The Global Landscape of CBD Legality: An Overview

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the conversation around CBD and its potential benefits has reached a global audience. Derived from the cannabis plant, CBD (Cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive substance that has captured the attention of scientists, healthcare professionals, and consumers alike. While research is still ongoing, preliminary findings suggest that CBD may have a role in managing a variety of health conditions, from chronic pain and anxiety to epilepsy and sleep disorders.

However, despite the growing interest, the legal status of CBD varies significantly from country to country, and even within countries. The confusion often stems from the relationship between CBD and cannabis, as well as differing attitudes towards cannabis legislation globally.

In this comprehensive list, we will explore the legal status of CBD in various countries across the world. We will delve into the specifics of each country’s laws and regulations regarding CBD, from countries where it is fully legal to those where it is strictly prohibited. This list will provide a useful guide for those curious about the global landscape of CBD legality. Whether you’re a seasoned CBD user, a researcher, a traveller, or just someone interested in this fascinating area of global law, we hope you’ll find this guide informative. Let’s dive in!

The Comprehensive List: CBD Legality Around the World

1. Argentina: Yes, with a prescription – The use of small quantities of cannabis for personal purposes is now decriminalized, and medical cannabis has been legalized nationwide since 21 September 2017. A prescription is required for CBD.
2. Austria: Yes – CBD extracted from a strain of hemp with a THC content of less than 0.3% at any point during its production is legal.
3. Belgium: Yes – CBD is legal as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC.
4. Bolivia: No – It is illegal to sell, possess, or consume any form of cannabis or its byproducts in Bolivia. Products containing CBD are also prohibited there.
5. Brazil: Yes, with a prescription – It is illegal to consume recreational cannabis in any amount. Since 2015, the federal government has legalized medical cannabis in the form of Sativex, which had previously been prohibited. CBD prescriptions from another country may not be accepted for travel to Brazil.
6. Bulgaria: Yes – CBD products derived from hemp with less than 0.2% THC are legal.
7. Chile: Yes – Chile decriminalizes the personal use of cannabis in small amounts for personal use and allows the medical use of cannabis. A prescription is required for CBD.
8. Colombia: Yes – Up to 22 grams of recreational cannabis or 20 plants for personal use is decriminalized, and medical cannabis is also legal. CBD products may be sold by retailers with a license.
9. Croatia: Yes – CBD is legal if it comes from hemp and contains less than 0.2% THC throughout its production.
10. Cyprus: Yes, with a prescription – The use of CBD products is legal with a prescription.
11. Czech Republic: Yes – CBD is legal in the Czech Republic as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC.
12. Denmark: Yes, with a prescription – CBD oil is classified as a medical product, and as such, a prescription is required.
13. Ecuador: No – There is currently no medical cannabis program, but talks about establishing one are ongoing. Currently, there isn’t enough information about CBD’s tolerability, but if it is, its market is relatively small.
14. Estonia: Yes – CBD is legal if it comes from hemp and contains less than 0.2% THC throughout its production.
15. Finland: Yes, with a prescription – CBD oil is considered a medicine, therefore a prescription is required.
16. France: Yes – CBD with less than 0.2% THC is legal.
17. Germany: Yes – If the CBD is derived from EU-approved industrial hemp strains and its THC content never exceeds 0.2% at any point during production, it is legal.
18. Greece: Yes – CBD products are legal as long as they are derived from EU-approved industrial hemp strains and the THC content never exceeds 0.2%.
19. Hungary: Yes – CBD is legal if it comes from hemp and contains less than 0.2% THC throughout its production.
20. Iceland: Yes – CBD products that contain less than 0.2% THC are legal.
21. India: Yes – In the same way that one can buy bhang, a cannabis strain popular in India, one can also purchase CBD oils. Regardless of your medical condition, you can bring them with you.
22. Ireland: Yes – CBD is legal in Ireland if it is extracted from hemp and contains less than 0.2% THC.
23. Israel: Gray area – According to the Israeli Cannabis Oil website , CBD’s legality is complex. While technically considered illegal, as it’s derived from the cannabis plant, there’s a lenient attitude towards CBD products that do not contain THC. CBD is primarily available through pharmacies. Recent government plans aim to remove CBD from Israel’s dangerous drugs ordinance following extensive studies, potentially broadening its use within regulatory limits.
24. Italy: Yes – Growing hemp and producing CBD is legal in Italy, so long as the THC content is less than 0.6% throughout the production process.
25. Latvia: Yes – A CBD product is legal if it comes from industrial hemp and contains less than 0.2% THC.
26. Lithuania: Yes – CBD products are legal as long as they are derived from EU-approved industrial hemp strains and the THC content never exceeds 0.2%.
27. Luxembourg: Yes – CBD products are legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.
28. Malta: Yes, with a prescription – CBD is legal with a prescription and if it contains less than 0.2% THC.
29. Netherlands: Yes – CBD products are legal as long as they contain less than 0.05% THC.
30. Norway: Yes, with a prescription – CBD is legal with a prescription.
31. Paraguay: Yes, with a prescription – It is legal to possess up to 10 grams of recreational cannabis. Apart from a few special cases, medical cannabis is not legal. The Paraguayan authorities, however, are considering introducing a pilot program to allow access to medical marijuana.
32. Peru: Yes – As long as you don’t exceed 8 grams, recreational cannabis is legal. Medical cannabis has wide acceptance. The use of CBD products is legal and widespread in Peru.
33. Poland: Yes – CBD is legal in Poland as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC.
34. Portugal: Yes – CBD products are legal as long as they are derived from hemp and contain less than 0.2% THC.
35. Romania: Yes – CBD is legal in Romania.
36. Slovakia: No – CBD is illegal and is listed as a Group 2 psychotropic substance.
37. Slovenia: Yes – CBD products are legal as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC.
38. South Africa: Yes – South Africa amended its medicine laws in May 2019 to allow for the consumption of 20 milligrams of CBD daily. THC content must be under 0.001%.
39. South Korea: Yes, but with restrictions – CBD can be found in a wide variety of topical products in South Korea, but it cannot be used recreationally. CBD may only be brought into South Korea for medical reasons.
40. Spain: Yes – CBD products are legal as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC.
41. Sweden: Yes – CBD products are legal as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC.
42. Thailand: Yes, but with restrictions – CBD products cannot be imported into the country unless you have a permit from FDA Thailand. Your permit allows you to use CBD for personal use for a maximum of 30 days.
43. Uruguay: Yes – The laws regarding cannabis in Uruguay are extremely relaxed. Cannabis can be used for recreational and medical purposes, and six plants can be grown for personal use. Currently, Uruguay does not widely use CBD and only a few products are available through pharmacies with a prescription.
44. Venezuela: No – Cannabis is illegal in Venezuela for both recreational use and medical use. It is not known whether CBD products are available in Venezuela.