While CBD products make the headlines across the world as the new elixir, its legal status continues to be a matter of debate in many states. The reason is CBD may still be considered a controlled substance owing to its cannabis origins. Read on to find is CBD products legalized in Denmark.
However, the increasing number of studies backing the use of CBD in the management of medical conditions has changed the way this drug is being viewed. It is slowly shaking off its image as a recreational drug for a nutritional supplement that supports health. Here’s an overview of the rules and regulations applicable to the use of CBD and CBD products legalized in Denmark or not.
Denmark has previously adopted a strict stance on the use of cannabis, but has relaxed its regulations in recent times. CBD obtained from hemp has been legalised in Denmark.
Less than 0.2% THC permissible
Prior to 2018, CBD products containing THC traces were classed as regulated substances. Thus, possessing or selling them was illegal.
Drugs such as cannabis are abused for the cannabinoid compounds that result in a ‘high’. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is one of them. CBD, the other major derivative from the cannabis plant, is a non-intoxicating compound. CBD is the primary constituent in CBD products marketed for their health benefits. They contain THC in varying amounts.
From 1st July 2018, the Danish government has approved the sale of CBD products containing up to 0.2% THC. They no longer feature in the list of controlled substances but have instead been labelled ‘medical products’ or ‘food supplements’.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter
CBD products are easily available in health stores. They can be purchased offline as over-the-counter and as prescription drugs. CBD products can also be purchased online; it is not illegal provided the products meet the criteria of the regulating agencies.
A few years ago, before 2018, Sativex was the only approved prescription CBD medical drug. Under the medicinal cannabis programme, doctors are permitted to prescribe even previously unapproved CBD products. You can buy CBD medicinal products against a prescription issued by any EU licensed doctor. Patients using medicinal cannabis can bring it into Denmark provided they have a prescription. It is illegal to sell CBD as a medical product.
Regulating Authorities
There are two agencies regulating the sale of CBD products in Denmark:
- The Danish Medicines Agency
- Danish Veterinary and Food Administration
Stores selling CBD products must adhere to the rules laid down by the Danish Medicines Agency and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. Failure to comply with the regulations results in the product being deemed illegal. For instance, CBD products labelled medicines must comply with the regulations of the medicinal cannabis programme.
These agencies determine whether a CBD product meets the parameters of a medicine or a food supplement. CBD products must also comply with the Novel Foods Regulation. Thus, before any product is put up for sale, it goes through thorough evaluation and approval from the above mentioned agencies.
Cultivation
Denmark is slowly climbing the charts as one of the largest cultivators of Cannabis used to produce medicinal products.
The EU law permits the cultivation of industrial hemp with THC traces of 0.2% or lower only. The Danish Agricultural Agency approves the applications for the cultivation of industrial hemp for commercial purposes. Permits must be renewed annually.
A few purchase tips:
- Check the quality of the product
- Check that it is tested by a third party.
- Check that it is not marketed as a medical product.
The law in Denmark has legalised the sale of the CBD products across the state. However, it is not without conditions. Obtain your CBD products from a dependable source to ensure you are safe and on the right side of the law.