Is CBD Legal in Belgium in 2025?
Belgium might be called the heart of the European Union, as the most important decision-makers of the EU are in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Naturally, this means that Belgium is among the first ones to implement the EU regulations, whatever the subject may be. This is also true when it comes to CBD regulation. So, is CBD legal in Belgium? Let's find out.
CBD products are a fast-growing industry and as it often happens, regulation cannot quite keep up with the development of new products. The change in the CBD industry is so rapid that even when regulation tries to catch up it is often too late, or out of date and it can cause more harm than good. Such is, unfortunately, the case of Belgium and, perhaps, of the whole European Union. We, at Essentia Pura, believe that regulation of CBD products is needed, as it offers certainty to businesses and protects consumers from exaggerated health claims.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how Belgium regulates the CBD industry. By the end of this article you will know:
- What is CBD?
- What is the regulation of cannabis in Belgium?
- Is CBD legal in Belgium?
- How is CBD regulated in Belgium?
- Where can you buy CBD in Belgium?
- Can you legally sell CBD in Belgium?
CBD in Belgium
To start the article properly, we have to explain what CBD is.
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is one of 113 known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. So far we know that it is a part of the cannabis plant. The second important thing to learn is that CBD is associated with all kinds of possible health benefits.
We are sure all of you are at least somewhat familiar with cannabis, but we wish to explain a couple of things about the plant anyway. For starters, there are at least two major types of cannabis, and they differ significantly in their effects, as well as in their treatment in Belgian law.
Cannabis in Belgium
Marijuana remains the most widely recognized cannabis plant, primarily due to THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for its intoxicating effects. Because THC affects cognitive and motor functions, Belgium—like many countries—restricts its use and regulates it under its drug policy framework.
Is Cannabis Legal in Belgium?
Recreational cannabis use remains illegal, but Belgium has a decriminalized approach for personal possession. Adults over 18 can possess up to 3 grams of cannabis or cultivate one female plant for personal use without facing criminal charges. However, possession in public spaces, near schools, or involving minors can result in more severe penalties.
While personal cultivation and use are tolerated, growing multiple plants or engaging in sales and distribution is strictly illegal. Authorities actively prosecute commercial production, and trafficking can result in significant legal consequences.
Cannabis Social Clubs in Belgium
Belgium has seen the emergence of cannabis social clubs, where members cultivate and distribute cannabis among themselves without engaging in commercial trade. These clubs operate in a legal gray area, as they rely on the decriminalization of personal cultivation. While some clubs have faced legal action, Belgian authorities have largely tolerated their existence in recent years—though they are not officially recognized or regulated.
Medical cannabis
With growing scientific evidence supporting cannabis for medical use, many are asking whether medical cannabis is legal in Belgium.
Currently, Belgium has a highly restrictive medical cannabis policy. Under a royal decree, the only cannabis-based medication approved for use is Sativex, a THC and CBD oral spray prescribed exclusively for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Beyond this, no other cannabis-based medications are legally available in Belgium.
Despite increasing public support and advocacy for broader medical cannabis access, the government has not yet expanded its medical cannabis program. Many patients seeking alternative cannabis treatments must look to imports from other EU countries where regulations are more flexible.
Hemp in Belgium
Hemp is a legal variety of cannabis in Belgium that differs from marijuana due to its low THC content, meaning it has no psychoactive effects. As a result, hemp cultivation and use are legal, but strict regulations apply.
Farmers and businesses can legally grow hemp for commercial purposes, but they must obtain a government-issued permit before starting cultivation. Additionally, hemp must not exceed 0.3% THC, following updated European Union standards. Only EU-approved hemp strains can be cultivated, ensuring compliance with both Belgian and EU regulations.
Hemp cultivation is primarily used for industrial applications, such as textiles, construction materials, and food products, but it cannot be grown for personal use without approval. With rising demand for hemp-derived products, including CBD cosmetics and wellness items, the hemp industry in Belgium is expected to expand, provided businesses follow the THC limits and licensing requirements.
CBD Regulation in Belgium
The legal status of CBD in Belgium remains complicated, placing CBD products in a legal gray area. While CBD is not classified as a narcotic, Belgian authorities strictly regulate how it can be sold and marketed.
Under current regulations, CBD oil for external personal use (such as topical creams and cosmetics) is legally sold in pharmacies and retail stores. However, CBD oil for oral consumption cannot be sold as a food supplement or medicinal product, as it falls under the EU Novel Foods Regulation. This means that CBD food supplements require prior approval, which Belgian authorities have not yet granted.
Due to this legal uncertainty, CBD retailers have faced crackdowns in recent years. Many CBD stores have been raided, and their products confiscated for lab testing, causing disruptions for businesses. These unclear regulations have slowed the growth of Belgium’s CBD industry, while other European nations have moved forward with more progressive cannabis policies.
Despite these challenges, CBD is not illegal in Belgium. Hemp-derived CBD products are permitted, and CBD for external use is widely available. Additionally, CBD-rich dried hemp flowers can be legally purchased and smoked. While Belgium’s CBD laws remain restrictive, the industry still has room for growth, especially if authorities update regulations to align with EU-wide standards.
Buying CBD Oil in Belgium
CBD oil for external use is legally available in pharmacies and retail stores across Belgium. Additionally, Sativex, a THC and CBD-based medication, can be obtained with a doctor’s prescription for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However, CBD oil for oral consumption remains restricted, and finding legally compliant products in local stores is challenging.
Despite these restrictions, CBD-rich dried hemp flowers can be legally purchased and smoked in Belgium. Additionally, due to EU free trade laws, consumers can import CBD oil and other hemp-derived products from other European countries. As CBD is not classified as a narcotic under EU law, restrictions on cross-border sales are legally questionable, allowing many Belgian consumers to buy CBD online from foreign retailers.
However, when purchasing CBD online, it’s important to:
- Check for third-party lab testing to verify product quality and compliance.
- Choose reputable sellers with positive customer reviews.
- Ensure the product contains 0.3% THC or less to comply with Belgian and EU regulations.
Selling CBD Oil in Belgium
Selling CBD oil in Belgium remains legally challenging, as CBD for oral consumption is not officially authorized. If you plan to sell CBD in Belgium, it is crucial to comply with regulations to avoid potential legal issues.
One of the biggest risks CBD retailers face is labeling CBD oil as a food supplement. Under Belgium’s Novel Food regulations, CBD-infused edibles, drinks, or supplements are not yet authorized, meaning that mislabeling products could lead to police raids and product confiscation. Even stores selling only cosmetics or legally compliant hemp products have reported challenges with authorities.
How to Sell CBD Legally in Belgium
- Do not market CBD oil as a food supplement or medicine.
- Ensure all CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC to comply with EU regulations.
- Verify your supplier’s compliance with Belgian and EU cannabis laws.
- Only work with accredited CBD manufacturers and wholesalers.
- Follow all advertising and consumer protection laws to avoid legal scrutiny.
If you’re looking for a reliable CBD supplier, Essentia Pura offers:
- Wholesale CBD products fully compliant with EU regulations.
- CBD oils extracted from EU-certified hemp.
- White-label & private-label CBD solutions to help build your brand.
For inquiries about CBD wholesale in Belgium, contact us to ensure your business operates legally and efficiently.
Conclusion: Is CBD Legal in Belgium?
The legal status of CBD in Belgium remains complex, placing it in a legal gray area. While CBD is not classified as a narcotic, strict regulations limit how it can be sold and marketed. Here are the key takeaways:
- CBD is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis.
- Cannabis for personal use is decriminalized, with possession of up to 3g or one female plant tolerated.
- Cannabis social clubs exist but operate in a legal gray area.
- Hemp cultivation is legal for commercial purposes with government approval.
- Medical cannabis is legal but restricted to Sativex for MS patients with a prescription.
- CBD oil is only legal for external use and cannot be marketed as a food supplement.
- CBD products sold in pharmacies or as medical cannabis require approval from the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP).
- CBD food products remain restricted due to Belgium’s classification of low-THC CBD as a "dangerous plant" product under the Royal Decree of August 31, 2021.
- Hemp seeds and low-THC products are allowed if supported by a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
- Dried hemp flowers are legally available for purchase under Belgian law.
While Belgium has not yet fully embraced CBD as a food supplement, businesses can sell CBD cosmetics, hemp-derived products, and dried flowers if they meet strict compliance requirements. As EU regulations evolve, Belgium may reassess its stance on CBD, potentially creating more opportunities for CBD entrepreneurs and consumers in the future.
If you are interested in the legal status of CBD in other countries you can read our articles about:
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.
