Is CBD legal in Austria in 2025?
Is CBD legal in Austria? This question arises frequently as the demand for CBD products continues to grow. Over the past decade, interest in CBD oil and related products has surged, but laws regulating cannabis cultivation and CBD products remain inconsistent across the globe. Austria, in particular, has its unique regulatory nuances that are important to understand.
Despite efforts by the European Union to standardize CBD laws, differences among member states persist, with Austria being a notable example. The EU’s attempts at harmonizing regulations for CBD oil and novel foods have made progress, but local laws still create uncertainty.
At Essentia Pura, we are dedicated to providing up-to-date information on CBD regulations across Europe. We have previously explored laws in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and Poland, and now we turn our focus to Austria. Our goal is to help companies succeed in the Austrian CBD market by clarifying its regulations and business opportunities.
In this article, we explain if CBD is legal in Austria, how to sell CBD products legally, and the distinctions between personal, medical, and commercial use of CBD. We will also cover the latest government stance and offer guidance for launching your CBD business in Austria.
With the Austrian government’s shifting views on CBD regulations, understanding the current legal framework is essential for making informed decisions. Let’s start with the basics.
Basic information
The first essential point is that CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant. Most people are familiar with cannabis and its various uses, but the plant is also associated with significant legal complexities.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid extracted from the Cannabis sativa L. plant. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t cause a “high.” In recent years, researchers have extensively studied the potential benefits of CBD, uncovering its positive effects on wellness and health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has even declared that CBD products are generally safe for use in an official report.
The rising popularity of cannabis-derived products has sparked a rapidly expanding global and European market. In response, governments are adjusting their legal frameworks to meet demand and ensure consumer safety. This regulatory shift presents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs to establish and grow a CBD business in Austria.
However, Austria has a unique regulatory approach that sets it apart from many other EU countries. Understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone looking to enter the Austrian CBD market.
Recreational use
In Austria, the personal use of cannabis is decriminalized under specific conditions. Since 2016, possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis has been decriminalized, meaning users may avoid criminal charges for small amounts. However, possessing more than 20 grams or engaging in selling or distributing cannabis remains a criminal offense, punishable under Austrian law.
Home cultivation of cannabis is permitted, but only if the plants remain non-flowering and contain less than 0.3% THC, classifying them as hemp. This limit, which is more generous than the EU standard of 0.2%, allows individuals to legally grow hemp for non-consumable purposes, such as decoration or air quality improvement.
Medical use
In Austria, medical cannabis is legal but only under specific conditions. However, the laws impose notable limitations. For instance, patients cannot access dried cannabis flowers, as they are prohibited. Instead, only cannabis-based medications such as tablets, oils, or creams are permitted for therapeutic use.
A significant barrier for patients is the reluctance of doctors and insurance providers. Many doctors are hesitant to prescribe cannabis-based treatments, and insurance companies frequently refuse to cover costs, limiting accessibility for those in need.
Despite these challenges, the situation is not entirely discouraging for businesses. The key lies in understanding the distinction between hemp and marijuana. While marijuana is subject to stricter controls, CBD derived from hemp (with less than 0.3% THC) remains legal and is increasingly used for wellness products.
Hemp and Marijuana
Marijuana and hemp are both forms of the cannabis plant, but they are classified differently based on their THC content. In Austria, if a cannabis plant contains less than 0.3% THC, it is legally considered hemp, making it lawful for cultivation and commercial use. If the THC content exceeds this threshold, the plant is classified as marijuana, which is illegal for recreational purposes. Austria’s 0.3% THC limit is more generous than the EU standard of 0.2%, offering businesses more flexibility.
Despite this leeway, a regulatory shift in 2018 brought confusion to the market, forcing many companies to adapt their labeling and product categories to remain compliant. However, hemp products remain legal, provided they stay below the THC cap.
Hemp has a long history in Austria, with uses spanning centuries in industries such as clothing, cosmetics, and food supplements. Today, hemp-derived CBD products are popular for wellness purposes, and hemp cultivation is legal with the proper permits. Additionally, cannabis seeds can be purchased freely, enabling growers to cultivate legal hemp within the country’s THC limits.
Understanding the distinction between hemp and marijuana is crucial for entering the Austrian CBD market, as both forms contain CBD, but their legal status depends on their THC content.
CBD essentials
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of 113 cannabinoids that come from the cannabis plant. CBD can be extracted from the cannabis plant in such a way that it can be isolated from other cannabinoids. Most importantly, it can be separated from THC, the psychoactive element in cannabis. This means that it does not get you high. This is a major reason why CBD is gaining in popularity.
Once CBD is isolated it is then added to a carrier oil to make CBD or hemp oil, as well as other products.
If you want to learn more about the process of isolation or making hemp oil you can read about it here.
CBD regulation in Austria
In Austria, CBD products remain in a legal grey area, but key regulations have been clarified as of 2025. The shift that began in 2018, which redefined how CBD products could be marketed, continues to shape the Austrian market today.
Current Regulations on CBD Products:
- Product Classification: CBD products cannot be sold as food supplements or medications. Instead, they must be labeled as "aroma products" or "technical products" and marked as "not for consumption."
- Edibles and Cosmetics: CBD-infused food products and cosmetics remain prohibited unless they are specifically authorized under EU Novel Food regulations, which Austria strictly enforces.
- Hemp Products: CBD products derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC are legal, aligning with Austria's higher THC threshold compared to the EU’s 0.2% limit.
The Austrian government emphasizes consumer safety, citing a lack of effective quality control for unauthorized CBD products. This has led to increased regulatory oversight and strict enforcement of labeling and safety standards.
Business Considerations:
To succeed in the Austrian CBD market, businesses must:
Comply with EU Novel Food regulations if pursuing CBD-infused food or cosmetics.
Adhere to the 0.3% THC limit for all hemp-derived products.
Properly classify and label products as non-consumable unless authorized under EU standards.
Buying CBD in Austria
You might be wondering how to buy CBD oil in Austria or other similar aromatic products. Both online and in-person options are available and legal. Most people in Austria seem to opt for the online shopping of CBD oil and related products, probably due to the wider range of available products.
You should be careful and only order from reputable websites. Avoid any website that makes exaggerated claims of the benefits of their products. Be careful that you do not import illegal CBD products, as those will most likely be seized and consequently cause you trouble.
If you are planning to start a CBD-oriented business you should carefully choose your supplier. We advise you to only deal with trusted and accredited companies. In case you want to find a wholesale business partner, Essentia Pura is a perfect match for you.
Conclusion
Is CBD Legal in Austria in 2025?
Yes, CBD oil is legal in Austria, but businesses and consumers must follow key regulations to remain compliant. Here’s a comprehensive summary of the current laws and standards:
- THC Limit: All CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC, a limit higher than the EU’s standard of 0.2%.
- Labeling Requirements: CBD products cannot be marketed as food supplements or medications. Instead, they must be classified as aroma products or technical products, with clear labels stating "not for consumption."
- Sales Channels: Both online and in-person sales are allowed, with online platforms offering broader reach and product variety.
- Hemp Cultivation: Industrial hemp cultivation is legal with the appropriate permit, and cannabis seeds can be purchased freely, provided plants remain below the legal THC limit.
- CBD Novel Foods: CBD-infused edibles and similar products are subject to strict safety evaluations and labeling standards under EU Novel Food regulations, ensuring consumer protection.
Austria’s CBD market has remained stable through 2025, balancing growth opportunities with a commitment to safety and compliance. Businesses that follow these regulations can confidently thrive in the expanding Austrian CBD industry.
About us
At Essentia Pura, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality white-label and private-label CBD products, helping businesses launch their own unique CBD brands. With cutting-edge hemp extraction methods and a commitment to compliance and quality, we support companies in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Whether you’re looking for ready-to-market formulations or custom solutions, we’re here to help you succeed in the growing CBD market.
