Cannabis seeds and marijuana: the legal situation in Ireland and Europe

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Is it legal to have cannabis seeds shipped to Ireland?

Due to the European positioning concerning the free movement of goods, it is possible to receive hemp seeds in Ireland.

Many seed banks have established themselves in Europe and have specialized in the cultivation and trade of hemp seeds. The most important trade is towards the Netherlands, but an ample supply has also developed towards France, Italy, Great Britain, Poland and Austria.

Thanks to the freedom of trade and competition applicable in Europe, it is possible to buy cannabis seeds online from the best online suppliers legally. So, you can now .

What does the law say?

Customs has no control over these operations as long as the products are duly taxed when changing the country.

The resellers are still showing discretion. Measures are taken to anonymize orders, payments and shipments. Seeds ordered are shipped in plain packaging and are generally identified as souvenirs.

Their expedition, therefore, raises few unwelcome questions and falls outside the scope of the law.

From a legal point of view, the trade of hemp seeds from EU countries is a susceptible subject since some countries apply a stringent policy on cannabis.

It is possible to possess seeds but not to germinate them.

The movement towards Ireland of seeds from other countries is therefore not illegal in itself as long as they are sent from a country of the European Union in which the trade in hemp seeds is legal (this is the case in most EU countries).

The whole paradox lies here in the supposed use of the seeds.

Cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes or personal consumption is not permitted. However, the French government can only tolerate the purchase of seeds online, despite the high likelihood that they will be used for drug purposes.

The subject of therapeutic consumption remains conflicting: despite the committed speeches of patients suffering from various diseases, cannabis is only readily accepted as a medical treatment.

For a few years now, however, certain medicinal products containing cannabis

have been authorized.

In many European countries, it is possible to buy cannabis seeds legally.

Hemp seeds can be shipped to all EU countries. Seed banks are, therefore, in fierce competition.

There are over 100 retailers who can ship seeds all over Europe. Cannabis is an important economic sector worldwide, particularly in France, where it contributes significantly to the enrichment of specialized e-merchants.

Can we grow cannabis in Ireland?

The status of hemp seeds and flowers depends on their THC level (or Tetrahydrocannabinol).

Hemp-based products — and therefore containing THC — take various forms, such as capsules or liquid for electronic cigarettes. But other products may contain this substance, which is widely used by industry.

The construction, textile, cosmetics or food sectors use it for purposes other than drug use. This is why a derogation has been introduced, according to which all products containing less than 0.2% THC are considered legal.

On the other hand, some kinds of hemp do not contain THC, which excludes them from any criminal liability.

In any case, the authorizations in question relate only to using seeds or fibres. The use of hemp flowers remains strictly prohibited. No finished product should contain traces of THC.

Despite the strict legislation, several scenarios are distinguished in practice. A crop intended for personal consumption will benefit from a less incriminating status than crops intended for resale or trafficking.

Several farmers produce hemp for industrial purposes: textile production, insulation, and food for animals, in particular, may require this substance for their preparation. In this case, the authorities declare and carefully control the culture.

The most prudent thing for users who do not have a consumption objective is to declare their culture officially. For this, it is necessary to submit a file to the DDAF (Departmental Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry), under penalty of seeing its cultivation declared illegal.

The example of Germany

In Germany, the legal situation of cannabis is clear from the outset: its cultivation, production, sale and purchase, any import or export whatsoever, and the possession and consumption of all parts of the plant are formally prohibited by law. Furthermore, possession of cannabis can lead to up to five years in prison.

Despite the law without appeal in Germany, the situation can vary from one state to another. In some cases, possessing very small amounts of cannabis may be tolerated. North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, allows the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis, this quantity being able to rise to 15 grams in the state of Berlin.

If arrests are infrequent when the quantity is negligible, fines still apply for variable and unlimited amounts in many cases.

In Germany, the therapeutic use of cannabis is permitted. Rigorously framed by the issuance of a prescription, this has made it possible to obtain THC-based medicines since 2011.

For the rest, Germany remains one of the most severe countries vis-à-vis cannabis. While most EU countries are home to seed banks selling throughout Europe, Germany completely prohibits this practice. The country, therefore, refuses to participate in the cannabis economy, even if it means giving up a particular economic interest.

Actually, there is Sensoryseeds.com, a virtual shop where you can legally order your cannabis seeds online!