Industry Risks

The industrial hemp sector faces regulatory challenges that could significantly affect a business fabric worth more than 100 million euros.

The Regulatory Context

The sector operates with more than 2,000 points of sale and 100M€ of annual turnover, but the legislative framework presents areas for improvement:

  • 1.Hemp flower is not integrated into any reasonable regulated framework
  • 2.Reinforcing pathways that push it toward total prohibition or medicalization
  • 3.European case law in favor (Kanavape, PAC) is ignored

The Two Risk Fronts

Legislative challenges that could affect the sector

Tobacco Risk

The reform of the Anti-tobacco Law and the modification of RD 579/2017 could affect specialized stores and channel distribution exclusively through tobacconists.

Main threats:

  • Closure of ~2,000 specialty stores
  • Exclusive channeling through tobacconists
  • Prohibition of "relaxing" additives
See complete analysis

Pharmaceutical Risk

RD 903/2025 on Medical Cannabis defines CBD so broadly that it allows any CBD product to be treated as a medicinal product.

Main threats:

  • Blockade of non-pharmaceutical trade
  • Spillover effect on all the CBD
  • Repetition of the "Melatonin Case"
See complete analysis

Unity is strength

Collaboration is key to representing the sector effectively. Join AECANI and support our legal advocacy work.

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