Overview of CBD Legality in Germany
Germany’s approach to CBD regulation is shaped by both national law and European Union standards. For businesses, understanding these rules is critical to ensuring products meet legal requirements and remain marketable across the EU.
CBD products in Germany are legal when they comply with specific conditions:
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THC Limits: Hemp cultivation in Germany follows EU rules allowing ≤ 0.3 % THC. However, finished consumer products generally need to meet stricter limits, typically ≤ 0.2 %, to ensure compliance and avoid controlled substance classification.
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EU-Certified Varieties: Hemp used for CBD extraction must come from EU-approved varieties. This ensures consistency in THC content and product quality.
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Non-Medical Use: CBD products cannot make unapproved medical claims and must be marketed appropriately to avoid classification as medicines.
Germany’s evolving cannabis policies, including the legalisation of recreational cannabis use in 2024, reflect a broader trend toward regulation and normalisation. While these reforms indicate a more open market, businesses must still navigate precise legal requirements for CBD products to ensure full compliance.
Germany’s 2024 Cannabis Law Reform
In 2024, Germany implemented significant reforms to its cannabis laws, marking a shift towards more liberal personal use policies. While these changes focus on recreational cannabis rather than CBD, they shape the overall regulatory environment and public perception.
For businesses in the CBD sector, understanding these reforms is essential for anticipating evolving consumer attitudes and compliance needs.
Key provisions of the 2024 law include:
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Adults (18+) may possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use.
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Individuals may cultivate up to three cannabis plants at home.
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Use is prohibited within 100 metres of schools or playgrounds.
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Adults resident in Germany for at least six months can join non-profit cannabis clubs (up to 500 members).
– Members can purchase up to 25 grams per day or 50 grams per month.
– Stricter monthly limits (30 grams) apply to those under 21.
While these changes expand legal access to cannabis, they do not alter the rules for CBD products, which remain subject to their own THC limits, sourcing requirements, and marketing regulations. Businesses must continue to ensure CBD products comply with these separate legal standards.
Regulations for Selling CBD in Germany
Selling CBD products in Germany requires meeting clear legal requirements that align with national and EU standards. Compliance ensures not only smooth market entry but also builds trust with retailers and customers.
CBD products must adhere to strict THC limits (≤ 0.2 %), be produced from EU-certified hemp varieties, and avoid unapproved medical claims. Labelling must be clear, accurate, and include batch-level testing documentation to verify safety and legal THC levels.
Online Sales
Selling online is legal in Germany, offering businesses broad market reach and lower operational costs. Brands must ensure clear product information and compliant advertising.
Retail Sales
Physical retail remains an important channel in Germany. Health shops, pharmacies, and specialist stores require careful planning for compliance, staff training, and stock management to ensure products meet all legal requirements.
Starting a CBD Business in Germany
Starting a CBD business in Germany requires careful planning and adherence to local regulations. From formal registration and compliance with THC limits to building reliable supplier relationships, every step must align with both German law and EU standards to ensure a sustainable and legally compliant operation.
Finding a CBD Manufacturer
Selecting the right CBD Manufacturer is a critical part of building a compliant and competitive business in Germany. The supplier you choose will directly influence your ability to meet legal requirements, maintain consistent product quality, and satisfy retailer and consumer expectations.
German law requires CBD products to be derived from hemp cultivated using EU-approved varieties, ensuring predictable THC levels and reliable compliance with EU standards. Working with suppliers who can provide transparent documentation and testing records is essential for demonstrating legal compliance during inspections or audits.
While sourcing from German producers may simplify logistics, many successful brands also partner with reputable manufacturers across the EU to expand their product range and improve pricing or production capabilities.
When assessing potential suppliers, businesses should look for:
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Proven compliance with German and EU THC limits.
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Transparent sourcing and testing documentation.
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Consistent product quality and reliable delivery.
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Flexible packaging and product formats to meet market needs.
Through our CBD Consulting services, Hempo Solutions can help partners ensure their CBD products meet German and EU standards consistently, supporting reliable market entry and building trust with consumers.
Conclusion: Key Points on CBD Legality in Germany
Germany offers one of Europe’s most promising markets for CBD products, underpinned by clear, structured regulations. Businesses entering this market must ensure their products meet strict THC limits, source hemp from EU-approved varieties, and adhere to labelling and documentation standards.
Recent reforms, including the legalisation of recreational cannabis for personal use, highlight Germany’s evolving approach to cannabis regulation. However, CBD products remain subject to specific requirements that demand careful planning and robust compliance to avoid enforcement risks.
For companies looking to succeed in Germany’s competitive CBD sector, understanding these legal nuances is essential. Careful preparation, reliable sourcing, and strong operational controls can help brands meet all local requirements while building trust with retailers and consumers.
At Hempo Solutions, we have the expertise and industry knowledge to help partners navigate these regulations confidently and ensure their products meet the highest standards for successful entry into the German market.
