The legality of cannabis products in Europe can be fascinating yet chaotic. Each country has its own approach to these products, and when we look at individual cannabinoids, the situation becomes even more complex. Let's finally clear things up and take a look at the current state of affairs.
Guide to cannabis legality in Europe
The question of the legality of cannabis products is constantly changing, depending on the cannabinoid in question and the country we are in. It also depends on research and studies that examine the medical and adverse effects of cannabis products.
CBD and CBG
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the most well-known cannabinoids in Europe. The legal status of CBD varies from country to country, much like other cannabinoids. However, unlike other cannabinoids, CBD is legal in most European countries as long as it meets the established THC content limit. This limit can vary; for instance, in the Czech Republic, the THC content was set at 0.3% until 2021, but the legal limit is currently set at 1% THC. Other European countries may have different limits; for example, Germany is on the path to legalizing marijuana, while the Netherlands has long been considered the most liberal country, although the legal THC content limit must still be observed.
CBG, or cannabigerol, is a lesser-known cousin of CBD, but its legal status is very similar. Like CBD, CBG does not have psychoactive effects but has the potential to affect the body differently. Some studies suggest that CBG may have strong antibacterial properties, help fight inflammation, and support eye health. CBG is found in very small amounts in the cannabis plant, making its extraction more expensive and complicated than that of regular CBD.
HHC and other derivatives
In March and July 2024, a government regulation came into effect in the Czech Republic, updating the list of controlled substances. The main goal of this legislation was to strengthen public health and safety by limiting access to these substances and preventing their abuse. In March, substances such as HHC, HHC-O, and THCP were added to the list of controlled substances, and in July, additional synthetic substances were banned, including HHC-P, HHC-B, HHC-H, THC-H, and THC-B.
The aim of the ban is to limit availability and prevent abuse until more scientific studies on the effects and safety of these substances are available. The reason for the ban was primarily the lack of research on these substances.
In 2023, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) warned that there is currently a lack of research and studies examining the effects of HHC on the human body. This situation was quickly addressed by some European countries; for example, Estonia was the first EU country to propose a law listing HHC as a banned psychoactive substance. Austria, Norway, Finland, and Switzerland soon followed.
Other European countries where HHC is illegal include:
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Denmark
- France
- Iceland
- Italy
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Hungary
- The Netherlands
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Sweden
- The United Kingdom
However, there are European countries where HHC is likely to remain legal, including Croatia, Slovenia, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Moldova, and Romania.
Since laws can change overnight, it is important to always check the current legislation of the country you are in. Make sure you are well informed about local legal norms and act accordingly.
THCP and THCP-O
Another well-known cannabinoid following HHC is THCP, which has met the same fate as HHC. THCP and other derivatives have been banned and added to the list of controlled substances. The oldest French television channel (TF1) raised concerns about the safety of these substances. A group of young people ended up in the emergency room after consuming THC and H4-CBD gummies at a party. The number of such cases has since increased across Europe.
10-OH-HHC
Less than two weeks after the ban, new CBD derivatives that bypass the ban are already emerging. One of these derivatives is 10-OH-HHC. What is it? 10-OH-HHC is a metabolite of HHC, meaning that this cannabinoid is naturally produced in the body after consuming HHC.
10-OH-HHC was only recently introduced to the market, and because it is new, it is currently completely legal. This is because there is no legislation in France or other EU countries regulating its consumption. However, this does not mean that this will remain the case in the long term.
THC-R
Another new legal cannabinoid is THC-R. It is currently considered one of the best alternatives to THC that the market offers. Its effects are very similar to those of natural THC. As for its legal status, THC-R is currently legal. However, it is hard to say how it will be treated in the future. It is therefore important to stay informed about the latest developments and local laws in your country.
The legality of THC
Germany
The German parliament has supported a new law allowing the recreational use of cannabis. According to the law, people over the age of 18 in Germany will be allowed to possess a considerable amount of cannabis, but strict rules will make it difficult to purchase cannabis. What does this mean? Yes, recreational marijuana is legal in Germany, but there are many restrictions. For example, if you are 18 years old, you can have up to 25 grams on you and even 50 grams of recreational marijuana at home. You can grow up to three plants per person at home, but the grown cannabis cannot be sold. Another restriction concerns smoking, specifically where it is not allowed, such as near schools, playgrounds, etc. The paradox is that there is currently no way to buy marijuana. There are no cannabis shops, so you must either grow it yourself or join a cannabis club.
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, marijuana is not technically legal but is practically so. There are no laws decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana or its smoking. There are official guidelines instructing the police not to prosecute cannabis users who possess less than 5 grams of marijuana. Coffeeshops in Amsterdam and other cities should be distinguished from regular cafes. Thanks to the policy in the Netherlands, nobody usually bothers the owner or his customers, so you can walk into a cafe, buy a joint, a "space cake," or any other product containing cannabis.
Spain
Cannabis in Spain is not legal, but it is not illegal either. In fact, it is not illegal to grow and consume small amounts of cannabis at home. While the cultivation of recreational cannabis and its sale remain illegal, it is possible to grow it at home and use it in private spaces, as long as the cultivation is not visible from public areas.
The USA
Outside Europe, it's interesting to note the legalization of THC in the USA. Twenty-six states have taken steps to legalize marijuana as public support for legalization has rapidly grown. States where recreational marijuana is legal include Washington, California, Alaska, and Ohio. States have their own procedures for granting licenses, but in all states where marijuana is legal, businesses selling marijuana must have a state license. Sales are regulated and taxed by states at varying rates.
Conclusion
When it comes to cannabis products, Europe is like a puzzle. Each cannabinoid has its own rules, and it's a good idea to check them before purchasing and using. CBD and CBG are generally fine as long as they meet the established THC limit. However, with newer and stronger substances, it can be more complicated, and it's necessary to monitor changes related to the legalization of these substances.
