CBD in Germany
Germany is one of the larger European markets for CBD and its related products, with interest steadily increasing. This page includes all of our detailed full-length German market and regulatory reports, as well as both business and regulatory briefings covering current updates from the country.
Business briefing
Regulatory briefing
More Regulatory briefingMarket reports
Online retailer report: the German market
27th July 2021
Regulatory reports
Medical and recreational cannabis – a global overview
10th May 2021
Strict enforcement and lack of clarity in places in Germany
The German market is forever changing, with brands continuously adjusting their offering to match consumer demand. The legality of several types of CBD products remains unclear in Germany, where enforcement can be strict – though seemingly piecemeal and varying from state to state.
CBD, unlike THC, is not a controlled substance in Germany and its use is thus not outlawed. However, its regulation depends on the intended use. Since October 2016, following a recommendation by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), pure CBD has been recognised as a medicine having pharmacological effects and has been subject to a prescription requirement, meaning it can only be acquired using a medical prescription.
Although CBD products with a THC content of up to 0.2% are being sold on the German market and are considered legal according to some industry stakeholders, the authorities have confirmed to CBD-Intel that the limit of 0.2% THC only applies to the hemp plant.
