Are there CBD products available in Belgium?

Well the answer is Yes!

Since its discovery in 1963, CBD has been the subject of numerous scientific studies. These studies confirmed that it would have anti-inflammatory, relaxing, anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. This is also the reason why many countries have legalized its manufacture, sale and consumption.

However, CBD remains a controversial product. Despite its scientifically proven virtues on the body, cannabidiol arouses reservations from a certain number of doctors and consumers. Therefore, if its sale is free, there are certain restrictions and rules to respect. Additionally, to ensure product quality, consumers should be careful about where they purchase the product. Currently, many CBD shops sell cannabidiol in all possible forms. But the question many people ask is: do pharmacies in Belgium sell cannabidiol? Furthermore, is it safer to buy CBD in pharmacies?

CBD: quick reminder

CBD or cannabidiol is one of the cannabinoids that make up the cultivated hemp plant or cannabis sativa (according to the WHO, it is composed of nearly 200 cannabinoids). Unlike THC or tetrahydrocannabinol (the component most commonly found in cannabis), CBD does not have a psychotropic effect and is not addictive. On the contrary, it would have many benefits for the body, especially since it is a natural product. This is why it is often called therapeutic cannabis. In fact, CBD would have positive effects on:

• Anxiety and stress.
• Insomnia.
• Epileptic seizures.
• Skin problems
• The occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.
• Nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy.
• Seizures in patients suffering from schizophrenia.
• Diabetes.
• Osteoarthritis pain and contractures.
• Neuropathic pain
• Etc.

What is the legal status of CBD in Belgium?

The regulations on CBD in Belgium are vague. Which can lead manufacturers and consumers to interpret it in their own way.

According to the European directive, the possession, purchase and consumption of medicinal hemp for smoking is legal in the European Union. Belgium is part of the EU, so its consumption is authorized in the country provided that the CBD product contains less than 0.20% THC. Furthermore, since the law of April 11, 2019, smoking cannabis is considered smoking tobacco.

But, because there is a but, according to the AFSCA, the federal agency for the safety of the food chain, foodstuffs or food supplements based on Cannabis are prohibited in Belgium unless they have an exemption for each batch product. In addition, the regulations on the CBD molecule in Belgium only authorize consumers to purchase, possess, consume, use cannabidiol (the CBD molecule) if the product does not contain a single trace of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In addition, the royal decree of June 11, 2015 regulating products containing one or more tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) formally prohibits the delivery of cannabis for medical purposes in Belgium.

In conclusion, it is legal to smoke light cannabis in Belgium if the THC level is lower than the legal 0.20%. Likewise, it is also authorized to use a CBD product as potpourri, incense, etc. but its consumption in the form of a food supplement or foodstuff is prohibited as long as the product contains THC.

Good to know :

In February 2019, the Belgian parliamentary health committee adopted a bill which made it possible to prescribe cannabis to patients for whom usual medications are little or not used (this is particularly the case for people suffering from multiple sclerosis ).

In what form can CBD be found in pharmacies in Belgium?

CBD comes in different forms:

• Oil to ingest or apply to the skin.
• Infusions.
• E-liquid to vape.
• Cosmetic products containing CBD.
• Food supplements (capsules and softgels).
• Pasta.
• Foodstuffs.
• Suppositories.
• Seeds.
• CBD crystals.

But CBD in pharmacies in Belgium is sold in the form of:

• CBD topical products
• Oil to apply to the skin.
• Masterful preparation.

Please note that not all pharmacies sell CBD products.

Why is it important to get supplies from a pharmacy?

For obvious reasons, online or physical pharmacies are the best places to buy CBD. But why buy CBD in pharmacies? The answer is simple: the products are controlled and meet current regulations.

Indeed, it is not uncommon to find CBD products whose THC level is higher than the legal maximum of 0.20% in CBD shops even though this information is not mentioned anywhere. Worse, some products marked less than 0.20% THC contain more than this legal level. In the event of a police check, sanctions – minor or more serious – may apply depending on the situation of the holder (minor or adult).

In addition to this legal aspect, CBD products in pharmacies meet a quality charter.

What are the abuses of CBD products that pharmacies can avoid?

Despite the law, many CBD producers do not comply with current regulations. Perhaps this is due to a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the legislation. In any case, purchasing CBD products, particularly from online stores, can present risks for consumers.

Indeed, the big problem with products that are not sold in pharmacies is that there is no control. Thus, often the CBD concentration mentioned on the packaging is incorrect. Some producers have no qualms about mentioning a THC level of 0.20% on products which actually contain 30%, or 150 times the legal rate in Belgium.

In any case, buying CBD products in pharmacies allows you to avoid many abuses. More generally, this allows you to avoid purchasing:

• Poor quality products: the products do not have the properties of cannabidiol. At best, they have no effect. In the worst cases, they have psychotropic effects.
• An illegal product that does not comply with the law on CBD Belgium.

CBX Medical products are exclusively available in pharmacies. If your pharmacy does not have the product in stock, it can order it from its wholesaler via the CNK code indicated on each of our product pages.

If you are a pharmacist or doctor, do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to respond to you as soon as possible.