CBD oil has been rapidly taking the world by storm, owing to its many beneficial properties. CBD oil is an extract that comes from the cannabis plant, but it is entirely separate from the psychoactive agent THC that causes a person to experience being “high.”
CBD oil works by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors all throughout the body. This helps to combat stress, ease pain, and even support weight loss.
But despite the many useful properties of CBD oil, its legal status remains complicated in many areas – including Ireland. So, is CBD oil legal in Ireland? And what about growing it? Or importing it?
CBD’S LEGAL STATUS IN IRELAND
For a health product to be legal sold in Ireland, the ingredients need to be granted “medicine” status. Unfortunately, this has yet to happen for CBD or any other cannabis derivatives. This makes it very difficult – though not impossible – to trade such products.
An attempt was made back in 2016 to change this status. The “Cannabis for Medicinal Use Regulation Bill,” was unfortunately rejected, leading to an investigation of CBD’s beneficial properties. This led to a report published in 2017, demonstrating that there was significant evidence for the health benefits of CBD oil and medicinal cannabis.
The Health Department therefore made an announcement stating that medicinal cannabis was legal, but stopped short of granting it full medicine status. Moreover, it was only permitted for use in treating multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and chemotherapy – a very specific and narrow use case.
The other scenario in which CBD oil can be legally sold is as food flavoring or in supplements where the CBD is derived from the hemp plant.
As you can see then, the whole topic falls into something of a gray area, which makes it hard to give a single concrete answer to the question.
The bottom line is that there are many stores where it is possible to buy CBD products, including vape kits, gels, and hemp oil extracts. But these stores still face pressure from Garda and Customs, as well as uncertainty regarding the legality of their products and the future of their businesses.
BUY CBD IN IRELAND ONLINE: YES
It is legal for customers to buy CBD products in Ireland as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC and are made from hemp extracts.
BUY CBD IN IRELAND OFFLINE: YES
CBD may be purchased offline and there are highstreet stores selling these products. However, the same rules apply and the legality of dedicated stores is somewhat shaky. As a customer however, you are at no risk.
GROW HEMP FOR CBD IN IRELAND: YES
To grow help in Ireland, you need to acquire a hemp license from the HPRA. You must also follow the EU-defined extraction method.
BUY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ABOVE 0.2% OF THC FOR MEDICAL USE: NO
All cannabis products with a THC of under 0.2% are legal in Ireland, and not above. Higher quantities are available on prescription, but only for very specific use cases.
BUY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ABOVE 0.2% OF THC FOR RECREATIONAL USE: NO
No, recreational use of cannabis is illegal in Ireland.
