The global trend towards 1% of THC is unstoppable, ranging from technology powerhouses such as Switzerland to agricultural giants such as Australia and Colombia.
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Comparative Context
Spain maintains a more restrictive threshold than the current international trend. The 1% standard is supported by UN recommendations, the European Pharmacopoeia, and the regulatory practice of multiple countries.
The New International Standard
Several benchmark countries have evolved from the 0.3% threshold to adopt 1% as a scientifically grounded limit.
The 1% technical standardization allows a more precise and fairer control for producers, avoiding false positives due to natural fluctuations.
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🇨🇭 Switzerland - The benchmark since 2011
Switzerland demonstrated that 1% of THC does not generate public health problems. Its CBD flowers are sold in large supermarkets and its industry is among the most innovative in the world.
🇨🇿 Czech Republic - The European Example (2025)
Even within the EU, the Czech Republic has taken the step to go up to 1%. They have created the category of "psychomodulatory substances" to regulate these products proportionally and safely.
🇦🇺 Australia and 🇨🇴 Colombia
Both countries have understood that industrial hemp is first and foremost an agricultural crop. By applying 1%, they enable their farmers to work with more resistant and productive varieties.
Comparison of Thresholds by Country
Agricultural Freedom Ranking (THC)
| País | Umbral THC | Instrumento Legal |
|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇭Suiza | 1.0% | Narcotics Act (Rev. 2011) |
| 🇨🇿Rep. Checa | 1.0% | Psychomodulatory Act (2025) |
| 🇦🇺Australia | 1.0% | Industrial Hemp Acts |
| 🇨🇴Colombia | 1.0% | Decreto 811 (2021) |
| 🇪🇨Ecuador | 1.0% | Reglamento MAG |
| 🇲🇽México | 1.0% | Amparo Suprema Corte |
| 🇹🇭Tailandia | 1.0% | Notificación Ministerial |
| 🇮🇹Italia | 0.6% | Ley 242/2016 |
| 🇪🇸España | 0.2% | PAC 1999 (Herencia) |
Considerations for Spain
Maintaining 0.2% while the international trend moves towards 1% raises relevant considerations for the sector's competitiveness:
- Loss of competitiveness: Producers from other countries access genetics with greater potential for CBD and essential oils.
- Legal uncertainty: Natural fluctuations of the plant can lead a farmer to difficulties for a 0.1% surplus.
- R&D attraction: Spanish R&D companies could benefit from a more competitive framework to retain talent.
"It is about establishing a proportionate regulatory framework for an industrial plant whose safety profile has been scientifically documented across multiple countries.
Our Proposal
We propose that Spain consider adopting the 1% THC harmonized with the UN Manual and the European Pharmacopoeia, which would help strengthen the sector's 10,000 jobs and its position in the European hemp industry.
📚 Sources and References
- EIHA (European Industrial Hemp Association) - Comparative analysis of THC levels worldwide
- Swiss Federal Office of Public Health - Regulation of hemp-based products
- CZECH Ministry of Health - Psychomodulatory Substances Act Overview