Finland, as a member of the European Union, complies to many of the standards set by the EU, including those regarding CBD products, but the question “Is CBD legal in Finland?” may still arise. CBD is legal in Finland as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. However, CBD edibles and oils are subject to EU Novel Food regulations, meaning they require approval before legal sale. Many CBD products, including CBD cosmetics and topicals are legally available without restrictions, provided they meet THC limits and cosmetic regulations.
Businesses looking to enter the CBD market in Finland must ensure that their products comply with these regulations to avoid legal complications. While CBD is legal in Finland, there are still some societal concerns due to some misconceptions. Despite these concerns, there is growing public interest in CBD products for their potential health benefits, making Finland a growing market for legal CBD businesses. Investors should keep an eye on the evolving legal landscape, especially as Finland’s government debates broader cannabis reforms, which could also impact the future of the CBD industry.
Hemp & cannabis cultivation in Finland
Finland has a rich history when it comes to hemp and cannabis cultivation, with its significance dating back centuries. Although the cultivation of cannabis or hemp for personal use is not legal in Finland today, the country has been a great contributor to the global hemp industry. One of Finland’s key innovations is the development of the Finola hemp strain, a frost-resistant variety introduced in 1995.
Finola has gained recognition worldwide for its flexibility and was added to the European Union’s list of financed crops in 2003. Despite the cold climate, hemp remained a popular crop in Finland up until the mid-20th century, before declining due to the rise of less labor-intensive alternatives like cotton and flax. Interestingly, Finland never passed any specific laws outright banning hemp cultivation, allowing small-scale farming to persist in rural areas. This, combined with a comeback in global interest during the 1990s, has helped Finland re-establish itself as a significant player in the hemp and legal CBD markets.
Cannabis laws in Finland
Cannabis remains illegal in Finland, with strict laws regulating its use, possession, sale, and distribution. Finland enforces these restrictions under the 50th Chapter of its Criminal Code, which does not differentiate between marijuana and more dangerous narcotics like heroin. The prohibition of cannabis dates back to 1966, and while there have been ongoing discussions about loosening these restrictions, the legal status of marijuana has not yet changed.
A 2019 petition pushed for the decriminalization of cannabis, and this issue is set to be debated in the Finnish parliament. However, it is important to note that decriminalization is not equivalent to legalization. If the law is passed, individuals caught with small amounts of cannabis may face fines rather than imprisonment, but the sale and distribution will remain illegal. CBD market entrants interested in the CBD industry should be aware that, while CBD is legal in Finland, cannabis laws are still quite strict.
The legal status of THC
THC has been classified as a banned substance since 1972 in Finland. The recreational use of marijuana remains entirely illegal, and both possession and trafficking of cannabis are strictly prohibited under Finnish law. Depending on the severity of the offense, individuals caught with cannabis could face prison sentences ranging from one to seven years. However, after reforms in 2001, Finnish law now distinguishes between minor possession for personal use and more severe drug crimes. Individuals found with up to 15 grams of cannabis for personal use are typically fined, rather than imprisoned, while those involved in trafficking or large-scale possession face harsher penalties. Cultivating cannabis is similarly treated, with illegal crops confiscated and cases referred to court. Additionally, anyone found with cannabis during border checks risks being stopped from entering Finland, facing deportation, or even being charged with smuggling.
Medical marijuana
Finland legalized the use of cannabis for medical purposes in 2008, but the regulations surrounding medical marijuana remain highly restrictive. To access medical cannabis, patients must first obtain approval from a qualified physician, which is only granted when all other pharmacological treatments have been ineffective. This makes it quite challenging for most individuals to qualify for medical marijuana use.
In Finland, the majority of medical cannabis approvals are granted to patients suffering from multiple sclerosis, as the law is particularly strict about who can access such treatments. Currently, only around 500 people in Finland have permission to use medical cannabis. These patients have limited options, as they can only choose from specific pharmaceutical products that contain THC or CBD, such as Sativex, Bedrocan, Bediol, or Bedica.
The legal status of CBD in Finland
In Finland, the sale and use of CBD oil and other CBD products are completely legal, following the European Union’s regulations. As an EU member state, Finland complies to the European Commission’s standards, which have legalized CBD and set clear guidelines for its production and distribution. As long as the CBD oil contains less than 0.2% THC, it is considered legal in Finland. This ensures that the product is free from any psychoactive effects.
CBD oil is widely accessible throughout Finland, and consumers can purchase it from a variety of places, including corner stores, pharmacies, and online shops. CBD businesses looking to enter the CBD market in Finland can take advantage of this liberal approach to CBD products. The strong alignment with EU regulations offers a stable legal framework, making Finland a promising location for expanding CBD business operations. With increasing public interest and the ease of access, Finland presents profitable opportunities for legal CBD sales.
Medical CBD in Finland
In Finland, while CBD is widely available for commercial and recreational use, there are also specific medical CBD hemp products available by prescription. These medical CBD products are regulated by the Finnish Medicines Agency (FIMEA), ensuring they meet strict standards. To access these products, a patient must consult a doctor, who will evaluate the need for CBD therapy and issue a prescription. Unlike typical CBD products, medical CBD medications can only be purchased from licensed pharmacies in Finland. Importing CBD medications from abroad is generally illegal, especially if they exceed the legal THC limit of 0.2%. This restriction applies even to over-the-counter CBD products from other countries. However, there are exceptions for importing medicines from the European Economic Area (EEA), provided the patient obtains the necessary authorization in advance. For businesses looking to enter Finland’s CBD market, understanding the distinction between typical and medical CBD regulations is crucial for staying compliant with CBD laws in Finland.
Starting a CBD business in Finland
In recent years, the regulations surrounding CBD businesses in Finland and across the European Union have quite changed. Initially, when CBD was legalized in various EU countries, importing it into Finland was as simple. However, as of March 2021, stricter guidelines were introduced. Now, businesses can only import or sell CBD in Finland after obtaining Novel Food approval from the European Commission. This means companies must submit a detailed product dossier to the Finnish Food Authority, including a certificate of analysis to verify the product’s safety, purity, and potency. The authority may also request product samples for testing to ensure compliance with these standards. In Finland, the regulation of importing, producing and selling CBD products is managed by the Finnish Medicines Agency (FIMEA). FIMEA is responsible for ensuring that medicines, including those containing CBD, are safe and effective for public use in the country.
It’s important to note that if a CBD product has already received Novel Food Authorization in another EU nation, it can be imported into Finland without additional approvals. The mutual recognition of Novel Food Authorization across EU member states simplifies cross-border trade for CBD businesses, making it easier to expand into Finland’s legal CBD market. This regulatory framework ensures consumer safety while offering a clear path for companies aiming to operate legally within the CBD market in Finland.
Sourcing CBD products made outside Finland
For businesses producing or sourcing CBD products outside of Finland, securing Novel Food Authorization from the Finnish Food Authority is essential unless they have already obtained authorization from another EU member state. If such authorization exists within the EU, simply providing a copy of the relevant documents is sufficient to begin operating a CBD business in Finland. This process benefits businesses looking to enter the Finnish market by leveraging approvals from other EU countries.
It is important to note that Novel Food Authorization is only required for CBD oil and CBD-infused products. Hemp seed oil, which does not contain CBD, can be sold without any significant legal barriers, making it a simpler product for market entry. While the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has temporarily paused new Novel Food approvals, it remains possible to buy and sell CBD products in Finland without prior authorization, provided they meet other legal requirements. You should stay informed about these regulations to ensure compliance while exploring Finland’s expanding CBD market and if you have any questions, remember that Hempo Solutions provides CBD business consultations.
Conclusion
In summary, CBD is legal in Finland, and the country follows EU regulations, which do not classify CBD as a highly controlled substance. This makes it possible to buy and sell CBD products legally in Finland, as long as they comply with specific guidelines. One of these is ensuring that the products are legally produced within the European Union and contain THC levels below the permissible limit of 0.2%.
By complying with these regulations, businesses can safely enter the CBD market in Finland. It’s essential for businesses and consumers alike to verify that any CBD product complies with these legal standards, ensuring both safety and legal compliance.