Is it legal to grow hemp in Poland 2026 (FAQ)

Growing hemp in Poland is legal — but subject to conditions, non-compliance with which can lead to serious legal consequences. Poland is one of the larger producers of hemp in the EU: according to data from the Central Statistical Office, the area of industrial hemp cultivation has been several thousand hectares annually in recent seasons (GUS). The growing interest in hemp as a raw material for the production of CBD, fabrics, and biomass means that questions about the legality of cultivation are becoming more frequent — both from farmers and from individuals planning home cultivation. This article answers the most important questions based on current regulations.

KEY INFORMATION
• Growing hemp in Poland requires a permit from the provincial governor — without exceptions (Journal of Laws 2005 No. 179 item 1485).
• Only varieties from the COBORU list with a THC content below 0.3% are allowed.
• The permit costs 82 PLN and requires specifying the plot and the biomass recipient.
• Cultivation without a permit is a crime — even for one plant.
• CBD products from hemp (THC below 0.3%) are legal in Poland.

Legal basis — what regulations govern hemp cultivation in Poland?

Hemp cultivation in Poland is primarily regulated by the Act of July 29, 2005, on Counteracting Drug Addiction (Dz.U. 2005 nr 179 poz. 1485 with amendments), specifically its chapter concerning the cultivation of poppy and hemp (ISAP, consolidated text). These regulations distinguish between industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L. with a THC content below 0.3%) and hemp varieties other than industrial (de facto marijuana), which are strictly prohibited.

Supplementary regulations are provided by the executive regulations of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, which specify: the list of permitted varieties, the procedure for submitting applications for permits, the scope of cultivation control, and documentation requirements. At the EU level, regulations concerning the Common Agricultural Policy govern subsidies for hemp cultivation and their classification as fiber plants.

Since 2021, the THC limit in industrial hemp cultivation in the EU has increased from 0.2% to 0.3% — Poland has implemented this change in its regulations. This is a significant change, as varieties with a THC content between 0.2% and 0.3% have thus become legally cultivable, expanding the pool of available varieties.

Who can grow hemp and how to obtain a permit?

A permit for growing industrial hemp can be obtained by any natural person, legal entity, or organizational unit without legal personality conducting agricultural or industrial activities. There is no requirement to be a farmer in the formal sense, but the cultivation must have an industrial or seed purpose — meaning there must be a recipient for the product (biomass, seeds, fiber).

The application is submitted to the provincial governor responsible for the location of the cultivation. A complete application should include: the applicant's details, the location and area of the cultivation (land plot numbers), the variety of hemp (from the list of permitted varieties), the purpose of cultivation, and proof of a contract with the purchasing or processing entity. The administrative fee is 82 PLN. The processing time is 30 days from the submission of a complete application.

From our experience, the biggest barrier for new growers is the requirement to have a contract with a recipient before submitting the application — even before they know if the permit will be granted. It is advisable to establish contact with a processing plant or purchasing entity at least 3–4 months before the planned sowing and to agree on a conditional contract.

Permitted varieties and agronomic requirements

A key condition for the legality of cultivation is the use of only varieties listed in the Community Catalogue of Agricultural Plant Varieties or the National Register of Varieties maintained by the COBORU. The list is updated — it includes several dozen varieties, including Białobrzeskie, Beniko, Felina 32, Futura 75, Fedora 17, Finola, Santhica 27, and others (COBORU, National Register of Varieties).

Cultivation must be conducted from certified seeds — the seeds must have an official label confirming the variety and THC content. The use of unmarked seeds or seeds from unknown sources is not permitted and may result in the annulment of the permit. Cultivation must remain on the plots specified in the application — changing the location requires updating the permit.

Controls, penalties, and what threatens for cultivation without permission

Hemp cultivation is subject to THC content control. Inspections randomly collect samples during the flowering stage of the plants. If laboratory results indicate a THC level exceeding 0.3%, the cultivation may be ordered to be destroyed, and the farmer loses their permit. In cases of repeated violations or suspicion of intentional actions, the matter may be referred to the prosecutor's office.

Cultivating hemp without the required permit — even one plant — constitutes a crime under Article 63 of the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction, punishable by up to 3 years of imprisonment. The court may conditionally discontinue proceedings in the case of one plant for personal use, but such a decision is discretionary and not guaranteed. Ignorance of the law is not a mitigating circumstance in Polish criminal law.

Legal changes in 2021–2026 — what has changed and what may change

Recent years have brought several significant changes in Polish and EU law regarding hemp cultivation. The most important is the increase of the THC threshold from 0.2% to 0.3% across the European Union, implemented in Poland by the regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. This change came into effect with the 2023 sowing campaign and opened access to new strains with higher CBD content, making cultivation more economically attractive for oil and supplement producers (EU Regulation 2021/2117, EUR-Lex).

Another change concerns the classification of CBD in food products. EFSA approved in 2022 the safety assessment framework for CBD isolate as a novel food — which means that products containing CBD isolate must undergo an authorization procedure before being introduced to the EU market (EFSA). However, this does not apply to products containing natural extracts from hemp in traditional use — this issue remains legally heterogeneous and continues to evolve in individual EU countries.

In Poland, legislative discussions are ongoing regarding the legalization or decriminalization of possessing small amounts of marijuana for personal use — in 2024, a draft law on decriminalizing possession of up to 5 g was submitted to the Sejm. Even if this change comes into effect, it will not affect the rules for hemp cultivation, which are regulated separately. However, keeping track of the current state of legislation is necessary — changes are possible.

The economics of hemp cultivation — is it worth it?

Beyond legal issues, many people ask about the profitability of legal hemp cultivation. In Poland, the market is still relatively small compared to France, Germany, or the Czech Republic, but it is growing. The main sales channels for hemp biomass are: textile fiber processing plants, feed and food product manufacturers (hemp seeds, seed oil), and CBD extract producers. Each of these markets has a different pricing structure and contractual requirements.

Hemp cultivation can be subsidized through area payments under the EU Common Agricultural Policy — provided that eligibility requirements are met, including having a permit and using approved strains. The Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (ARiMR) handles applications for subsidies in this area (ARiMR). Farmers cultivating hemp for industrial purposes can count on additional financial support from ecological or environmental programs if the cultivation meets additional criteria.

A barrier to entry is the aforementioned requirement to have a contract with a buyer before submitting an application for a permit. This reverses the typical order — first a contract, then a permit, then cultivation. For new players, this means the necessity to establish contacts within the industry before any investment in land and seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hemp cultivation legal in Poland?

Yes, but only with the permission of the provincial governor, using strains from the COBORU list and with THC content below 0.3%. Legal basis: the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction (Journal of Laws 2005 No. 179 item 1485) and the implementing regulations of the Minister of Agriculture.

Which hemp strains are allowed for cultivation in Poland?

Strains listed in the Community Catalog of Varieties or the National Register of COBORU, including Białobrzeskie, Beniko, Felina 32, Futura 75, Fedora 17, Finola. The list is updated — check the current list on the website COBORU before purchasing seeds.

Who issues permits for hemp cultivation?

The provincial governor responsible for the cultivation location. The application is submitted before sowing, providing the plot number, strain, area, and contract with the biomass buyer. The stamp duty is 82 PLN, and the processing time is 30 days.

Can a farmer cultivate hemp without a permit on a home plot?

No. Any hemp cultivation without a permit, regardless of scale and strain, constitutes a crime under Article 63 of the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction, punishable by up to 3 years of imprisonment. There is no exception for personal use or for home cultivation.

Can industrial hemp be grown in a garden or on a balcony?

Legally, this requires a permit, but permits are issued for industrial or seed cultivation with the obligation to enter into a contract with the buyer. Purely hobbyist cultivation without commercial intent does not have a legal pathway under current regulations. The situation differs from regulations in Germany or Malta.

What inspections threaten industrial hemp cultivation?

The IJHARS inspection takes samples during flowering and tests for THC content. Exceeding 0.3% may result in an order to destroy the crop, loss of the permit, and criminal liability. Inspections are random but are conducted regularly during the season.

Are CBD supplements and products from industrial hemp legal in Poland?

Yes. CBD products with THC content below 0.3% — oils, capsules, flowers — are legal in Poland as supplements or food products. Retail sales are allowed without a prescription. They are regulated by the industrial hemp law and EU regulations regarding novel food (EFSA).

Did the EU regulations change in 2021 affect hemp cultivation in Poland?

Yes. EU Regulation 2021/2117 raised the permissible THC threshold in industrial hemp cultivation from 0.2% to 0.3% in all member states. Poland implemented this change, expanding the list of permitted varieties to include those containing THC between 0.2% and 0.3%. As a result, producers have access to varieties with higher CBD content, improving the profitability of crops intended for extract production (EU Regulation 2021/2117, EUR-Lex).

Can one apply for EU subsidies for industrial hemp cultivation?

Yes. Industrial hemp cultivation qualifies for area payments under the EU Common Agricultural Policy, provided that a permit from the provincial marshal is obtained and approved varieties are used. Applications for subsidies are handled by ARiMR. Additional funds may be available under agri-environmental or ecological programs — check the current conditions on the website ARiMR.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The legal status described in the article is valid as of the publication date — regulations regarding cannabis may change. Before making any decisions, consult a lawyer or current legal acts.

Author: Michał Waluk · Published: 2026-05-04 · Updated: 2026-05-04