Is Hemp Legal in Austria?

Industrial hemp is legal in Austria when cultivated from EU Common Catalogue varieties containing 0.3 percent THC or less. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management (BML) supervises cultivation, and farmers register fields with Agrarmarkt Austria (AMA) under the Common Agricultural Policy.

Hemp is grown in Lower Austria, Burgenland, and Styria primarily for seed, oil, and fiber. Operators must source approved seed varieties, declare crops to AMA, and accept THC testing during inspection visits. Hemp foods, textiles, building materials, and animal bedding circulate freely within the EU single market. Since 2025, hemp flower destined for retail sale to consumers must move through the tobacconist channel and respect the tobacco-tax regime described above.

Cultivation of any Cannabis sativa above 0.3 percent THC is treated as cannabis under SMG and requires AGES authorization.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.