Cultivation of CBD Hemp in Poland – Legality, Requirements and Market Reality

The topic of cannabis and hemp has raised emotions in Poland for years, but in recent times it has increasingly appeared in discussions related to law, medicine and legal business activity. Particular interest is focused on CBD hemp, which – unlike cannabis with high THC content – operates within a legal framework as a raw material permitted for sale and processing. It is important, however, to clearly separate facts from myths and organize the most relevant information.

Legality of cannabis and CBD in Poland

In Poland, cannabis containing THC above the permitted limit remains illegal – both possession and cultivation are prohibited. The exception is medical cannabis, which is available only by prescription and exclusively through pharmacies.

The situation is different for industrial hemp. Its cultivation has been legal in Poland for decades and it is widely used in industries such as:

• textile production,

• construction,

• food processing,

• cosmetics.

The total area of industrial hemp cultivation in Poland is currently estimated at approximately 1,400 hectares, and the sector continues to grow.

What is CBD flower and why is it legal

CBD flower is derived from hemp varieties with very low THC content (up to 0.2%) and a high concentration of cannabidiol (CBD). This low THC level makes CBD products legal in Poland and most European Union countries.

CBD, like THC, belongs to the group of cannabinoids, but:

• it has no psychoactive effects,

• it does not cause intoxication,

• it is widely researched for its potential supportive role in various conditions, including chronic pain and autoimmune diseases.

As a result, CBD products currently operate at the intersection of the supplement, cosmetic and industrial raw material markets.

Is CBD hemp cultivation legal?

Cultivation of CBD hemp in Poland is not unrestricted. It applies only to:

• approved plant varieties,

• crops that meet THC limits,

• entities that have obtained the required administrative permits.

In practice, this means the need to:

• register the cultivation,

• obtain approval from the relevant authority (usually the regional marshal’s office),

• conduct cultivation in compliance with applicable regulations.

Cultivation “for personal use”, even if declared as CBD, is not automatically legal.

Climate conditions and cultivation challenges

The climate of Central Europe is not always favorable for stable outdoor CBD hemp production. Variable weather, humidity and the risk of fungal diseases lead many growers to use:

• covered cultivation systems,

• greenhouses,

• enclosed facilities with controlled environmental conditions.

Such solutions allow growers to:

• stabilize temperature,

• control humidity,

• reduce pest pressure,

• improve crop quality and consistency.

Equipment and technologies used in CBD cultivation

Modern CBD hemp cultivation, especially in enclosed systems, relies on several key technological components, including:

• supplementary lighting systems that allow adjustment of light intensity according to plant growth stages,

• ventilation and air filtration systems responsible for air exchange and odor reduction,

• climate control solutions regulating temperature, humidity and CO₂ levels,

• preventive measures against pathogens, achieved through stable environmental conditions and proper air circulation.

Professional growers increasingly emphasize chemical-free cultivation, aligning production with BIO and ECO trends.

Economics and future of the CBD market

Growing interest in CBD products has encouraged many agricultural producers to consider changing their production profile. CBD hemp cultivation is often seen as:

• an alternative to less profitable traditional crops,

• a market with rising demand,

• a sector that nonetheless requires knowledge, compliance and investment.

It is not a risk-free industry, but with proper preparation it can become a stable segment of modern agriculture.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Is cannabis legal in Poland?
No. Cannabis containing THC above permitted limits is illegal in Poland. The only exception is medical cannabis prescribed by a doctor.

Is CBD legal in Poland?
Yes. CBD products are legal provided they come from hemp varieties containing up to 0.2% THC.

Is it legal to cultivate CBD hemp?
Yes, but only after fulfilling specific legal and administrative requirements and using approved plant varieties.

Is growing a single CBD plant legal?
No. Even a single plant may be considered illegal if formal requirements are not met.

What is the difference between CBD and THC?
THC has psychoactive effects and causes intoxication, while CBD does not affect consciousness.

Is CBD hemp the same as industrial hemp?
They belong to the same plant family but differ in intended use and cannabinoid composition.