This guide now covers all major countries, offering a detailed breakdown of CBD’s legal status worldwide. Whether you’re a consumer or traveler, this complete reference ensures clarity about hemp- and marijuana-derived CBD in various nations.
CBD Legality by Region
1. North America
Country
Legal Status
United States
Federally legal for hemp-derived CBD (≤0.3% THC). State laws vary.
Canada
Fully legal under the Cannabis Act (2018) for medical and recreational use.
Mexico
Medical use is permitted, recreational cannabis legalization is progressing.
Costa Rica
Medical use is permitted, and recreational cannabis legalization is progressing.
Jamaica
CBD is legal for medical use and wellness products with low THC.
2. South America
Country
Legal Status
Argentina
Legal for medical use, low-THC products widely available.
Brazil
CBD is legal for medical use with prescriptions. Import is tightly regulated.
Chile
Legal for medical use only.
Colombia
Legal for medical use, low-THC products are widely available.
Peru
Legal for medical purposes. CBD products must meet government guidelines.
Uruguay
Fully legal for recreational and medical cannabis use.
3. Europe
Country
Legal Status
United Kingdom
Legal if derived from hemp and THC ≤0.2%. Novel food approval is required for ingestibles.
Germany
Medical and wellness CBD products legal with ≤0.2% THC.
Poland
Fully legal with ≤0.2% THC for wellness products.
Switzerland
CBD with ≤1% THC is legal, one of the highest thresholds globally.
Ukraine
Recently legalized hemp-derived CBD with strict limits on THC (≤0.08%).
France
Only CBD isolates are legal; full-spectrum products are banned.
Netherlands
CBD with ≤0.05% THC is widely accepted for wellness purposes.
Spain
CBD is legal for topical use only. Edibles and ingestibles are restricted.
Sweden
Only pure CBD (0% THC) is legal.
Portugal
CBD is legal for medical use and requires licensing.
4. Asia
Country
Legal Status
Japan
CBD is legal if THC-free. Import regulations are strict, and labeling must meet precise standards.
South Korea
CBD is legal for medical use only under strict licensing.
China
CBD is legal in cosmetics but banned in food or ingestibles.
Thailand
Recently legalized medical cannabis, including CBD with ≤0.2% THC.
India
Hemp-derived CBD is largely unregulated but widely available.
Pakistan
Hemp cultivation is allowed; CBD legality remains unclear.
Afghanistan
CBD is illegal; all cannabis products are banned.
Iran
CBD is illegal; possession or use leads to harsh penalties.
Vietnam
CBD is illegal; all cannabis products are prohibited.
Malaysia
CBD is illegal except for rare government-approved medical use.
Indonesia
CBD is illegal; possession carries severe penalties.
Singapore
CBD is strictly banned; possession is treated as a serious offense.
5. Oceania
Country
Legal Status
Australia
Prescription-only. CBD products must comply with strict regulations.
New Zealand
CBD is available for medical use with prescriptions. THC content must be ≤0.3%.
6. Africa
Country
Legal Status
South Africa
Hemp-derived CBD is legal with THC ≤0.001%.
Lesotho
CBD production is legal for export; local sales are restricted.
Morocco
Hemp production is regulated for export markets; local CBD use remains unclear.
Zambia
Recently legalized hemp cultivation; CBD products are under review.
7. Middle East
Country
Legal Status
Israel
CBD is legal for medical use; the country is a global leader in cannabis research.
Saudi Arabia
CBD is strictly banned; severe penalties apply for possession.
United Arab Emirates
CBD is banned; possession is punishable by law.
Qatar
CBD is illegal; the country enforces a zero-tolerance policy.
Oman
CBD is prohibited; no distinction between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived products.
Conclusion
Understanding the legal status of CBD worldwide is essential for consumers, travelers, and businesses. Laws vary greatly from country to country, and factors like THC content, purpose (medical or recreational), and product type (hemp-derived or marijuana-derived) play a big role in determining legality.
While some regions fully embrace CBD with progressive regulations, others have strict bans or tightly controlled access. Always research and follow local laws before purchasing, using, or traveling with CBD products to ensure you stay safe and compliant.
As global awareness of CBD continues to grow, more countries may revisit their laws, potentially making it easier for people to access its benefits. Until then, staying informed is the best way to enjoy CBD responsibly.
