So far, the EU mainly treats hemp fibre and seed as agricultural products. The Commission wants to change that: in its proposal for the farm policy (CAP) from 2027, the whole hemp plant, flowers and leaves included, would count as an agricultural product. It sounds like a breakthrough. But it is a proposal, not law.
What the Commission proposes
Under the July 2025 proposal for 2027 to 2034, flowers, leaves and other plant parts would explicitly be agricultural products. Farmers would gain legal certainty for producing and selling them. Reports also say:
- Only varieties from the EU common catalogue could be grown, with certified seed.
- Imports of seed and fibre would need proof of no more than 0.3% THC.
- Narcotics law would stay untouched. Medical and scientific use would remain strictly controlled.
The sticking point: 0.3% or 0.5%?
According to reports, the Commission keeps 0.3% THC. A parliamentary committee has reportedly favoured higher values, with 0.5% mentioned. Hot summers can push crops over the limit, which can mean destroying the harvest. Czechia and Switzerland already allow up to 1%. Parliament and Council will decide the final figure. I found no final decision.
