In 2025, a long list of cannabinoids are legal in Europe, but their status still varies enormously from country to country. Whether you're a CBD consumer, interested in medical cannabis or curious about new molecules like HHC or THCP, it's best to know the legislation before you take the plunge.
Medical cannabis on the rise, but still highly regulated
Medical cannabis is authorized in most European countries, but only within a very specific framework. There is no question of freely obtaining the substance... Cannabinoids for therapeutic use are available on prescription, in standardized dosages, and only for certain recognized pathologies.
Among the most commonly used legal products, you'll find :
- Epidyolex (pure CBD), prescribed for certain rare forms of epilepsy.
- Sativex, a mouth spray containing THC and CBD, used in particular for multiple sclerosis-related disorders.
- Marinol or Cesamet, based on synthetic THC, used to treat chemotherapy-related nausea or severe loss of appetite.
These drugs have received European or national authorization and are distributed within a strict medical framework.
In Germany, they are available in pharmacies on prescription and may even be covered by health insurance. In France, medical cannabis is still in the experimental phase, but things are changing. Italy, the Netherlands and Spain have already put in place more flexible arrangements for regular access to these treatments.
If you wish to use these drugs, you'll need a prescription and, in many cases, proof of a very specific pathology.
Cannabinoids, lost between tolerance and regulation
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most popular and readily available cannabinoids. It is widely used because it has no psychotropic effects. It is used to relieve stress, promote sleep and reduce pain. In Europe, CBD extracted from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC, like our edibles THCedibles, is generally authorized, but the exact rules vary from country to country.
France, for example, authorizes CBD products, as long as they are derived from approved hemp varieties and do not exceed the legal THC threshold. In Belgium, Spain and Portugal, legislation is similar, although some products, such as flowers, may be subject to local restrictions.
Conversely, some countries, such as Italy, have recently taken a harder line. Since April 2025, hemp flowers and oils containing CBD have been reclassified as narcotics. This highly controversial decision prohibits the over-the-counter sale of many CBD products in the country.
In addition to CBD, other so-called "feel-good" cannabinoids are also permitted, such as CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol). As long as they are extracted from hemp and contain little or no THC, they are generally tolerated, but as with CBD, it's best to check local legislation before buying or consuming.
Neo-cannabinoids and increasing bans
Since 2022, new cannabinoids have appeared on the European market. The best-known of these is HHC (hexahydrocannabinol), a semi-synthetic molecule derived from CBD. Presented as a legal alternative to THC, HHC produces similar effects, namely a feeling of euphoria, relaxation and even mental confusion. Other derivatives such as HHC-P, HHC-O and THCP have also been created and marketed.
These neo-cannabinoids have invaded stores and online sites, promising powerful effects with a reassuring legal vagueness, but this status has been reviewed in almost all European countries.
Between 2023 and 2025, most member states will have banned HHC and its derivatives. Germany, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Italy and Sweden, for example, have classified these molecules as narcotics. The UN itself added HHC to the list of controlled substances in March 2025.
Some countries still leave a small margin of tolerance, such asGermany, which allows HHC in controlled products under certain conditions, but these cases are rare and subject to strict rules.
Recreational cannabis authorized in some countries
Recreational cannabis remains banned in most of the European Union. However, some countries are more avant-garde than others. With these measures, countries often aim to move away from a repressive approach, control consumption and curb the black market.
Here are the most advanced countries in 2025:
- Malta: the first European country to legalize the personal use of cannabis from 2021. You can own up to 7g, grow 4 plants at home, and join a Cannabis Social Club.
- Germany: since April 2024, you can possess up to 25 g of cannabis in Germany in public (50 g at home), grow 3 plants and join a non-profit club. Commercial sales are not yet authorized, but pilot projects are underway.
- Luxembourg: private cultivation and possession at home have been authorized since 2023. Sale remains prohibited.
- République tchèque : une loi encadrant le cannabis à faible THC (< 1 %) est entrée en vigueur en juillet 2025, avec des boutiques spécialisées désormais autorisées.
The Dutch model remains unique. Coffee shops can sell up to 5g of cannabis, but cultivation remains technically illegal. Since 2023, a pilot project for regulated cultivation has been running in several cities.