Is Hemp Legal in Slovakia?

Industrial hemp is legal in Slovakia when cultivated from EU-certified seed varieties listed in the Common Catalogue with THC content at or below 0.3%. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, through the Agricultural Paying Agency (PPA), administers grower registration and Common Agricultural Policy direct payments under Regulation (EU) 2021/2115.

Farmers must register hemp plots before sowing, submit seed certificates, and accept random THC sampling by the Central Controlling and Testing Institute in Agriculture (UKSUP). Slovakia cultivated approximately 600 hectares of hemp in 2024, mainly for seed, fiber, and food applications. Flower harvesting for cannabinoid extraction is permitted under the 2023 reform when products satisfy SUKL and SVPS rules.

Crops testing above 0.3% THC must be destroyed under UKSUP supervision and the grower forfeits CAP payments. Unregistered cultivation triggers criminal liability under Section 172.