Day: August 4, 2023

Last updated: October 2026. Austria has a large CBD shop scene, especially in Vienna, but its rules are among the most detailed in Europe. CBD flower is treated like tobacco, and CBD oils to swallow are not legal as food. This guide explains the position in 2026. The short answer The rules in Austria The 2025 tobacco reform In 2025 the Austrian Finance Ministry said that hemp flowers count as tobacco substitutes and should only be sold through Trafiken, the licensed tobacco shops, and customs officers carried out inspections. A reform of the Tobacco Monopoly Act passed in December 2025 created a transition period: hemp shops holding a hemp licence may keep selling flower until 31 December 2028. From 2029, only Trafiken and licensed vape shops can sell it. The industry has announced a constitutional challenge. Advice for visitors If you are skiing in Tyrol or visiting Vienna, a small THC-free CBD product for personal use is unlikely to cause problems. Avoid buying flower, and never bring it home to Ireland, where it is controlled. How the EU rules fit in Austria applies EU food law, so its position on CBD sits inside the wider EU framework. Across the EU, CBD added to food, drinks or food supplements is treated as a “novel food”: something not widely eaten before May 1997, which needs authorisation before it can be sold as food. Applications from many companies are still being assessed, and each member state enforces the rules in its own way. That is why you see CBD oils openly on sale in some countries and removed from shelves in others. CBD cosmetics follow a different set of rules, the EU Cosmetics Regulation. Cannabidiol is listed as a cosmetic ingredient, so creams, balms and lotions made with CBD from permitted parts of the hemp plant can be sold across the EU as long as they are safe, properly labelled and make no medical claims. What is CBD? CBD (cannabidiol) is one of more than 100 natural compounds, called cannabinoids, found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, the compound in cannabis that causes a “high”, CBD is not intoxicating. People across Europe use CBD as part of their daily routine, most often as an oil taken under the tongue, as gummies or capsules, or as a cream massaged into the skin. CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors involved in keeping the body in balance. Research into CBD is growing, but CBD is not a medicine and it should not be used to replace any treatment your doctor has prescribed. CBD, THC and hemp seed oil: what is the difference? When you read about CBD laws, the THC limit you see (for example 0.2% or 0.3%) usually refers to the hemp plants farmers are allowed to grow. The rules for finished products, such as an oil in a bottle, are often stricter and differ from country to country. How to read a CBD lab report A lab report, sometimes called a certificate of analysis, is the single best way to know what is in a CBD product. A good one should: If a seller cannot show you a lab report for the batch you are buying, choose a different product. Every Dr. Hemp Me product has its lab report on the product page. How to choose a CBD oil CBD oils are sold by strength, shown as a percentage or as the total mg of CBD in the bottle. In a standard 10ml bottle with about 200 drops: Strength CBD per 10ml bottle CBD per drop 5% 500mg 2.5mg 10% 1000mg 5mg 20% 2000mg 10mg 30% 3000mg 15mg Most people start with a lower strength and adjust slowly. Our CBD dosing guide explains how to find the right amount, and you can compare all our strengths on our CBD oil page. How to take CBD oil You can also add drops to food or a drink, although CBD swallowed this way takes longer to be noticed. Read how long CBD oil effects last for more on timing. Who should be careful with CBD? CBD is well tolerated by most healthy adults, but speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you: Possible side effects include tiredness, a dry mouth and an upset stomach, usually at higher amounts. Never drive if you feel drowsy, and avoid mixing CBD with alcohol (see CBD and alcohol). Travelling with CBD: general tips Buying CBD online for Austria Dr. Hemp Me is an Irish CBD company, based in Dublin since 2018, with over 15,000 customers and 900+ Trustpilot reviews. All our products are THC-free and independently lab tested. You are responsible for checking whether a product can be imported and used where you live. Our creams and balms are sold as cosmetics; see our CBD cream range. Frequently asked questions Is CBD oil legal in Austria? CBD is not a narcotic, but CBD oils to swallow are unauthorised novel foods under a 2018 Health Ministry decree. They are often sold as aroma oils. What is the THC limit in Austria? 0.3% for hemp and hemp products. Can I buy CBD flower in Austria? It is sold as a tobacco substitute. Licensed hemp shops may sell it until the end of 2028, after which only tobacconists and licensed vape shops can. Are CBD creams legal in Austria? CBD is listed as a cosmetic ingredient at EU level, though the Austrian ministry has taken a restrictive view. Is medical cannabis legal in Austria? Only certain medicines such as dronabinol, nabilone and Sativex on prescription. Can I take CBD oil skiing in Austria? A small THC-free product in original packaging is low risk. Check the current rules first. Can I bring CBD flower from Austria to Ireland? No. Hemp flower is controlled in Ireland. Sources This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; check the official sources for Austria before you buy or travel. Disclaimer: CBD is sold as a food supplement.