Is Hemp Legal in Portugal?

Industrial hemp is legal to grow in Portugal as an agricultural crop. Cultivation falls under the EU Common Agricultural Policy and requires authorization from DGAV, the Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária.

Farmers must use certified seed from the EU Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agricultural Plant Species, and the standing crop must contain no more than 0.3% THC under EU Regulation 2021/2115, which raised the limit from the previous 0.2% threshold beginning January 1, 2023. Growers submit a prior declaration to DGAV before sowing, retain seed labels and invoices for at least three years, and accept on-site sampling carried out under the supervision of national authorities. Hemp cultivated for fibre, seed, or dual purpose is eligible for CAP direct payments when grown under these conditions.

End uses split across agencies. Hemp seed, hemp seed oil, and hulled hemp seed are accepted foods that pre-date the EU Novel Food cut-off. Hemp leaf and flower extracts intended for ingestion are classified as novel foods and require pre-market authorization. INFARMED retains jurisdiction the moment a product is sold for therapeutic use or contains isolated cannabinoids.

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