Cannabidiol, also known as CBD oil, is one of the by-products of the cannabis or hemp plant. It is extracted when the cannabis plant is processed using C02 or cold pressing. Cannabidiol is a low-psychoactive and non-toxic compound that does not have a euphoric “high” effect.
This effect is usually caused by THC, another chemical compound found in the hemp plant. Since CBD oil does not contain high levels of THC, it is generally safe for human and animal use.
CBD Oil in Germany
Like most countries in the European Union, Germany has stringent rules regarding the legalisation and application of cannabis and its derived products, including CBD oil. The topic of cannabis legalisation in Germany has been particularly complicated and challenging.
But you will be happy to know that today in Germany, CBD Oil is legal to buy and consume as a supplement.
History of Hemp Laws Germany
Germany features quite a long cannabis history. It dates back to the Roman period, between 800 to 500 BC. During this period, Germans used seeds from the hemp plant as a staple food. Additionally, Germans began using cannabis for its therapeutic benefits in the Middle Ages.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the hemp plant became an essential crop in Germany thanks to its moisture resistance and strength. German fleets used hemp to make ropes, uniforms, flags, and sails. However, its popularity declined when cotton was discovered as a favoured textile crop.
After the Second World War, the country started growing hemp again. 20% of the crop was used domestically, and the rest was imported to nearby countries like Italy. However, in 1982, things changed again when the Narcotics Law outlawed the use of the crop except for scientific research.
In the 1990s, the interest in hemp increased thanks to publishing a bestselling book, The Rediscovery of the Agricultural Crop. Despite the new interest in the crop and its benefits, the ban on its cultivation still existed.
While most European countries legalised hemp in the 1990s, however, Germany delayed the legalisation of hemp until 2017. The amended German narcotic laws still feature some limitations. These laws also impact the CBD oil Germany. This is because CBD oil is a product of the hemp plant.
Additionally, the amended laws also distinguish cannabis for medical and non-medical applications. The new laws include hemp’s exemptions and derivatives, like CBD products.
In 2019, another restriction was introduced in the Novel Food Regulation. The European Union classified CBD as a novel food. This is because of the lack of evidence for its consumption before 1997. Therefore, as a novel food, the NFR requires businesses to apply for a Novel Food Authorisation in the European Business before selling CBD edibles.
The challenge with this restriction is that the authorisation takes a long time to process. It can take up to several years to process. For this reason, CBD edibles were banned in Germany in 2019.
More Reading: What is CBD Oil Used for?
What are Current Laws for CBD Oil in Germany?
Currently, cannabinoids made from hemp and other cannabis strains are entirely vegan and declared safe for use in Germany under the Narcotics Law. While CBD products like CBD oil are currently legal in Germany, there are some restrictions on the type of products you can purchase or not. Some of these restrictions are:
- The cultivated hemp must contain less than 0.2% THC
- Only CBD products with less than 0.2% THC can be sold over the counter; this includes CBD oils
- Users can shop for any type of CBD product (including CBD oils) except edibles. The Novel Food Regulation prohibits the manufacture and sale of CBD edibles throughout Europe
- Users can purchase medical CBD with a doctor’s prescription. The prescription needs to come from licensed pharmacies
- CBD help flowers are prohibited in Germany, except if they are intended for scientific and commercial applications
- Recreational use of marijuana is prohibited. However, hemp and marijuana are not the same because the former does not contain THC, while the latter does
Applications of Hemp Products in Germany:
- One of the most common applications of CBD oil in Germany is as a food supplement. It is used for improving the health value of people’s food diets.
- Another application is as a food supplement. Cannabis is used as a food supplement and acts like other daily mineral supplements and vitamins. This application can be attributed to the fact that CBD oils contain numerous nutrients like Omega 3’s, Vitamin B, and iron.
- In Germany, CBD oil is also used for its therapeutic purposes. For instance, it is used for relieving mental health symptoms, chronic pains, and other medical challenges.
It is worth noting that CBD oil in Germany comes in isolate powder and full-spectrum liquid form. CBD isolates are typically stripped of all other compounds and extracts from the hemp plant. This leaves the product 100% pure.
The powder can also be mixed with carrier oils like olive oil before ingesting. On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD oil is made using whole cannabis plants with trace amounts of THC. However, the RHC content is usually below 0.2% as per German laws.
Since CBD oil has been declared safe for use in Germany, it is currently sold in coffee shops, pharmacies, and supermarkets across Germany. You can also purchase CBD oil from dedicated online stores. In fact, most Germans prefer purchasing their CBD oil from reputable online stores.
Is Cannabidiol Popular with Germans?
The friendly legal attitudes towards hemp and CBD products have led to significant growth in the German CBD market. Therefore, buying CBD oil Germany is legal as long as you adhere to the restrictions explained in this post.
Despite the restrictions, the list of CBD products, like oils, vapes, concentrates, and capsules in Germany is long.