Europe
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Sep
Poland has grown cannabis for its fiber and as medicinal products for centuries. When the international cannabis prohibition emerged in the 1900s, the hemp industry in Poland was devastated.
However, Poland was among the first countries to successfully restart the hemp industry since Europe reintroduced hemp in the ’90s. Poland has some of the youngest entrepreneurs in the CBD sector, its cannabis industry is thriving and CBD is already a nationally available mainstream product.
History of Cannabis in Poland
Cannabis came to Poland in the 15th century BCE from Central Asia, possibly by the Scythians. Industrial hemp has played an important role in many Slavic tribes for millennia (including those who lived on Poland’s lands), taking part in mythology, medicine, cooking, sewing, and clothes.
Hemp, along with flax, was the Poles’ most important crop. They used it for clothes, for food, and for medicine. Boiled hemp seeds were used to soothe toothaches and treat skin diseases. Hemp has also been used as a treatment for stomach upset, fever, and pain relievers.
Polish scientists and physicians studied cannabis-based drugs during the 19th century — setting the groundwork for the modern-day Polish cannabis industry.
Over the years, the long tradition of hemp cultivation has survived-even between the two world wars.
In 1930 Poland created the Institute of Natural Fibers and Medicinal Plants, one of Europe’s oldest hemp research institutes.
Following the International Opium Convention (IOC), Poland and more than 60 other countries have ratified the agreement banning the manufacture and trade of cannabis.
But cannabis was not officially banned until 1951 and was subsequently criminalized in 1997.
In the 50s hemp cultivation declined following the IOC and subsequent restrictive laws.
But Poland took action to recover its hemp fields after Europe changed its stance towards hemp and successfully reintroduced the crop. Poland today has a thriving sector of cannabis.
Hemp in Poland is entirely legal, whereas marijuana is partially decriminalized.
We’re going to start with new CBD legislation in Poland but first, let’s look at the variations in classification between hemp and marijuana.
The legal status of CBD in Poland
Poland has relaxed CBD laws and enables all types of CBD products to be purchased and used-including CBD foods and beverages.
Poland, despite being a member state of the European Union, bypassed the novel food law that was placed in force across Europe prohibiting the processing of CBD-infused products [1].
The nation conducts only one EU-related CBD drug condition — the THC value can not exceed 0.2%. This rule is not unusual — most European countries apply this in their national legislation.
Poland is one of the countries with the most open and well-organized regulatory structures, known for its thriving cannabis industry.
Difference between hemp and marijuana
The terms hemp and marijuana are sometimes used interchangeably-ignoring the fact that there are certain main distinctions between these plants.
Both plants are identical species — cannabis Sativa — but this does not make them the same. On the contrary, the use, appearance, and most importantly — chemical composition of hemp and marijuana vary in purpose [2].
Plants made of cannabis produce varying cannabinoid levels. Some strains produce very small amounts of THC (the psychoactive cannabinoid) while others produce large amounts.
The laws are different across most of the world depending on the amount of THC a particular strain is producing.
- Marijuana
Any cannabis plant with weight in excess of 0.2 percent THC is considered marijuana in Poland. There’s enough THC in these plants to get the user high. We will not allow the commercial use of marijuana.
- Hemp
Industrial hemp is classified in Poland as any Cannabis sativa plant with a THC content of less than 0.2%. Hemp is fully legal under a government-issued license for production, manufacturing, and selling. Anyone in Poland can buy hemp-derived products without a prescription, and those products won’t get the user high.
How is hemp regulated in Poland?
The CBD rules are relatively straightforward, so you can shop online and in-store for any CBD drug as long as it is produced from hemp and does not reach the THC level of 0.2 percent.
Farmers and businessmen may apply for a low-THC hemp license (< 0.2 percent). There are no restrictions on the processing of hemp, and growers can use hemp for fiber, food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, and building materials with proper permission. You do however need to apply for a license to grow hemp.
Where can you buy CBD products in Poland?
You can look for high-quality CBD products in health food stores, alternative medicine stores, and herbal shops if you prefer traditional shopping.
Most domestic or European brands will ship the product free of charge to your door, and foreign brands sometimes offer free shipping after spending more than a certain amount.
You may come across brands that will not be shipping to you. This is very rare for Poland but there is a way to get around this by using a mail forwarding service if you find yourself in this situation.
Mail forwarding companies in another country (such as the UK or USA) can provide you with a mailing address that you can use to place online orders in specific regions.
Always look for a certificate of analysis when buying from someone
Hemp is a great plant — it can remove different substances from the soil as a bio-accumulator, including heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants. While this is great for the environment, when used as a health supplement or as medicine the toxins can affect the quality of the CBD extract.
Renowned manufacturers check their products for purity, and your vendor will be able to supply you with a CoA confirming that the CBD extract is free of heavy metals, chemicals, solvents, and bacterial contaminants.
References
[1] https://www.eirhealth.com/is-cbd-legal-in-poland#:~:text=Poland%20offline%20Yes-,Yes.,is%20readily%20available%20for%20purchase.[2] https://www.analyticalcannabis.com/articles/medical-cannabis-goes-on-sale-in-poland-311466
[3] https://www.healtheuropa.eu/is-the-polish-medical-cannabis-market-becoming-more-open/95516/
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