Cannabis flower sales are being resumed at CBD stores
In a significant development for the Austrian cannabis industry, specialty shops are now permitted to sell cannabis flowers, following a recent legal opinion by constitutional expert Heinz Mayer. This decision has brought relief to the industry, which had been in a state of existential distress due to sales declines and uncertainty in the law.
According to Klaus Huebner, chairman of the Austrian Cannabis Federation (ACF), this announcement was made on Thursday. The industry, encompassing approximately 500 to 1,000 companies, including at least 400 shops, analytical labs, agricultural operations, wholesalers, and importers, has welcomed the news with open arms.
However, the shops had not sold cannabis flowers in the last few months due to fear caused by an incorrect interpretation of the Finance Ministry by some media, as stated by Huebner. The ACF is prepared to take legal action if necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the industry.
The legal basis for this decision is the opinion of Heinz Mayer, who argues that cannabis flowers are subject to tobacco tax but not the Austrian tobacco monopoly. This is in contrast to the current situation, where the limit for THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis) in freely traded products is a more realistic value of one percent, as seen in countries like Germany.
CBD (Cannabidiol), another cannabis compound, does not have psychoactive effects. Almost 500 CBD shops in Austria suffered due to this uncertainty, with penalties, tax demands, and bankruptcies. The uncertainty in the law led to massive sales declines for CBD shops, with losses up to 80%.
Customers turned to foreign sources during this time, causing the Austrian tax office to miss out on tax revenue. This situation has prompted calls for a dedicated cannabis law, as seen in other countries like Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the Czech Republic.
OCB, a leading brand in the cannabis industry, advocates for the decriminalization of cannabis, viewing it as an unstoppable trend. They call for a "clear, sensible, and well-considered regulation" to ensure the safety and quality of products, and to protect consumers.
While recreational use of cannabis remains illegal in Austria, the legal status of cannabis for medical purposes is strictly regulated. It is prescribed by doctors and must be dispensed through pharmacies. The ongoing debates and discussions about cannabis legalization in various European countries continue, but Austria has not yet legalized cannabis for recreational use.
It is advisable to consult legal experts or official Austrian government sources for any recent updates or changes in cannabis legislation. This article provides a general overview of the legal status of cannabis in Austria, but for specific information on Heinz Mayer's opinion, further research is required.
- In contrast to the restrictions on THC in freely traded products in countries like Germany, Heinz Mayer's opinion argues that cannabis flowers are subject to tobacco tax but not the Austrian tobacco monopoly.
- Despite the ongoing debates about cannabis legalization in European countries, Austria has not yet legalized cannabis for recreational use, and cannabis for medical purposes is strictly regulated, being prescribed by doctors and dispensed through pharmacies.
- OCB, a leading brand in the cannabis industry, advocates for the decriminalization of cannabis, calling for a "clear, sensible, and well-considered regulation" to ensure the safety and quality of products, protect consumers, and potentially generate revenue through taxation in the health-and-wellness, finance, and business sectors, as well as help other science-oriented and medical-conditions related companies flourish in this growing market.
