Is It Legal to Grow Hemp Seed in Austria? A Closer Look at Rules & Restrictions

While the majority of countries are shifting towards full legalization of industrial hemp and are becoming increasingly accepting of cannabis use, Austria’s government has not yet adopted this attitude. In fact, hemp seed laws in Austria are perhaps the most confusing and complicated among any country in the world.

The State of Hemp Farming in Austria

Cannabis use by an individual is well tolerated in Austria. Commercial cultivation of cannabis, on the other hand, is restricted by the law in many ways. This has cause a great deal of confusion among farmers, many of which are interested in cultivating hemp, but are hesitant because of the complexity of the legal landscape.

This an unfortunate situation indeed, considering the fact that many farmers in Austria may be able to benefit financially from growing hemp seed on their land. The hemp industry is growing worldwide and it shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

At CBD Seed Co., we feel that it is our duty to shed some light on these matters and help out our fellow farmers in Austria. Below, we’ve discussed the legality of hemp cultivation in Austria in hopes that it will help pave the way for a brighter future for Austria farmers.

Is It Legal to Grow Hemp Seed in Austria?

Let’s get this out of the way. Yes, it’s legal to grow hemp in Austria. But there’s a catch. The sale of hemp is legal only when the plants are in a vegetative phase. As soon as the plant is brought to bloom and the buds are separated, it becomes illegal. Furthermore, there are strict rules surrounding THC content. Farmers can only grow fields of hemp with less than 10% THC per 200 grams of cannabis.

Hemp in Food & Cosmetics in Austria

One thing that should be noted is that the sale of hemp extracts in food and cosmetics is illegal in Austria. This is because CBD is considered a “novel food” in Austria. While farmers can grow low THC hemp seed on their land, plants cannot be sold and processed into such products. However, many businesses have found legal loopholes. The sale of hemp as a decorative plant or a room air quality improver is legal.

Hemp as a Fiber or Textile

Growing hemp to produce seed or fiber is also legal in Austria. However, hemp plants must contain less than 0.3% THC. These plants can be processed and manufactured for use in building materials, textiles, hempstone, hemp plastics, and other material goods.

Advice for Prospective Hemp Farmers

It’s very possible to grow hemp seed on your land in Austria. But it’s important to be aware of the laws and restrictions surrounding cultivation. The last thing you want is to be dealing with an expensive lawsuit. We recommend working closely with your seed supplier to make sure you understand what’s expected of you. It may also be a good idea to hire a lawyer that you can consult on legal matters. While this may require some effort on your behalf, you could find that hemp farming turns out to be very profitable for you and is worth it in the end. Of course, that’s all entirely up to you to make that decision.

Buy Hemp Seed for your Austria Farm

CBD Seed Co. is here to support you as you begin your journey of becoming a hemp farmer in Austria. Order hemp seed for your farm by calling our office today.