Europe Cannabidiol (CBD) Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Source Type (Hemp, Marijuana), By Sales Type (B2B, B2C), By End-use (Medical, Personal Use), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Europe CBD Market Size & Trends

The Europe cannabidiol market size was estimated at USD 347.7 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.8% from 2024 to 2030. The market for CBD is predicted to expand in line with the growing acceptance and legalization of products. To cater consumer demand, companies are creating a diverse range of products infused with cannabidiol, such as edibles, topicals, and beverages. The advent of e-commerce has enabled these companies to tap into a larger customer base and boost their sales via online platforms, which has had a positive influence on the growth forecasts for the CBD industry.

The European CBD market is characterized by favorable regulatory support for CBD. Growing marijuana has been legalized in most European countries, providing opportunities for startups dealing with marijuana-based products to explore the market. Some startups contributing to the growth of marijuana-based CBD products in the region are Harmony, Hanfgarten, Cannamedical Pharma GmbH, and Hempfy. Increasing awareness concerning the health benefits among consumers, easy availability, and affordable prices have resulted in the increased popularity of CBD oil in this region.

The market offers CBD in a variety of forms, including capsules, edibles, hemp oil, and vaping e-liquid. For example, Eos Scientific under Ambiance Cosmetics has introduced six lines of cosmetics infused with CBD, such as oils, balms, and moisturizers. The growing knowledge about the potential health advantages of cannabidiol has spurred more investment in R&D to better understand its effects and create new products. The CBD market is becoming increasingly competitive as more companies offer similar products, thereby expanding the market place.

Moreover, the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol have encouraged consumers to buy these products, despite their high cost. Consequently, commercial retailers are shifting their focus to selling cannabis-based items that yield higher profits. For instance, Abercrombie & Fitch, a clothing retailer, plans to sell CBD-infused body care products in over 160 of its more than 250 stores. Numerous health and wellness stores, such as Walgreens Boots Alliance, CVS Health, and Rite Aid, now stock CBD-based products. CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant, is available in various forms like cream, edibles, oils, and tinctures. It is promoted for its potential health benefits, such as alleviating anxiety and pain. The demand for CBD has skyrocketed due to the growing acceptance and legalization of marijuana and hemp-based products.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

Upon examining the statistics of the Cannabidiol (CBD) industry, it’s evident that the market is in a stage of high growth, with the rate of growth picking up speed. The CBD market is marked by a significant level of innovation, driven by heightened R&D activities focusing on the medicinal uses of cannabis. The demand for CBD products is on a rise due to their health benefits without the side effects of intoxication, and there’s a growing inclination towards cannabis extracts like oils and tinctures.

Cannabidiol market is also marked by a moderate number of merger and acquisition (M&A) activities among the top players. These M&A activities allow companies to broaden their range of products, venture into new markets, and consolidate their position. For example, in March 2022, Aurora Cannabis Inc. declared its intention to take over TerraFarma Inc., the parent company of Thrive Cannabis. The goal of this acquisition is to bolster Aurora’s standing in the market and diversify its product offerings.

The cannabidiol industry is thriving due to an increasing number of nations establishing a structured regulatory system for the growth and sale of cannabis. For example, according to the cannabis laws in Germany, these products should not exceed a THC content of 0.2% and must be sold in processed form, which reduces its abuse. Related products available in the region are dietary supplements such as CBD oils and ointments or other cosmetics that absorb CBD through the skin. CBD oils are, however, only available on prescription.

Key players in the CBD medicine market undertake this strategy to strengthen their product portfolios and offer customers diverse, technologically advanced, innovative products. Companies prominently adopt this strategy to expand their customer base. For instance, in 2023 CV Sciences, Inc. launched its +PlusCBD reserve collection of extra gummies. The reserve collection product line offers blend of full-spectrum cannabinoids capable of providing relief when intense support is required.

The legalization of products derived from cannabis has paved the way for numerous industries to broaden their range of products. Products containing CBD have evolved from just traditional flowers and oils to a wide variety including edibles, drinks, skincare and wellness items, CBD-infused gummies, topical creams, and balms with CBD, and even CBD products for pets. This diversification has the potential to attract a wider audience and provide more market opportunities for businesses. For example, in 2022, Canopy Growth Corporation declared that they were broadening their cannabis beverage product line and launching a brand campaign to increase awareness of their extensive selection of cannabis beverages.

Source Type Insights

In 2023, hemp dominated the market and generated 56.1% of the revenue. This segment is expected to grow fastest due to rising demand from the pharmaceutical industry and growing consumer awareness of health benefits. The legalization of medicinal cannabis, coupled with an increase in consumer disposable income, is projected to enhance the demand for cannabidiol in the pharmaceutical sector. The high demand for CBD products encompasses oils, tinctures, concentrates, capsules, topical solutions like salves, lip balms, lotions, and edibles such as baked goods, coffee, chocolate, gum, and candies.

Moreover, CBD derived from hemp is rapidly gaining popularity due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties. A variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, nutraceuticals, and food and beverage companies, are developing products that incorporate CBD for health and wellness purposes. Owing to these factors, this segment is anticipated to witness substantial growth in the future.

End-use Insights

In B2B end-use, pharmaceuticals accounted for the largest revenue share of 74.9% in 2023. The segment is expected to see substantial growth over the forecast period. The increasing number of clinical trials evaluating the impact of CBD on various health issues is expected to boost the demand for these products in future. Furthermore, a multitude of companies are buying CBD oil in bulk and manufacturing CBD-infused items, which are commonly used by consumers as an alternative for pain and stress management. Consequently, these products are predicted to be in a growth stage in the market.

The shift of cannabidiol from being a part of herbal remedies to becoming a prescription drug is anticipated to drive market growth. Moreover, the escalating recognition of cannabidiol’s medical advantages, including its therapeutic properties, is projected to stimulate the demand for these products in the pharmaceutical industry.

Sales Type Insights

B2B segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 56.2% in 2023. This segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to a rise in the number of wholesalers offering CBD oil and the growing demand for CBD oil as a raw material. The legalization of CBD products in various nations has paved the way for more distribution opportunities, due to a growing customer base. This is expected to boost market growth.

The hospital pharmacies sub-segment within B2C is predicted to see substantial growth in the future. This growth can be attributed to an increase in collaborations between companies and retail pharmacies to enhance their visibility and create a dedicated area for customers to buy CBD products. Furthermore, the market is expected to provide numerous opportunities for market players, driven by a rise in pharmacies stocking these products, the establishment of exclusive alliances between companies and retail pharmacies, and an increasing number of patients opting for CBD as a treatment alternative.

Country Insights

The European CBD market is expected to record lucrative growth with a CAGR of 25.8% over the forecast period due to the establishment of hemp production facilities. In the European Union (EU). Seeds for planting are only to be purchased from certified providers to ensure that the right variety of hemp is cultivated, as hemp is a rich source of CBD. In addition, indoor cultivation of hemp is prohibited in Europe, and only outdoor agricultural fields are permitted to cultivate hemp. Moreover, many companies are operating in bulk CBD isolates business and increasing their production capacity to meet the rising demand. For instance, in 2020, PharmaCielo Ltd, a Canadian company, announced a 3-year distribution agreement with CBD Export Global to distribute its CBD isolate in the Pan-Europe region, including Switzerland. Under the agreement, the company will supply its CBD isolate to wholesalers and pharmaceutical manufacturers across Europe.

UK Cannabidiol Market Trends

The most sold product in UK cannabidiol market is the CBD oil. The popularity of CBD oil has surged due to its health benefits, affordability, and easy availability. The Project Twenty21 initiative aims to provide medical cannabis to patients at a capped price while collecting data for NHS funding evidence. CBD oil is widely available in retail stores, pharmacies and online shops, with Holland and Barrett being a major retailer. It’s primarily sold as food supplements and used in personal care products. CBD is marketed in various forms like capsules, edibles, hemp oil, and vaping e-liquid. Many food producers and restaurants, including Minor Figures, The Canna Kitchen, and Chloe, are incorporating CBD oil in their offerings. In the cosmetics sector, Eos Scientific launched a line of CBD-infused cosmetics under the brand Ambiance Cosmetics. Notable companies in the UK CBD market include Canavape Ltd. and Dutch Hemp.

Germany Cannabidiol Market Trends

Medical marijuana was legalized in 2017 in Germany. Patients in the country can access medical cannabis via prescription. The country has allowed around 20,000 pharmacies to sell medical cannabis by prescription. Germany was one of the first European countries to legalize medical cannabis and is a huge potential market for nonmedical CBD. According to German regulations, industrial hemp may be cultivated under stringent conditions. CBD may be extracted from domestically grown hemp or imported internationally, provided the THC content does not exceed 0.2%. CBD-derived edible products and oils are controlled by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. In August 2023, Germany's cabinet passed a bill legalizing recreational marijuana use and cultivation. This move made Cannabidiol market in Germany one of the most liberal one in Europe in terms of cannabis laws.

Netherlands Cannabidiol Market Trends

Cannabidiol market in Netherlands dominated this space with the highest share of 23.9% in 2023, owing to the history of the country in using cannabis. Netherlands has a strong research community focused on cannabis and its constituents, potentially contributing to its CBD industry. Compared to other European countries, Netherlands offer much favorable environment for businesses involved with CBD. Netherlands also has a long history with cannabis products, allowing an early expertise and infrastructure relevant to CBD production and distributions.

Italy Cannabidiol Market Trends

Cannabidiol market in Italy is anticipated to be the fastest growing country in the market. In Italy, CBD oils with 5%, 10%, and 50% are permitted to be sold in Italian markets and those categorized under the food aromatic preparation are allowed to be purchased without a prescription. Hemp oil or hemp edibles are considered a condiment and are obtained from hemp seeds. The purchasing of Full Extraction Cannabis Oil (FECO) is permitted with a proper prescription. Cannabis (hemp) flowers, also known as cannabis light, are sold on a larger scale in the country. These flowers with names such as Cannabismile, White Pablo, Marley CBD, Chill Haus, and K8 are sold in jars by many Italian shops and online retailers. The jars sternly specify that the products are for technical use only and not for human consumption. This is projected to drive the CBD market in the long run.

Key Europe Cannabidiol Company Insights

Several market players are focusing on numerous initiatives such as distribution partnerships and product innovation to maintain their position in the market. For instance, in October 2022, Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. announced a distribution partnership with Gopuff Retail Company. This strategy enables companies to increase their capabilities, expand product portfolios, and improve competencies. Key players in the CBD medicine market offer customers diverse, technologically advanced, innovative products. Companies prominently adopt this strategy to expand their business footprint and customer base.

Recent Developments

• In January 2024, PharmaCielo Ltd, a Canadian company, announced their strategic partnership with Benuvia, to manufacture cGMP Pharmaceutical-grade CBD Isolate and related products and introduce them into the global market, including Europe, Brazil, Australia and U.S.

• In September 2022, Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s subsidiary, Kannaway signed a distribution agreement with Compete Hemp Technologies to expand its market in Europe.

• In May 2022, Aurora Cannabis received an EU-GMP certification for its production facility in Germany.

• In July 2020, Kloris, a UK-based CBD beauty startup, secured its first nationwide retail launch through Boots. This can propel the company into the mainstream wellness market, thus expanding the major retail of the company.

Cannabidiol Market Report Scope

Europe Cannabidiol Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the Europe cannabidiol market report based on source type, sales type, end-use, and region:

• Source Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030­)

  • Hemp

  • Marijuana

• Sales Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030­)

  • B2B

    • By End-use

      • Pharmaceuticals

      • Wellness

        • Food & Beverages

        • Personal Care & Cosmetics

        • Nutraceuticals

        • Others

  • B2C

    • By Sales Channel

      • Hospital Pharmacies

      • Online

      • Retail Stores

    • By End-use

      • Medical

        • Chronic Pain

        • Mental Disorders

        • Cancer

        • Others

      • Personal Use

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030­)

  • Medical

    • Chronic Pain

    • Mental Disorders

    • Cancer

    • Others

  • Personal Use

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Wellness

    • Food & Beverages

    • Personal Care & Cosmetics

    • Nutraceuticals

    • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030­)

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • Netherlands

    • Switzerland

    • Italy

    • France

    • Poland

    • Czech Republic

    • Croatia