The scientific and economic truth in detail
Numerous studies document the medical efficacy of cannabis and CBD – especially in its natural flower form. The following research findings support the positions of the ÖCB:
CBD flowers exhibit higher bioavailability when inhaled compared to CBD oils or capsules. The body absorbs the active ingredients faster and more efficiently – a crucial advantage for patients with acute symptoms.
Source: Millar SA, Stone NL, Yates AS, O'Sullivan SE. "A Systematic Review on the Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Humans." Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018;9:1365.
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01365
A large case series shows that CBD improved anxiety scores in 79.2% of participants and promoted sleep in 66.7% – particularly in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Source: Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. "Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series." The Permanente Journal. 2019;23:18-041.
DOI: 10.7812/TPP/18-041
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cannabidiol (CBD) is "generally well tolerated" and has "no potential for abuse or dependence." This makes CBD a safe alternative for patients.
Source: World Health Organization. "Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report." Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD), 40th Meeting. June 2018.
WHO Critical Review Report (PDF)
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows a significant reduction in seizure frequency in patients with Dravet syndrome – a particularly severe, treatment-resistant form of epilepsy.
Source: Devinsky O, Cross JH, Laux L, et al. "Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome." New England Journal of Medicine. 2017;376(21):2011–2020.
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1611618
The natural CBD flower provides a synergistic effect (entourage effect), where cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work together – a therapeutic effect that isolated oils or synthetic single substances often fail to achieve. This is a key argument for maintaining specialized retail shops, which possess the necessary expertise to provide individualized advice.
The planned monopolization is intended to secure taxes, but achieves the exact opposite: by destroying specialized retailers, the legal CBD market will shrink dramatically. Tax revenues will collapse, while significant social costs will be incurred.
On behalf of the Austrian Cannabis Association (ÖCB), a comprehensive scientific study is currently being prepared:
Economic Potentials and Regulatory Scenarios for the Austrian Cannabis Market
The publication of the full analyses, reform scenarios, and economic potentials is planned for July 2026. Please check back at a later date.