How to legally sell CBD in Poland - a guide for entrepreneurs (FAQ)
How to legally sell CBD in Poland: answers to frequently asked questions and what studies say. u Bucha.
The CBD product market in Poland is growing at a rate of several dozen percent annually - according to data from Grand View Research, the global CBD market will reach a value of $47.22 billion by 2028 (Grand View Research, 2022). Despite the growing demand, many future entrepreneurs stop at the question: is it even legal? The answer is: yes - but on the condition of complying with specific regulations. This guide answers the 8 most important questions faced by anyone opening a CBD store in Poland.
KEY INFORMATION
• The sale of CBD oils as dietary supplements is legal after notifying the Chief Sanitary Inspector (GIS).
• The THC content in products must not exceed 0.2% (extracts) or 0.3% (hemp flower).
• Hemp must come from varieties registered in the EU catalog and have CoA certificates.
• Health claims (e.g., 'cures depression') are illegal - there is a list approved by EFSA.
• The sale of CBD flower online is legally controversial and requires separate legal consultation.
Is the sale of CBD legal in Poland?
The sale of CBD products is legal in Poland, but the legal framework is complex and depends on the type of product. The key regulation is the Act of July 29, 2005, on Counteracting Drug Addiction (Journal of Laws of 2023, item 172, as amended), which defines what is and what is not a narcotic (Journal of Laws, 2023). The Act distinguishes between non-fibrous hemp (illegal) and fibrous hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) with a certified THC level below 0.2% in dry mass - these are legal for cultivation and trade.
In practice, the legality of selling CBD depends on three things: the form of the product (oil, supplement, flower, cosmetic), the THC content (not exceeding permissible limits), and proper labeling. Products that do not meet these criteria may be treated as narcotics. Poland does not have dedicated CBD legislation - entrepreneurs must navigate the regulations on dietary supplements, food, cosmetics, and drug laws simultaneously.
Classification of CBD Products and Legal Requirements
The regulations that apply to you depend directly on how you classify your product. In Poland, CBD products can be sold as: dietary supplements, food (e.g., edible oil), cosmetics, or medical devices. Each category has different legal requirements.
| Product Category | Supervisory Authority | Required Action | Health Claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dietary Supplement | GIS (Chief Sanitary Inspector) | Notification before introduction | Only from the EFSA list |
| Food (edible oil) | GIS + Trade Quality Inspection | Compliance with Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 | General nutritional |
| Cosmetic | Office for Registration of Medicinal Products | Registration in CPNP (EU portal) | No medicinal claims |
| Medical product | URPL | CE certificate, notification | Limited |
| Hemp flowers | no clear authority | Kontrowersyjne - ryzyko prawne | None |
A dietary supplement is the most common and regulated form of selling CBD in Poland. You submit a notification to GIS before the first introduction of the product to the market - this is not a permit, but merely an information to the authority. However, GIS may request documentation (composition, certificates, label) and block sales if the product does not meet the requirements.
How to open a CBD store in Poland - step by step
Opening a stationary or online store with CBD products requires several formal steps. Below is a practical path that most entrepreneurs in this industry follow.
Step 1: Business registration
Register a sole proprietorship (JDG) in CEIDG or a company in KRS. Choose PKD codes appropriate to the sales profile: 47.29.Z for retail sale of food and supplements, 47.91.Z for online sales. If you plan to import products from outside the EU, also include code 46.90.Z.
Step 2: Selection and verification of suppliers
Every CBD product you introduce to the market must be documented: a CoA certificate from an independent laboratory, information about cannabis strains (from the EU catalog), customs clearance documents (for imports), and a manufacturer's declaration of conformity. Without these documents, you are responsible for the product's safety before regulatory authorities. The CoA certificate should cover: cannabinoid profile, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Step 3: GIS notification for dietary supplements
Every CBD dietary supplement you want to sell requires a GIS notification in accordance with Article 29 of the Act of August 25, 2006, on food and nutrition safety (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 2132). You submit the notification through the RASFF system or directly to GIS, attaching the label, composition, and manufacturer's documentation. The procedure usually takes several working weeks.
Step 4: Preparing the online store
An online store with CBD must comply with the provisions of the Consumer Rights Act of May 30, 2014 (Journal of Laws of 2023, item 2759) - regulations, cart, right to withdraw from the contract within 14 days, complaint form. It is also required to implement a privacy policy compliant with GDPR. Accounts on payment platforms (Stripe, Przelewy24) for CBD stores may require additional industry verification.
Reklama i marketing CBD w Polsce - co wolno, a czego nie?
Marketing CBD products is one of the most treacherous areas for new entrepreneurs. Polish law and EU regulations clearly distinguish between permitted statements and prohibited claims.
What absolutely cannot be written
Health claims suggesting that the product cures, prevents, or alleviates diseases are inconsistent with Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006. Specifically: you cannot write that CBD 'cures depression', 'helps with cancer', 'replaces psychotropic drugs', or 'prevents Alzheimer's'. Violating these regulations may result in a fine and a product withdrawal order - GIS and the Trade Inspection are responsible for this.
What is allowed to be written in CBD marketing
It is allowed to describe the product (composition, flavor, concentration), cite scientific studies with source attribution, describe the production process and quality certificates, and use claims from the list approved by EFSA for ingredients present in the product. For example, if the oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, you can cite the EFSA claim about their impact on heart health - because this substance has an approved health claim, regardless of CBD.
Social media and Google Ads
Meta (Facebook, Instagram) and Google have their own advertising policies for the CBD category. Meta has prohibited advertising CBD products in most forms since 2019 - only topical products (cosmetics) with CBD without any internal consumption claims can be promoted. Google Ads allows CBD product ads in some countries after obtaining advertiser certification, but Poland is in a gray area - many campaigns are automatically rejected. Organic marketing (blog, SEO, email) is much more effective and less risky for Polish CBD stores.
In our observation, CBD stores that invest in customer education (blog articles, guides, Q&A) build a significantly stronger position in search engines than those relying solely on paid ads. In an industry where paid advertising is restricted, SEO becomes a strategic asset, not just a supplementary channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sale of CBD legal in Poland?
Yes, the sale of CBD products is legal provided that the THC content does not exceed 0.2% (extracts, supplements) or 0.3% (hemp flower), the hemp comes from registered EU varieties, and the products are properly classified. This is regulated by the Act of July 29, 2005, on counteracting drug addiction (Dz.U. 2023 item 172) and food safety regulations.
What legal form do I need to sell CBD?
There are no requirements regarding a specific legal form - you can operate as a JDG or a limited liability company. More important are the PKD codes: 47.29.Z (retail sale of food products) or 47.91.Z (internet sales). When importing from non-EU countries, you need an additional code 46.90.Z and appropriate customs documentation for each batch of goods.
Do I need permission from the Ministry of Health to sell CBD?
Selling CBD oils as dietary supplements does not require individual permission from the Ministry of Health. It is sufficient to submit a notification to the Chief Sanitary Inspector (GIS) before introducing the product to the market, in accordance with Article 29 of the Food Safety Act. Permission from the Ministry of Health is only needed when selling products classified as medicines or medical devices.
What labeling rules apply to CBD products?
Dietary supplements with CBD must comply with Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011: ingredient list, nutritional value, producer data, expiration date. Health claims not approved by EFSA are absolutely prohibited - phrases like 'cures', 'prevents diseases', or 'replaces medications' are illegal and may result in a fine and a product withdrawal order.
Can I sell CBD flower online?
The online sale of hemp flower (CBD flowers) is legally controversial in Poland. The Supreme Court ruling from 2020 (case no. I KK 13/20) allowed the treatment of cannabis - regardless of THC content - as a narcotic under certain circumstances. We recommend individual consultation with a lawyer specializing in cannabis law before launching the sale of CBD flower to assess current legal risks.
What obligations does a CBD seller have towards GIS and the sanitary inspection?
Before selling any dietary supplement with CBD, you must submit a notification to GIS. The Sanitary Inspection may conduct a store inspection and check: product labeling, storage conditions, documentation (CoA certificates, declarations of conformity), and expiration dates. Failure to notify GIS may result in a fine of up to 5,000 PLN. Sanitary inspections are routine in stores selling cannabis products.
What does opening a CBD store look like step by step?
The basic path is: (1) registration of a sole proprietorship or company with the appropriate PKD code, (2) verification of suppliers and gathering CoA documentation, (3) notification to GIS for each supplement, (4) preparation of the online store's terms and conditions in accordance with consumer rights law and GDPR, (5) verification of payment platform policies for the CBD industry, (6) legal consultation regarding marketing and health claims.
Is CBD advertising allowed in Poland?
Advertising dietary supplements with CBD is allowed, but with significant restrictions. Health claims not approved by EFSA are prohibited. Meta (Facebook/Instagram) prohibits advertising CBD products taken orally. Google Ads requires an advertiser certification for the CBD industry. Organic marketing (blog, SEO, email) is the most effective in this industry and faces the least restrictions.
This article is for informational and educational purposes 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. Consult a lawyer or current legal acts before making decisions.
Author: Michał Waluk · Published: 2026-05-04 · Updated: 2026-05-04
