improvements with mainline treatments. As a result, France maintains a highly cautious approach to its THC laws, a stance that is beginning to be revisited and discussed publicly in order to align with the evolving perspectives in Europe.

Does France have adult-use cannabis?

No, adult-use or recreational cannabis is not legal in France. The nation has not decriminalized small quantities of cannabis, unlike many European countries that use this measure to bypass full cannabinoid reform.

As a result, possession of even small amounts of cannabis in France could lead to arrests, fines, or even prison times. It is highly recommended that you do not possess or travel with THC-rich cannabis in France.

Can you import cannabinoids into France?

Importation of CBD products into France is possible, though a greater number of restrictions face entrepreneurs who would do so compared to other EU nations. The French judicial system has only begrudgingly admitted that CBD products are not marijuana, after all, and the overall position of the French government remains remarkably hostile against cannabinoids of all kinds.

Those seeking to import cannabinoids into France should work with an EU or EEA distributor, as only EEA-made CBD products are legal. This raises issues for importing American CBD.

When offered in bulk, there’s usually nothing about CBD itself that indicates its nation of origin. Paperwork and packaging will say otherwise, though, underscoring the importance of working with a cannabinoid producer with operations in the European Economic Area.

Are there cannabinoid manufacturers in France?

There are few cannabinoid producers in France, and those that exist make medical cannabis products for the government. Processing hemp into CBD extracts remains illegal in France, despite the nation’s agricultural stance on Cannabis sativa.

Summary: Is France ready for cannabinoids?

Stricken by continual riots and a refugee crisis over the last decade, it’s a small wonder that France has not remained abreast of the latest developments in the fineries of cannabinoid law. It seems that the French will continue to endure a lack of access to cannabinoid products for the foreseeable future, as their government shows no signs of expanding hemp commerce beyond CBD.

If CBD is the cannabinoid you want to offer to France, you happen to be in luck. The nation now accepts CBD imports as long as they are made in an EEA country. Other cannabinoids like CBG, though, may draw undue attention from French authorities despite their similarly non-psychoactive properties.

As CBD grows in popularity, France’s citizens and officials will soften to cannabis benefits, given their unique history. The socially disruptive hashish cafes of Baudelaire and Dumas are long gone, but cannabis will become mainstream in France.

Sources

1. Reuters. (2021, June 23). French court overturns ruling saying sale of cannabidiol is illegal. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/french-court-overturns-ruling-saying-sale-cannabidiol-is-illegal-2021-06-23/
2. Sabaghi, D. (2023, January 5). France’s Court Overturns Government Ban On Sale Of CBD Flowers. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2023/01/05/frances-court-overturns-government-ban-on-sale-of-cbd-flowers/?sh=7318ba3444c1
3. Bennett, C. (2020). The Cannabis infused Wine of Dionysus? www.academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/44689568/The_Cannabis_infused_Wine_of_Dionysus
4. Booth, M. (2015). Cannabis: A History. Macmillan.
5. UNODC – Bulletin on Narcotics – 1953 Issue 3 – 011. (1953, January 1). United Nations : Office on Drugs and Crime. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/bulletin/bulletin_1953-01-01_3_page012.html
6. SINGLE CONVENTION ON NARCOTIC DRUGS, 1961. (n.d.). United Nations. https://www.unodc.org/pdf/convention_1961_en.pdf
7. TÖRnkvist, A. (2013, June 10). French law on pot-based medicine takes effect. The Local France. https://www.thelocal.fr/20130610/legalized-cannabis-tea-could-be-on-drug-menu-for-french-patients-in-pharmacies
8. Jean-Luc MOUNIER. (2019, June 2). France to launch medical cannabis experiment in coming weeks. France 24. https://www.france24.com/en/20190602-france-launch-medical-cannabis-experiment-authier
9. Sabaghi, D. (2021, December 14). European Union Increases THC Level For Industrial Hemp. Why Does It Matter? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2021/12/14/european-union-increases-thc-level-for-industrial-hemp-why-does-it-matter

None of the information mentioned in this article should be taken as nutritional advice. 

Cannabinoids and Nutrition Explained

The role cannabinoids play in nutrition is often overlooked in discussions of the science of cannabis. It’s generally understood that cannabinoids like CBD and THC don’t have any direct nutritional value, and this assumption is essentially true.

The story of cannabinoids and nutrition goes much deeper, though. In this guide, familiarize yourself with the basics of cannabis nutrition, and discover all the ways cannabinoids might impact human nutrition.

Basics of nutrition

The human body needs a variety of substances called nutrients to survive. These substances are generally separated into “macronutrients,” which are needed in great quantities, and “micronutrients,” which are needed in much smaller quantities. Examples of essential macronutrients include protein and carbohydrates, and examples of essential micronutrients include vitamin C and zinc.

The human body only flourishes when provided with a diet filled with essential macronutrients and micronutrients. These nutrients are found in many different forms of plant and animal life, and the Cannabis sativa plant has been identified as a great source of certain essential and non-essential macronutrients and micronutrients.

Can you eat cannabis?

Every part of the Cannabis sativa plant is, in theory, edible, and cannabis appears to have considerable nutritional value. The fibrous stalks and leaves, while not optimal for human digestion, are excellent sources of certain dietary fibers. Hemp seed is full of protein and essential fats, including highly beneficial omega fatty acids.

While the whole cannabis plant is technically edible, only certain parts of the plant are ideal for human consumption. Traditionally, cannabis seeds are the most commonly used for nutritional purposes.

Does cannabis have nutritional value?

Yes, the various parts of cannabis offer nutritional value in different ways. The most nutritious part of the cannabis plant is the seed due to its high fat and protein content, but cannabis leaves are also notable for containing essential micronutrients. Plus, cannabis flower may offer indirect nutritional benefit due to the antioxidant activity of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Which parts of the cannabis plant are nutritious?

Let’s break down the nutritional value of cannabis part-by-part:

Do cannabis seeds have nutritional value?

Yes, they are excellent sources of rare fats that boost nutrition and offer body-wide health benefits. Hemp and cannabis seeds also contain high concentrations of protein.

Which nutrients are contained in cannabis seeds?

Macronutrients found in cannabis seeds include:

• Protein: 9.5g per 30g
• Fats
• 1.2g fiber per 3 tbsp

Hemp seeds are especially notable for containing all nine amino acids, offering a “complete” source of protein. They also contain abundant micronutrients including:

• Vitamin E
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• B vitamins

Do cannabis leaves have nutritional value?

Yes, even though they are often overlooked in favor of hemp seeds for culinary purposes. Some inspired chefs include cannabis leaves in salads and other green dishes.

Which nutrients are contained in cannabis leaves?

The main macronutrient present in cannabis leaves is dietary fiber. Leaves of cannabis and hemp plants also contain abundant micronutrients like:

• Iron
• Calcium
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin C

Do cannabis stalks have nutritional value?

Cannabis stalks contain lots of dietary fiber, but they’re hard to digest raw or add to dishes. Plus, the micronutrient content in cannabis stalks is much lower than it is in cannabis leaves. As a result, stalks are rarely used for culinary purposes, though they hold great potential in industrial applications.

Do cannabis buds have nutritional value?

Cannabis buds contain the same dietary fiber and micronutrients that are present in cannabis leaves, but they also contain cannabinoids and terpenes, powerful antioxidant compounds that may boost digestion indirectly. 

Do cannabinoids have nutritional value?

Cannabinoids, abundant in cannabis and hemp buds, don’t provide direct nutritional value. While they aren’t involved in processing micronutrients or macronutrients, cannabinoids are universally recognized for having some antioxidant activity.

As a result, ingesting cannabinoids orally could reduce digestive inflammation, improving the gut’s ability to absorb and process nutrients. Though they do not have nutritional value in themselves, modern science is gradually coming to grips with the role oxidative stress may play in poor nutritional uptake,1 potentially making cannabinoids more important to nutrition than any other part of the hemp plant.

Could cannabinoids boost nutrition in other ways?

Despite not offering any nutritional value as micronutrients or macronutrients, certain cannabinoids may boost the overall functioning of your digestive system, making it easier for your body to process waste and send essential nutrients where they need to go. Let’s take a look at the available research on the impact of cannabinoids on oxidative stress and digestion:

Research into cannabinoids and digestion

The abstract of a 2005 academic paper on the role of cannabinoids in digestion2 begins by noting that the body uses endocannabinoids (body-generated cannabinoid-like compounds) extensively in the digestion process. Since phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids found in plants like cannabis) dramatically impact the operation of endocannabinoids in the body, the authors of this paper postulate that phytocannabinoids like CBD and THC may be valid targets of research into novel therapies for digestion-related conditions.

This research was followed up by a 2015 study into the impact of cannabinoids on the gut’s mucosal defense barrier.3 The authors of the study concluded that “the endocannabinoid system represents a promising target in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases,” indicating that cannabinoids may have profound indirect impact on the digestion process.

Research into cannabinoids and inflammation

Inflammation hampers your body’s ability to uptake nutrients. Researchers have studied the anti-inflammatory potential of cannabinoids like CBD and THC in great detail, and both cannabinoids show promise in different ways. CBD has been researched extensively for its potential ability to combat almost every type of inflammation,4 gradually replacing THC as the primary target of cannabinoid inflammation research, a seemingly anti-inflammatory cannabinoid that nonetheless can cause unwanted inflammation under certain circumstances.5

Do terpenes boost the digestive benefits of cannabinoids?

Unless ingested in isolated form, cannabinoids are always accompanied by terpenes, which along with flavonoids provide cannabis with its delicious flavors and aromas. In addition to their culinary value, terpenes are universally believed to offer anti-inflammatory benefits 6 to varying degrees. If you’re consuming cannabinoids for digestive purposes, therefore, it would make sense to ingest products that also contain natural terpenes found in cannabis.

While scientists have determined that virtually all discovered terpenes have some degree of anti-inflammatory or antioxidant potential, each terpene has a different chemical makeup and unique effects. Some of the terpenes that have been investigated for anti-inflammatory effects include:

• Limonene
• Pinene
• Myrcene
• Caryophyllene

What are the best ways to consume cannabinoids for nutrition?

To take advantage of any potential nutritional benefits cannabinoids may impart, you will need to consume these cannabis compounds orally. Out of the various oral ingestion methods available for cannabinoids, capsules offer the greatest simplicity and purity while tinctures and gummies offer more opportunities for customization. It’s also possible to consume cannabis concentrate on its own, but research indicates that carrier oils improve the bioavailability of oral cannabinoids,7 which would make properly formulated oral cannabinoid products more effective.

The bottom line: Is cannabis a superfood?

Cannabis is often touted as a “superfood,” a popular term for a substance that has higher-than-usual nutritional benefit. This term might apply to the seeds of the cannabis plant, but the direct nutritional uses of other cannabis components appear to be much less impressive.

As we’re learning, though, nutrition is about a lot more than just the volume of macronutrients and micronutrients you ingest. The human gut is an extremely complex ecosystem with more than 100 million nerve endings, and modern science is gradually unveiling the massively important role inflammation plays in overall health.

Conclusion

Due to their impact on inflammation, cannabinoids may play a major, if indirect, role in human nutrition. The human digestive tract is largely controlled by a system of endogenous cannabinoid compounds, and cannabinoids like CBD and THC significantly impact the endocannabinoid system.

There are better ways to ingest cannabinoids and the other beneficial substances in cannabis than eating raw cannabis plants, though. Cannabis may only reach true “superfood” status when prepared into finished, formulated products. Cannabinoid-rich capsules, tinctures, and edibles, for instance, maximize the potential indirect nutritional value of cannabinoids while doing away with the unpalatable or inconvenient components of cannabis.

Sources

1. Tan, B. L., Norhaizan, M. E., & Liew, W. P. (2018). Nutrients and Oxidative Stress: Friend or Foe?. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2018, 9719584. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9719584

 

2. Izzo, A. A., & Coutts, A. A. (2005). Cannabinoids and the digestive tract. Handbook of experimental pharmacology, (168), 573–598. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-26573-2_19

 

3. Gyires, K., & Zádori, Z. S. (2016). Role of Cannabinoids in Gastrointestinal Mucosal Defense and Inflammation. Current neuropharmacology, 14(8), 935–951. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159×14666160303110150

 

4. Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 9(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021

 

5. Nagarkatti, P., Pandey, R., Rieder, S. A., Hegde, V. L., & Nagarkatti, M. (2009). Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future medicinal chemistry, 1(7), 1333–1349. https://doi.org/10.4155/fmc.09.93

 

6. Gallily, R., Yekhtin, Z., & Hanuš, L. O. (2018). The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Terpenoids from Cannabis. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 282–290. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0014

 

7. Stella, B., Baratta, F., Della Pepa, C. et al. Cannabinoid Formulations and Delivery Systems: Current and Future Options to Treat Pain. Drugs 81, 1513–1557 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-021-01579-x

 

8. Aidan J. Hampson, Julius Axelrod, Maurizio Grimaldi, (1999). Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants (US09/674,028).US Department of Health and Human Services. https://patents.google.com/patent/US6630507

 

Austria, once the core of the vast Middle Ages nation of Bavaria, is still considered by some as the ancestral homeland of Bavarian culture, renowned for its strong grasp of science and the arts. Both the modern-day Germans and Austrians owe their culture to the Bavarians and their ancestors, who have used cannabis for thousands of years¹.

Modern-day Austria has become somewhat disconnected from its cannabis roots, but it was one of the first European nations to ease its cannabis laws. How has Austria’s unique stance on cannabis affected its presence in the international cannabinoid market? We’ll delve into all the relevant complexities over the course of this comprehensive guide.

Are cannabinoids legal in Austria?

³In regards to CBD and other hemp cannabinoids, Austria generally follows European Union guidelines, which were recently updated to increase the allowable amount of THC² in hemp products from 0.2% to 0.3%. The EU hasn’t ruled on cannabinoids like CBG and CBN, so Austria treats them similarly to CBD.

As far as THC goes, Austria decriminalized the possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis in 2016³. As a result, Austria’s stance on cannabis is lax, but supplying large amounts of cannabinoids may attract attention due to limited infrastructure.

History of cannabis in Austria

Europe’s borders have been redrawn so often that modern national affiliations should be viewed in light of recent events. Austria, the center of Bavaria since the Middle Ages, was politically dominated by the Hapsburg family and played a major role in World War I as the head of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Throughout all this upheaval, the people of Austria have remained largely indistinguishable from Germans in regard to ethnicity and culture. As a result, most aspects of German culture also apply to Austrian culture, including the shared fondness for cannabis.

The wider German cultural sphere has held cannabis in high esteem as both a medicament and intoxicant for centuries⁴ with cannabis cultivation comprising a significant portion of Austrian-German agricultural practices since time immemorial. Cannabis remained widely cultivated in Austria until the passage of the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs⁵. From that point forward, the majority of European states began implementing measures to restrict the cultivation and commerce of cannabis, which was at that point defined as any derivative of the plant.

History of cannabis laws in Austria

Since 1961, Austria has generally treated cannabinoids as illegal substances. Toeing the line between the Allies and the Soviets during the Cold War, Austria did not take any steps to liberalize their cannabis policies until 2008 when the nation authorized cannabis to be cultivated for research purposes⁶ for the first time in decades.

In the intervening years, cannabis laws in Austria have become progressively more liberal. For instance, possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis is decriminalized, a quantity larger than most medical or recreational users typically possess at once.

As of 2016, cannabis is essentially legal in Austria, though felony offenses are still reserved for trafficking offenses. In essence, Austrian authorities no longer care if citizens use cannabis, but they do want to control the flow of large quantities of cannabinoids in and out of the country.

Which cannabinoids are legal in Austria?

For the most part, cannabinoid laws in Austria do not differ from the overall EU position, with Austrian positions on THC products being the main exception. The fact that Austria generally allows possession of quite high volumes of THC-rich cannabis essentially makes law enforcement in that area defunct.

Even the use of THC-alternative cannabinoids like THCA and delta 8 is unlikely to draw the attention of Austrian authorities. They’ll be more concerned about how these products entered Austria, which can be something of a touchy subject.

As long as your cannabinoid business is legitimate and you have the proper authorization to sell in Austria, you’re unlikely to face issues. Keep in mind that Austria is a “decriminalization” country, which makes its cannabinoid laws different from countries that have legalized cannabis for medical or adult use.

Is CBD legal in Austria?

Yes, Austria generally considers CBD legal for use due to the EU’s position on CBD and Austria’s overall decriminalization of cannabis. The law does not differentiate between cannabis containing CBD or THC — for consumer possession, all forms of cannabis are below legal scrutiny in Austria as long as they are possessed in quantities under 20 grams.

For import and mass-market sale, the key requirement is that CBD products processed through Austrian customs contain less than 0.3% THC. Despite decriminalization, THC is not outright “legal” in Austria, and authorities follow the EU’s stance on allowable THC concentrations in hemp products.

Is CBG legal in Austria?

The Austrian government does not make special concessions for any cannabinoid, including CBG. As a result, the only import requirement for hemp products containing CBG is that they contain less than 0.3% THC. Given the overall hands-off approach the Austrian government has taken toward non-THC cannabinoid products, it’s unlikely that CBD or CBG will be the subject of any further official attention until otherwise required by the larger European body.

Is THC legal in Austria?

As part of its overall push to research cannabis for medical purposes in 2008, the Austrian government also began a highly selective medical cannabis program. Receiving a medical marijuana prescription from the Austrian government is a lengthy and arduous process, however, and hardly any applicants are approved.

If approved, medical cannabis patients in Austria must abide by a framework of rules so abstruse that the black market has continued to thrive unabated. Or, perhaps we should say “gray market” since possession of even distribution quantities of cannabis (remember that an ounce is only 28 grams) is entirely permissible under Austrian decriminalization law.

Does Austria have adult-use cannabis?

Austria does not have an adult-use cannabis system, and the nation does not appear to have any plans to instate one soon. Austria has filled the gap other nations have filled using a recreational cannabis system with their own decriminalization laws, which do little to stop illegal drug trafficking but at least prevent unreasonable arrests of Austrian citizens for cannabis possession.

Can you import cannabinoids into Austria?

Yes, according to cannabinoid laws in Austria, imports of cannabinoid products are generally permitted as long as the products in question adhere to all other Austrian and EU import guidelines and contain less than 0.3% THC. Austrian authorities are unlikely to raise alarm about cannabinoid products if they are produced by a professional lab and accompanied by thorough lab reports.

Are there cannabinoid manufacturers in Austria?

The Austrian government has operated a minuscule medical cannabis research operation since 2008, but otherwise, cannabis and hemp cultivators and processors in Austria are few and far between. The Austrian CBD market is already largely serviced by foreign entities, but often at the cost of quality and dependability.

Working with an established manufacturer in the European Economic Area (EEA) is an immense advantage when approaching the Austrian market. Not only does it make this populous European nation easier to reach, but it also positions you to enter more than two dozen other national markets.

Austria: A land of unexpected cannabinoid opportunity

In the postwar period, Austria has largely receded from the political spotlight, which seems to have treated the nation well. It still has a long way to go, but at least the Austrian policy on cannabis is humane and thoughtful. No longer are innocent victims locked in Austrian prisons for the “crime” of using or possessing personal quantities of cannabis.

An increased presence of CBD products in the Austrian market would further demonstrate the harmlessness of cannabis, perhaps inspiring lawmakers to fully regulate an industry that currently still operates mostly under the table. Displaying the economic virtues of CBD commerce in Austria would illustrate the taxation opportunities present in a regulated cannabis economy, which could be the impetus the Austrian government needs to take the next steps.

For cannabinoid companies, the Austrian economy is certainly approachable if still a little bit clunky. In the United States, we’ve witnessed firsthand how cannabinoids can be powerful drivers for economic change, a reality that, if properly demonstrated, could inspire the Austrian cannabinoid industry to blossom.

Sources

1. Google Books. (n.d.). https://www.google.com/books/edition/Marijuana_Medicine/o_dKbMFRSzUC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=the+Healing+and+Visionary+Powers+of+Cannabis&printsec=frontcover

2. Posch, M. (2015, November 13). „Legalisierung light“: Cannabis in Kleinstmengen quasi straffrei. SALZBURG24. https://www.salzburg24.at/news/salzburg/grenznah/legalisierung-light-cannabis-in-kleinstmengen-quasi-straffrei-49325959

3. COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2022/1393. (n.d.). EU. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022R1393

4. Grotenhermen, F. (2002). The Medical use of Cannabis in Germany. Journal of Drug Issues, 32(2), 607–634. https://doi.org/10.1177/002204260203200218

5. SINGLE CONVENTION ON NARCOTIC DRUGS, 1961. (n.d.). United Nations. https://www.unodc.org/pdf/convention_1961_en.pdf

6. AFP: Austria allows cannabis for medical purposes. (n.d.). https://web.archive.org/web/20080905104155/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gMXaMnzKEu6FxfDVlCHd4xMcmEbg#

German culture is rich in historical traditions and is renowned for its long history of medical excellence. As a result, breakthroughs like cannabinoids are well-suited for German culture, but nonetheless, certain barriers remain in the way of a flourishing German cannabinoid economy.

As has always been the case in history, these barriers will be erased by the nuanced-yet-intrepid actions of individual companies as they expand the German cannabinoid economy. Along the way, specified knowledge will be required to avoid pitfalls and maximize successes. What is the current status of the cannabinoid market in Germany, and — specifically — how is German law shaping the evolution of the industry?

Are cannabinoids legal in Germany?

Yes, some cannabinoids are legal in Germany in certain contexts. For instance, Germany has adopted the general European Union (EU) position that non-food CBD products are usually acceptable for some form of reasonably unrestricted sale as long as they contain less than 0.2% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The German Bundestag is also hard at work on a major revision to the nation’s adult-use and medical cannabis laws. A series of two draft bills¹ are in the works that would, first, allow the reasonable possession of cannabis by German adults, and second, remove cannabis from the German Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG) or narcotics code.

Germany remains restricted in its ability to legalize cannabis by overall EU legislation, which has a significant impact on economic relations between member countries. The first draft bill was revised to allow possession and the establishment of “grower clubs” with up to 500 members, instead of permitting commercial cannabis sales.

Among European nations, Germany is taking some of the greatest strides to accept cannabinoids. In the process, the prominent EU state illustrates the significant challenges still present in the European market — challenges that continued investment in German cannabinoids is expected to gradually relieve.

History of German Cannabis

In “Marijuana Medicine: A World Tour of the Healing and Visionary Powers of Cannabis,” author Christian Rätsch relates how² people living in Thuringia, Central Germany, must have discovered cannabis as far back as 7,500 years ago. Also, cannabis seeds were found in the ashes of a funerary urn discovered in Wilmersdorf dating back to 500 BC. Clearly, cannabis has played a major role in German culture since before recorded history.

It’s only recently, in fact, that cannabis use in Germany received any stigma whatsoever. From the days of the ancient alchemists to the more-recent physicians of the Enlightenment age, Germans did more to promote the ancestral understanding of cannabis³ and its medical uses than, arguably, any other historical people.

German physicians were just as well-versed on the physical healing powers of cannabis as they were aware of its spiritual or psychological capacities. Although cannabis is largely prohibited worldwide, Germany can rely on its ancestral reverence for the cannabis plant, making it unique among European nations.

History of cannabis laws in Germany

Cannabis first entered the lexicon of German law in 1981 with the introduction of the BtMG⁴, Germany’s overall narcotics law. Germany had a law against opium in place in 1929, but the BtMG marked the country’s first move to restrict the production, possession, and use of cannabis and derivative products.

Despite the BtMG, Germany has long been known for having some of the most lax laws on drug possession and use. To be clear, possessing most narcotics is just as illegal in Germany as it is in the United States, but laws are somewhat looser in the realm of enforcement and prosecution.

Germany displayed its overall laissez-faire toward cannabis (and perhaps revealed its ancestral history with the plant) in 2007 when it became one of the first nations in the world to legalize medical cannabis⁵. This legislation remained so limited in scope, however, that by 2015⁶, it was estimated that only 300 Germans had access to medical cannabis products.

That all changed when Germany “renewed” its medical cannabis legislation in 2017, massively expanding the program⁷. At this point, it essentially became legal for all Germans to buy and possess cannabis through the state medical system. Restrictions on applications became considerably looser, resulting in a massive expansion of the German cannabinoid industry at large.

Just how large was this expansion? In 2022, Statista⁸ estimated that more than 6.7 million Germans now use cannabis, an increase from just 600,000 patients right after the expansion of the nation’s medical-use program in 2017.

This makes Germany one of the largest global cannabinoid economies, trailing just behind Canada (~7.5 million users⁹). One day, it’s even possible Germany will rival America’s cannabinoid economy (~48 million users¹⁰), given the nation’s considerable population size over that of Canada’s (83 million vs. 38 million).

Now, as mentioned at the beginning of this guide, German legislators are preparing to open the country’s cannabis economy even further. This is certainly an excellent time to be learning more about Germany and the nation’s perspective on cannabinoids.

Which cannabinoids are legal in Germany?

The country’s perspective on THC products may be unique, but German views on CBD, CBG, and other non-intoxicating cannabinoids are relatively generic and unlikely to pose significant challenges. However, understanding German views on CBD and similar compounds requires considering the nation’s overall cannabis history. Below, we’ll take a look at the top three cannabinoids currently leading the international cannabinoid economy, diving deeper into the ways ancient German cannabis wisdom may be informing contemporary positions:

Is CBD legal in Germany?

Yes, CBD is legal in Germany both due to German law and the nation’s participation in the EU. CBD is not specified under the BtMG, so this German narcotics law has no bearing on the compound itself. Furthermore, EU regulations have long held that, under most circumstances, cannabis containing less than 0.2% THC (increased to 0.3% in 2021¹¹) is useable for industrial or scientific purposes, not for the purpose of intoxication.

German courts have a considerable history with CBD. In some cases, even CBD products containing less than 0.2% have been wrongly designated as having intoxicating value¹². Given the overall progression of EU cannabinoid law combined with Germany’s increased acceptance of Cannabis sativa in general, misunderstandings like these are certain to become increasingly uncommon.

Due to EU regulations, Germany views various categories of CBD products quite differently. Many orally ingested CBD products are considered for “industrial or commercial use,” but food-related products are ineligible for sale in Germany.

CBD gummies, for instance, are illegal in Germany since they violate EU code regarding CBD in food products. Cosmetics containing CBD are viewed differently from other CBD products, which is an important factor when entering the German CBD market.

Is CBD legal in Germany?

The CBD-adjacent cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) remains something of an unknown in Germany despite making considerable gains in American markets. Similar to CBD in being non-intoxicating but fully distinct in its effect and benefit profiles, CBG is certainly something Germans would be interested in under normal circumstances.

With CBD still on its way toward full acceptance in the country, however, attention for new cannabinoids remains divided. The challenge is to present CBG as something new and interesting for Germans to try without raising alarm among authorities that the cannabinoid is somehow more adjacent to THC than it is to CBD.

Is THC legal in Germany?

THC is not legal in Germany as an overall compound. The European country has massively expanded its medical cannabis industry in recent years with plans to expand it even more. THC-rich cannabis use in Germany remains restricted behind a strictly non-commercial wall, though — due to EU law, it is illegal to outright sell cannabis for general adult use within member states, a point it appears the Bundestag has currently chosen to accept rather than contest.

In summation, THC is only legal in Germany in the context of medical cannabis acquired via a state-run pharmacy. As this implies, a doctor’s prescription is also required to legally purchase THC-rich cannabis in Germany. While mainly a formality, this extra step creates extra legwork for consumers, a main driver behind recent legislation designed to revise the nation’s stance on cannabis.

Does Germany have adult-use cannabis?

No, adult-use or recreational cannabis is not legal in Germany. As a result, proper medical authorization is required to possess cannabis products, or the products must contain less than 0.2% THC in pursuance with EU code.

Lack of adult-use cannabis in Germany contributes to a persistence of access challenges for average Germans. Given the fact that the German government has moved so greatly in recent years to embrace cannabis, the proper stance is to simply empower Germans as allies in making their interest in cannabinoids heard.

Can you import cannabinoids into Germany?

According to cannabinoid laws in Germany, imports of cannabinoid products containing less than 0.3% THC generally follow EU code. The German government heavily regulates THC-rich cannabis imports but imposes no such rules on EU-approved industrial hemp products.

Are there cannabinoid manufacturers in Germany?

Cannabinoid manufacturers in Germany are generally restricted to medical or research purposes. Major cannabinoid manufacturers in neighboring European countries ensure steady access for German clients without relying on intercontinental trade.

Summary: Future prospects of German cannabinoid culture

Germany is a nation with a proud and complex history. Reluctant to appear too headstrong, German lawmakers tend to defer to EU positions.

This approach supports European unity but sometimes overlooks German distinctness in its unique relationship with cannabis. Germany’s distinct relationship with cannabis makes it an ideal candidate for the lifting of prohibition.

In approaching the German public or lawmakers regarding the issue of cannabis, this cultural distinctness may resonate strongly. Respect Germany’s diplomatic skill and support its people’s efforts to restore cannabis to their ancestral pharmacopeia.

In time, this disciplined and nuanced approach can’t help but develop Germany into the epicenter of the European cannabis industry that it was always fated to become. In the wider view, the complexities the German cannabinoid market currently faces are nothing compared to the future that is being sculpted by the industry’s visionaries.

Sources

1. Sabaghi, D. (2023, July 10). Germany Unveils Draft Bill To Legalize Cannabis. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2023/07/10/germany-unveils-draft-bill-to-legalize-cannabis/?sh=1fc6fd0d2272#:~:text=Under%20the%20draft%20bill%2C%20adults,a%20maximum%20of%20three%20plants

2. Google Books. (n.d.). https://www.google.com/books/edition/Marijuana_Medicine/o_dKbMFRSzUC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=the+Healing+and+Visionary+Powers+of+Cannabis&printsec=frontcover

3. Grotenhermen, F. (2002). The Medical use of Cannabis in Germany. Journal of Drug Issues, 32(2), 607–634. https://doi.org/10.1177/002204260203200218

4. Details. (n.d.). https://www.unodc.org/LSS/Country/DetailsLegalSystem?code=DLIL&country=DE

5. Welle, D. (2007, August 21). Landmark drug ruling. dw.com. https://www.dw.com/en/germany-allows-patient-legal-use-of-cannabis/a-2746463

6. Welle, D. (2015, February 3). Cannabis in Germany. dw.com. https://www.dw.com/en/high-time-for-medical-marijuana-in-germany/a-18231922

7. Germany: Medical Marijuana Act Enters into Force. (2017, March 13). The Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2017-03-13/germany-medical-marijuana-act-enters-into-force/

8. Topic: Cannabis in Germany. (2023, June 13). Statista. https://www.statista.com/topics/11023/cannabis-in-germany/#topicOverview

9. Canadian Cannabis Survey 2022: Summary. (2022, December 16). Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/research-data/canadian-cannabis-survey-2022-summary.html#:~:text=Significant%20difference%20between%20males%20and%20females.&text=Overall%2C%2019%25%20of%20Canadians%20age,from%2017%25%20in%202021).

10. Data and statistics. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/data-statistics.htm#:~:text=Marijuana%20is%20the%20most%20commonly,at%20least%20once%20in%202019.&text=Recent%20research%20estimated%20that%20approximately,marijuana%20have%20marijuana%20use%20disorder.

11. Sabaghi, D. (2021, December 14). European Union Increases THC Level For Industrial Hemp. Why Does It Matter? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2021/12/14/european-union-increases-thc-level-for-industrial-hemp-why-does-it-matter/?sh=4721a5e8128b#:~:text=The%20European%20Parliament%20approved%20on,enter%20into%20force%20in%202023.

12. Cannabis law and legislation in Germany | CMS Expert Guides. (n.d.). CMS Law.Tax. https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-a-legal-roadmap-to-cannabis/germany

New York State is the epicenter of big business in the United States. Providing you know the right people, there’s no better place in the country to court investment and start a business.

The state of New York is well aware of its popularity, however, and it has taken to taxing business owners heavily. If you decide to set up shop with a hemp or cannabinoid business in New York, you’ll find that for every opportunity that appears, a new obstacle will crop up as well.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know to start a hemp business in New York.

New York cannabinoid law overview

– Hemp cultivation and CBD commerce are both legal in New York State
– The New York state legislature¹ echoed the 2018 Farm Bill with a 2019 law regulating hemp cultivation
– Not only does New York carefully regulate hemp cultivation within the state, but it’s one of only a very few jurisdictions to impose a CBD seller fee
– Every aspect of the hemp supply chain is heavily taxed in New York
– Seed sellers, growers, processors, and retailers must all submit separate applications and pay separate fees 
– Medical and adult-use cannabis are now fully legal in NY
– Provisions for in-home cannabis cultivation in NY are separate from those applicable to hemp agriculture
– Entrepreneurs involved in the NY hemp supply chain must properly register with the state or face potential felony charges

Can I sell CBD in New York?

Yes, it is legal to sell CBD in New York. The state imposes a $300-per-year “CBD seller license²,” which any business selling CBD must pay if they want to remain in operation.

If you are determined to be selling CBD without a license in NY, you may be given an opportunity to acquire a CBD seller license on the spot. Officials can just as easily slap you with fines, however, or even confiscate your entire cannabinoid inventory.

Is it legal to grow hemp in New York?

Yes, it is legal to grow hemp in New York State. To do so, entrepreneurs must successfully apply for Hemp Grower Licensing³ through the New York Department of Agriculture. Applicants must submit a $500 application fee and undergo an FBI background check as part of the process.

Do you need a license to grow hemp in New York?

Yes, licensing is strictly required to grow hemp in New York State, as it is everywhere else in the nation. NY is particularly zealous about its hemp permitting process, however, and will actively pursue any perceived violations of the state hemp code. Unauthorized cultivation of hemp in the state of New York could lead to felony cannabis charges.

New York hemp license process

The New York hemp licensing process is quite arcane. There are at least four different types of licensing available, and you may need all four depending on the scope of your operation. The state of New York also keeps related information scattered across multiple web pages, making it hard to navigate to the information relevant to your business. Below, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about each type of licensing offered:

What is a New York Hemp Seed Seller License?

Even hemp seed sellers need licenses in New York. They aren’t as costly to acquire as other types of licensing, though.

– Link: agriculture.ny.gov/plant-industry/hemp-grower-licensing
– Price: $100 for three years
– Application: Downloadable PDF

What is a New York Hemp Grower License?

This is the main type of licensing hemp cultivators will need if they want to operate in New York State. It comes with a pricey upfront fee, but it lasts three years.

– Link: agriculture.ny.gov/plant-industry/hemp-grower-licensing
– Price: $500 for three years
– Application: Downloadable PDF

What is a New York Hemp Processor License?

This type of licensing is required if you intend to process hemp that has already been cultivated. It is an additional requirement on top of the cultivation license if you intend to both cultivate and process him in New York State.

– Link: cannabis.ny.gov/processors
– Price: $300 for two years plus a $100 licensing fee
– Application: Online form

What is a New York Cannabinoid Hemp Retailer License?

The NY Cannabinoid Hemp Retailer License, commonly known as a CBD seller license, is a requirement for any business seeking to sell cannabinoid products in the state of New York. In practical terms, licensing doesn’t do much to ensure the quality or safety of CBD products sold in New York State, but it does allow the state to keep track of CBD transactions and ensure that retailers are licensed to collect sales tax on behalf of the state treasury.

– Link: cannabis.ny.gov/retailers-distributors
– Price: $300 per year per retail location
– Application: Online form

Does New York have a good climate for hemp cultivation?

The climate in New York State is reasonably suitable for cultivation of all kinds. It is certainly not as ideal for hemp cultivation as more southerly locales like Virginia and the Carolinas, but with a proper understanding of the unique regional dynamics, it’s certainly possible to cultivate hemp in New York quite effectively.

Since the pandemic, commercial space in New York, especially in outlying areas, has become relatively inexpensive, making indoor hemp cultivation a viable option. Despite licensing fees and tax considerations, proper strategies and planning can unlock significant potential for a successful hemp business in the state.

How to start a hemp business in New York

The first step in the process of starting a hemp business in New York State is figuring out which type of licensing your business truly needs, a goal we hope we have assisted with by combining all relevant licensing information in one place. Depending on which components of the hemp cultivation and production process you want to take care of yourself, New York may apply any of the following licensing requirements and concomitant fees:

– A hemp seed seller license and fee
– A hemp cultivation license and fee
– A hemp processing license and fee
– A hemp retailer license and fee

If you were to acquire all of these licenses at once, the price would be $1,300. Some licenses stay valid for three years, others for two, and still others for just one year, making it inherently difficult to keep track of when it is time to renew each one.

Benefits of private labeling

Outsourcing some hemp production and sales processes to entities outside New York can help navigate these challenges. New York imposes fees on every retailer selling cannabinoid products, making annual state payments unavoidable for hemp sales.

You can avoid every other fee the state attempts to impose, however, by having your hemp grown and processed elsewhere. As long as your hemp concentrates arrive in a ready-to-mix form, the state will even unlikely be able to impose processing fees and related registration requirements.

The bottom line: Is starting a hemp business in New York a good idea?

The unavoidable truth is that New York is one of the most populous states in the nation, and its residents are unusually proud of their local state culture and economy. There are even plenty of New Yorkers who simply won’t trust anything unless it was made in New York State, paving the way for unique opportunities.

While New York’s local culture warmly embraces hemp businesses, the government could better align by revisiting its burdensome licenses and fees.

Even California, which is known for its high taxes, is less strict in its licensing requirements for hemp cultivators and processors. And, as is also the case in California and every other state, hemp businesses in New York must pay all applicable business and income taxes on top of hemp licensing fees.

With proper preparation, challenges don’t have to deter you from starting a hemp business or any venture in New York. NYC has always rewarded bold entrepreneurs, offering its wealth to those with courage and determination.

New York hemp business FAQs

Below, learn more about what it takes to run a hemp business in New York:

Can you grow hemp in New York State?

Yes, it is legal to grow hemp in New York State due to the 2018 Farm Bill. New York has, furthermore, passed its own piece of legislation supporting the hemp industry. New York presents more challenges to hemp businesses than other states, but capable entrepreneurs turn these challenges into opportunities.

Do you need a license to grow hemp in NY?

Yes, it is necessary to acquire proper licensing to grow hemp in New York. Depending on your type of hemp commerce, you may need up to four licenses, some requiring yearly renewal. Scroll up for New York State’s comprehensive hemp licensing database with relevant application links.

How do I get a license to grow hemp in NY?

The process of receiving licensing to grow hemp in New York is relatively straightforward, but it involves a few different steps, including:

– Submitting a completed PDF application
– An FBI background check for all “key participants”
– Maps and/or aerial photos detailing cultivation and storage locations

Once you have provided all the relevant submissions, the New York Department of Agriculture will consider your application and respond when it is ready.

How many hemp growers are in New York?

New York State is home to approximately 700 hemp cultivation operations. Considering the abundant cropland available in the upstate area, it’s clear that New York has far from reached the limit of its hemp cultivation capacity.

Sources

1. NY State Senate Bill 2019-S6184A. (n.d.). https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/S6184#:~:text=This%20legislation%20establishes%20the%20regulation,of%20products%20and%20product%20labeling.

2. Retailers & distributors. (n.d.). Office of Cannabis Management. https://cannabis.ny.gov/retailers-distributors

3. Hemp grower licensing. (n.d.). Agriculture and Markets. https://agriculture.ny.gov/plant-industry/hemp-grower-licensing

Illinois might not be the first state you think of in association with cannabis, but it’s certainly on the map. Adult-use cannabis sales in the state reached $1.5 billion in 2022¹, spurring an overall adoption of cannabinoids, including non-intoxicating compounds like CBD and CBG.

It has a population of nearly 13 million, and it’s home to one of the biggest cities in the United States. Illinois shouldn’t be overlooked when considering locales to start a hemp business, especially with the freedom offered by white labeling. Learn the ins and outs of starting and operating a hemp business in Illinois to determine whether it’s the right path for you.

Illinois cannabinoid legality overview

– Illinois is home to both an adult-use and medical cannabis program
– Cannabis plants can also be grown indoors in Illinois in locked rooms
– Limit of 5 cannabis plants per home
– Illinois was one of the first states to allow hemp cultivation
– The Illinois Hemp Pilot Program² went into effect in 2015
– The Illinois Industrial Hemp Act³ followed in 2018
– This marked the expansion of an already thriving project
– The Illinois Industrial Hemp Program is currently undergoing a major retrofit
– Illinois hemp cultivation applications are filled out online
– Products must be tested through state-approved labs
– Licensing is not required to sell hemp products, only for cultivation and processing

Which cannabinoids can I sell in Illinois?

In Illinois, no distinction is generally made between cannabinoids that are not THC-adjacent, such as CBD, CBG, and CBN. Where things get more complicated is in the case of THC-adjacent compounds like THCA, delta 8, and HHC.

Under federal law, these substances are also generally considered to be “industrial hemp” since they contain less than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, the only substance strictly considered to be “marijuana” under federal law anymore.

The massive proliferation of cannabinoids like delta 8 within Illinois has led to significant controversy. Delta 8 became popular in the state originally due to sky-high prices at medical and adult-use dispensaries. Then, public outcry emerged over the regulation and safety of delta 8 products.

Most recently, cannabis reform legislation in Illinois was hamstrung⁴ in 2023 by internal disputes over whether to regulate delta 8 as cannabis or attempt to ban it outright. Our advice to anyone seeking to enter the Illinois cannabinoid market is to steer as far clear of this ongoing debacle as possible by sticking to strictly approved cannabinoids like CBD.

Can I grow hemp in Illinois?

Yes, hemp cultivation is legal in Illinois as it is everywhere else in the United States due to the 2018 Farm Bill. Illinois has, in fact, been leading the way in hemp cultivation since 2015, when the state enacted a pilot hemp horticulture program far before most others.

Illinois then echoed the 2018 Farm Bill by explicitly allowing hemp cultivation with its Industrial Hemp Act. Perhaps more than any other state, Illinois provides legal provisions making it abundantly clear that hemp cultivation is allowed within its borders. Reasonable restrictions do apply, however.

Do you need a license to grow hemp in Illinois?

Yes, proper licensing is required for hemp cultivation in Illinois. Failure to register your hemp cultivation operation with the state could lead to fines and legal injunctions, especially if your crop is confused with marijuana. Illinois makes it reasonably easy to apply for a hemp cultivation license online.

Illinois hemp licensing process

To apply for a hemp cultivation license in Illinois, follow this simple workflow:

1. Navigate to agr.illinois.gov/plants/industrial-hemp
2. Scroll almost all the way to the bottom, or search within the page for “Forms and Applications”
3. Choose the correct form, and click the link
4. You’ll now provide various details through an online form
5. It’s possible to save your progress at any point
6. Pay all relevant fees, and submit the form
7. Await the decision of the Illinois Department of Agriculture

How much does an Illinois hemp license cost?

Compared to other states, the price to acquire an Illinois hemp license is relatively abstruse. We’ll break it down below:

– A $100 application fee is charged for each submitted application
– Grower license fees are as follows:
– 1-year license: $375
– 2-year license: $700
– 3-year license: $1,000

Note how Illinois allows for licensing periods of up to three years, a significant departure from the procedures followed by most other states. A slight price break is given for longer licensing periods to incentivize growers toward three-year licenses.

Is the Illinois climate good for hemp cultivation?

Illinois is an acceptable climate for growing hemp. As part of the Great Plains region and also proximate to the Great Lakes, Illinois experiences extreme seasonal weather, making it ideal for hardier crops like corn.

Illinois allows cannabis to be grown in one annual cycle, limiting output compared to multi-crop regions like California and the Carolina coast. However, the state’s abundant cropland and flat landscape make transporting goods from rural areas to urban centers efficient.

How to launch a hemp business in Illinois

If you want to start a hemp business in Illinois, you’ll need to go through a lengthy series of steps. Some of the requirements are natural, but others are imposed by the state of Illinois. Here’s the general process laid out as simply as possible:

1. Acquire hemp cultivation licensing from the Illinois Department of Agriculture
2. This process will entail quite a few steps, such as:
3. Proving you have sufficient commercial space;
4. Demonstrating a comprehensive business plan;
5. Staying in compliance with all certification and regulatory procedures.
6. If you application is approved, you may begin operations
7. It will be necessary to hire employees, acquire farmland, and build out your processing facility
8. You can skip many steps by sourcing hemp raw materials elsewhere and processing or formulating them into finished products in Illinois.

Benefits of white labeling CBD in Illinois

In Illinois as in most other places in the nation, hemp cultivation and processing licenses are separate. If you only intend to process hemp and not sell it, you only need a processing license, not a cultivation license.

Furthermore, if your hemp raw materials arrive in a pre-processed state, you don’t even need a processing license. Simply combine bulk, white-label CBD extract with other ingredients to formulate products, and sell them in Illinois without any licensing whatsoever.

The other choice is to work with the state of Illinois as they hold your hand through a lengthy regulatory process. Decide which approach is best based on the needs of your particular business.

Summary: Should I start a hemp business in Illinois?

Illinois presents its own unique set of opportunities for hemp businesses. While there are challenges, as with any state, a deep understanding of the landscape can position a hemp or cannabinoid business for success in Illinois.

There’s certainly enough private investment to go around. Chicago is an old-money epicenter, and international investment continues to pour into Illinois year after year. CBD and cannabinoids are a hot topic in Illinois’s adult-use-saturated market, allowing cannabinoid brands to easily connect with customers.

For hemp cultivation, different regions offer varied advantages. Our advice is to set up shop in Illinois for access to the Chicago market and investment opportunities but to have your cannabinoid ingredients shipped in from a more suitable climate like Oregon.

Illinois hemp business FAQs

Focus in on the details of operating a hemp business in Illinois with this FAQ section:

Is it legal to sell hemp in Illinois?

Yes, it is legal to sell unprocessed or partially processed hemp products in Illinois in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill and the Illinois Industrial Hemp Act. Any commercial or private entities doing so must first register with the state. These restrictions are not in place for sale of finished products containing CBD or other hemp cannabinoids.

Do you need a license to sell hemp in Illinois?

Yes, you can legally acquire licensing to sell hemp grown or processed in Illinois, as long as the hemp complies with the Illinois Industrial Hemp Act. Imported hemp products are generally exempt.

Do you need a license to sell CBD in Illinois?

No licensing is required to either buy or sell CBD in the state of Illinois. CBD is not a controlled substance, and as a finished product intended for consumer sale, it does not fall under the state’s definition of a hemp product cultivated or processed in Illinois. Individuals who wish to sell finished CBD products in Illinois should understand that no licensing from the state is required whatsoever aside from any general business licensing that would otherwise apply.

How much is a hemp license in Illinois?

In Illinois, acquiring a hemp cultivation or processing license can cost anywhere between $475 and $1,100. There is a $100 application fee for all hemp applications, and license pricing varies depending on the duration of the licensing window.

Sources

1. Adult use cannabis sales figures released for April 2023. (n.d.). https://idfpr.illinois.gov/news/2023/auc-sales-figures-april-2023.html

2. Illinois General Assembly – Illinois compiled statutes. (n.d.). https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072005500K15.2

3. 505 ILCS 89/ Industrial Hemp Act. (n.d.). https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3910&ChapterID=40

4. Thomas, S. S. (2023). Delta-8 Dispute Gets In Way of Illinois Pot Reform. High Times. https://hightimes.com/news/delta-8-dispute-gets-in-way-of-illinois-pot-reform/