With the holidays quickly approaching, travel demand is steadily increasing. But what happens if you are traveling with CBD? Where is CBD legal?
After our state-by-state breakdown on CBD regulations, we're looking at different countries and their respective laws on hemp-derived CBD!
Disclaimer: Regulations are subject to change without notice. This blog is not offering legal advice. Envy CBD does not hold responsibility on whether these regulations are enforced or otherwise.
WHAT IS CBD?
CBD or cannabidiol is a naturally occurring compound most commonly found in hemp and cannabis. Unlike its psychoactive counterpart, THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, thus allowing CBD products to enter markets worldwide.
When CBD enters the body, it interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis by inhibiting or stimulating the biological processes of the respective body system to the perceived threat. As a result, the inclusion of CBD into one's daily wellness routine has become an attractive option for daily discomforts ranging from pain management to stress relief.
WHERE IS CBD LEGAL IN NORTH AMERICA?
Traveling with CBD to North America shouldn't be a problem because most North American countries are friendly to CBD. However, be sure to check the regulations of each country before you decide to fly there.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
CBD | LEGAL
Antigua and Barbuda passed the Cannabis Bill of 2018, thus effectively legalizing the cultivation, production, and possession of medical cannabis for qualifying patients and religious groups. Adults can legally possess a maximum of 15 grams of cannabis for personal use. Therefore, hemp-derived CBD products are legal.
BAHAMAS
CBD | LEGAL
Despite the Bahamas continuing to outlaw cannabis and its products for recreational and medical users, you can find hemp-derived CBD products in most of its pharmacies. You should have no issue traveling with CBD to the Bahamas or purchasing products within the country.
BARBADOS
CBD | ILLEGAL
Cannabis and its derivatives, including CBD, are illegal to possess in Barbados. Even simple personal possession of it can land you in jail. However, the Barbados government legalized medical cannabis for medical patients in 2019.
BELIZE
CBD | LEGAL
The Misuse of Drugs Act of 2017 effectively decriminalized cannabis for recreational use. Residents may now possess up to 10 grams of cannabis. Hemp-derived CBD oil is legal in Belize if the THC content is below 0.3%.
CANADA
CBD | LEGAL
Canada is another country like the US where CBD is legal as long as it doesn't contain over 0.3% THC and complies with the regulations outlined in the Cannabis Act.
COSTA RICA
CBD | LEGAL
Hemp-derived CBD is legal to possess in Costa Rica as long as the THC content does not exceed 0.3%. There are, however, several import regulations that prevent easy accessibility.
EL SALVADOR
CBD | ILLEGAL
El Salvador, Peru, and Bolivia stand as the most conservative Latin American countries regarding drug policy. According to the 1988 United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, the production and possession of cannabis, including its derivatives, such as CBD, is illegal.
GUATEMALA
CBD | LEGAL
Traveling with CBD to Guatemala shouldn't cause a problem since hemp-derived CBD oil with less than 0.3% THC is legal here.
HAITI
CBD | ILLEGAL
Medical and recreational cannabis, and all derivatives of cannabis, including CBD, are illegal in Haiti.
HONDURAS
CBD | ILLEGAL
Honduras is another place where cannabis and all its derivatives are illegal.
JAMAICA
CBD | LEGAL
Jamaica allows the possession of hemp-derived CBD products as long as the THC does not exceed a significant amount. Although, the Jamaican government does not explicitly specify this percentage.
MEXICO
CBD | LEGAL
Mexico has fully legalized recreational cannabis and cannabis derivatives, including CBD. One should celebrate the relative ease of traveling with CBD to this country.
NICARAGUA
CBD | ILLEGAL
The production, sale, and possession of any form of cannabis, including CBD, is illegal in Nicaragua for both recreational and medical uses.
PANAMA
CBD | ILLEGAL
In Panama, the production, sale, and possession of cannabis and its derivatives, including CBD, is illegal.
PUERTO RICO
CBD | LEGAL
As a territory of the United States, hemp-derived CBD products with a THC content below 0.3% are legal for purchase and possession. So traveling with CBD to Puerto Rico will not be a problem.
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
CBD | LEGAL FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS
Cannabis in Saint Vincent and The Grenadines is illegal for recreational uses but legal for medical ones. Qualifying patients may be prescribed CBD oil from licensed companies.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
CBD | LEGAL
While cannabis is illegal for recreational and medical uses, pure, hemp-derived CBD that doesn't contain any THC is legal for possession in Trinidad and Tobago.
UNITED STATES
CBD | LEGAL
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD products are legal to purchase and possess if the THC content doesn't exceed 0.3%. Each state exercises its own rules for CBD products, so if you’re traveling with CBD to the US you should check out our state-by-state guide on CBD legality.
VIRGIN ISLANDS
CBD | LEGAL
As a territory of the United States, the Virgin Islands is another destination where CBD is legal for purchase and possession if the THC content is below 0.3%.
WHERE IS CBD LEGAL IN EUROPE?
Wondering, “where is CBD legal in Europe?” Outside of countries such as Croatia, Slovenia, and most non-member states of the European Union, the majority of the EU has a degree of CBD regulation. The recurring rule is that the THC content shouldn't exceed 0.2%. Check out our country-by-country breakdown below.
ALBANIA
CBD | ILLEGAL
Though Albanian laws don't legalize the use of cannabis or any of its derivatives, the country has decriminalized personal possession of it to a great degree. Therefore, CBD for personal use is not punishable by law. But due to the lack of actual legislation, we are playing it safe and marking the country illegal.
ANDORRA
CBD | ILLEGAL
The production, sale, and possession of cannabis and hemp-derived CBD products, is illegal for recreational and medical users in Andorra.
AUSTRIA
CBD | LEGAL
Cannabis flowers and extracts containing CBD can be sold legally in Austria, but they cannot be labeled or marketed as a food supplement or medication. All products must have less than 0.3% THC.
BELARUS
CBD | ILLEGAL
Belarus does not differentiate hemp and cannabis in terms of psychotropic drugs. Therefore, it is illegal to produce, sell, distribute, and possess any form of cannabis for recreational and medical use. So traveling with CBD to Belarus is not possible.
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
CBD | ILLEGAL
Bosnia-Herzegovina falls along the Balkan trading route between Eastern and Central Europe. Therefore the production, sale, distribution, and possession of cannabis and its derivatives (including CBD) are illegal.
BULGARIA
CBD | LEGAL
Bulgaria made history by becoming the first EU country where CBD is legal. So CBD products are easy to purchase in the country as long as their THC content falls below 0.2%.
CROATIA
CBD | LEGAL
As a member of the European Union, hemp-derived CBD products are legally obtainable in Croatia, and traveling with CBD to this country is safe, as long as the THC content is below 0.2%.
CYPRUS
CBD | LEGAL
Hemp-derived CBD is legal to purchase in Cyprus if it contains less than 0.3% THC.
CZECH REPUBLIC
CBD | LEGAL
The Czech Republic is also a country where CBD is legal to purchase as long as it has less than 0.3% THC.
DENMARK
CBD | LEGAL FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS
Danish regulations allow the possession of hemp-derived and cannabis-derived products for medical patients.
ESTONIA
CBD | LEGAL
According to Estonian law, CBD is classified differently than THC due to its lack of psychoactive effects. Therefore, the possession of hemp-derived CBD products is legal.
FINLAND
CBD | LEGAL FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS
Finland recognizes the potential health benefits of hemp-derived CBD products. Accessibility, however, is limited to those with a prescription.
FRANCE
CBD | LEGAL
France's stance on hemp-derived CBD products is that possessing them is legal if their THC content is below 0.2%. However, the French Health Department wants to change the law to reflect that 0% THC is acceptable. So CBD isolates are legal, whereas full spectrum CBD products are not.
GERMANY
CBD | LEGAL FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS
Germany decriminalizes the use of recreational cannabis but enforces a loose personal possession limit that varies from city to city. CBD and medical cannabis, however, are legal to consume here with prescriptions.
GREECE
CBD | LEGAL
Greece is one of the EU countries where CBD is legal. Therefore, traveling with CBD to Greece is safe, and you can legally purchase CBD products if they contain 0.2% THC or less.
GEORGIA
CBD | ILLEGAL
Georgia is another one of the post-Soviet countries where there is no distinction between THC and CBD, and traveling with CBD products is illegal.
HUNGARY
CBD | LEGAL
According to Hungarian law, both hemp-derived and cannabis-derived CBD products are legal to possess as long as the THC content doesn't exceed 0.2%.
ICELAND
CBD | ILLEGAL
While Iceland doesn't have legislation explicitly banning the sale and distribution of CBD, the country has strict laws concerning medical supplements. The lack of explicit legislation makes possession of CBD confusing. Therefore, we'll play it safe and mark Iceland as an illegal country for CBD.
IRELAND
CBD | LEGAL
As a member of the European Union, hemp-derived CBD products are legal to possess so long as their THC content stays below 0.2%.
ITALY
CBD | LEGAL
Despite Italy being one of the largest industrial hemp producers in Europe, its strict laws and poor enforcement make CBD's legal status confusing. Legally, the country allows CBD oil with a maximum of 0.3% THC. However, not all regions are friendly toward CBD possession.
LATVIA
CBD | LEGAL
Latvia is one of the members of the EU where CBD is legal as long as it has less than 0.2% THC.
LITHUANIA
CBD | LEGAL
Lithuanian law legalized hemp cultivation in 2014. For both recreational and medical users, the possession of hemp-derived CBD products is legal as long as the THC content does not exceed 0.2%.
LUXEMBOURG
CBD | LEGAL
Hemp-derived CBD products are legally obtainable in Luxembourg if they contain less than 0.2% THC, and traveling with CBD to this country is safe.
MALTA
CBD | LEGAL FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS
All cannabinoids in Malta are under control by the 2018 Drug Dependence Act. This law legalizes medical cannabis for prescription use only. Qualified patients may legally obtain CBD products made under the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) by suppliers that comply with the Medicines Act.
MOLDOVA
CBD | ILLEGAL
Similar to most Eastern European countries, Moldova exercises a zero-tolerance policy on cannabis and its derivatives, including that of hemp-derived CBD. However, personal possession is largely decriminalized.
MONTENEGRO
CBD | ILLEGAL
The production, sale, and possession of any form of cannabis, including hemp-derived CBD products, are illegal in Montenegro for recreational and medical users.
NETHERLANDS
CBD | LEGAL
The Netherlands is among the destinations where CBD is legal if the producers are outside the country. As a member of the EU, hemp-derived CBD products are legal to possess if their THC content doesn't exceed 0.2%.
NORTH MACEDONIA
CBD | LEGAL FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS
Hemp-derived CBD oil is legal for medical purposes and traveling to North Macedonia with CBD is possible.
NORWAY
CBD | LEGAL
The Norwegian Parliament decriminalized personal drug use in 2017. So CBD oil is legal to purchase and possess as long as there's 0% THC.
POLAND
CBD | LEGAL
As a member of the European Union, Poland is another country where CBD is legal so long as the THC content falls below 0.2%.
PORTUGAL
CBD | LEGAL
Portugal is also a destination where hemp-derived CBD products are legally obtainable so long as they have less than 0.2% THC.
ROMANIA
CBD | LEGAL
Romania allows the production, sale, distribution, and possession of hemp-derived CBD products with THC content under 0.2%.
RUSSIA
CBD | LEGAL
Russia stands as one of the most heavily cultivated areas of hemp on the continent. Despite its strict regulations for hemp-derived CBD, brands in Russia can now legally sell their products.
SERBIA
CBD | ILLEGAL
Serbia classifies all cannabis products, including its derivatives such as hemp-derived CBD, as illegal for recreational and medical purposes.
SLOVAKIA
CBD | ILLEGAL
The Narcotics Act of 2011 considers hemp-derived CBD as part of the regulated substances. Therefore, it is illegal to possess and use CBD within the country. Luckily, a draft law passed in August 2019, removing CBD from the list of psychotropic substances.
SLOVENIA
CBD | LEGAL
As a member of the European Union, Slovenia is a country where CBD is legal as long as it has under 0.2% THC.
SPAIN
CBD | LEGAL
Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.2% THC are legally obtainable in Spain. CBD companies must also follow other restrictions and not advertise their products as food supplements.
SWEDEN
CBD | LEGAL
Sweden has some of the most restrictive drug laws in Europe. Luckily, Swedish courts published a ruling that effectively differentiates CBD from THC and paves the way for the legalization of CBD products. Accessibility, however, remains an issue.
SWITZERLAND
CBD | LEGAL
As a member of the European Union, Switzerland is a destination where CBD is legal as long as it has less than 0.2% THC.
TURKEY
CBD | LEGAL
Hemp-derived CBD products are legal to possess in Turkey if their THC content is 0%. So traveling with CBD Isolates is possible, while legal full spectrum products are considered illegal.
UKRAINE
CBD | LEGAL
Hemp-derived CBD products are different from cannabis-derived products in Ukraine. Therefore, it is legal to possess CBD products in the country as long as they don't contain ANY THC.
UNITED KINGDOM
CBD | LEGAL
While cannabis remains illegal in the UK, hemp-derived CBD products are safe to possess.
WHERE IS CBD LEGAL IN SOUTH AMERICA?
Across the South American continent, countries are beginning to join the global race to supply the best cannabis to the world. But that doesn't necessarily mean that cannabis and its derivatives, such as hemp-derived CBD, are easily accessible to residents, and traveling with CBD to these countries is possible. Check out our breakdown below.
ARGENTINA
CBD | LEGAL FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS
In 2017, the Argentine Senate approved accessibility for hemp-derived CBD oil for medical patients, thus making it legal to possess and purchase with a prescription.
BOLIVIA
CBD | ILLEGAL
The production, sale, and possession of cannabis and its derivatives, including CBD oil, is illegal in Bolivia.
BRAZIL
CBD | LEGAL FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS
Historically, Brazil has followed the United Nations' drug standards on the legality of cannabis and its derivatives. In 2015, however, the country legalized medical CBD oil, becoming one of the countries where CBD is legal for qualifying patients.
CHILE
CBD | LEGAL
Cannabis in Chile is illegal for both recreational and medical uses. However, the country recognizes the medical efficacy of hemp-derived CBD, allowing the possession of its products with less than 0.3%.
COLOMBIA
CBD | LEGAL FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS
In 2015, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos signed the legislation to allow cannabis and its derivatives, including CBD, to be legally accessible for medical patients. Qualifying patients may be prescribed CBD and medical cannabis through licensed dispensaries.
ECUADOR
CBD | ILLEGAL
Despite the country allowing possession of up to 10 grams, cannabis in Ecuador is technically illegal for recreational and medical uses. We do not recommend traveling with CBD to this country.
GUYANA
CBD | ILLEGAL
Cannabis in Guyana is illegal for all uses. Despite the country allowing widespread cultivation of cannabis and hemp, simple possession of CBD is punishable by law.
PARAGUAY
CBD | LEGAL FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS
Paraguay is another South American country where CBD is legal for medicinal purposes. Patients suffering from certain illnesses that cannabis is scientifically proven to be effective for can get CBD from licensed dispensaries.
PERU
CBD | LEGAL FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS
Cannabis, including its derivatives such as hemp-derived CBD, is illegal for recreational uses. However, the country does not enforce personal possession as long as it's less than 8 grams. Medical cannabis is legally accessible for qualifying patients, and people can travel with CBD to Peru.
SURINAME
CBD | ILLEGAL
Cannabis, including its derivatives such as hemp-derived CBD, is illegal for recreational and medical uses. Given that it's the most popular illegal drug in the country, we do not recommend consuming anything remotely similar to cannabis in Suriname or traveling with CBD to this country.
URUGUAY
CBD | LEGAL
Uruguay is another place where CBD is legal. This country has very relaxed cannabis laws. Both recreational and medical cannabis and the cultivation of up to six plants are allowed for personal use. The Uruguayan government doesn't want to promote cannabis tourism, so accessibility is limited to residents only.
VENEZUELA
CBD | ILLEGAL
Both recreational and medical cannabis, including all its derivatives, such as hemp-derived CBD, is illegal in Venezuela.
WHERE IS CBD LEGAL IN ASIA?
When it comes to cannabis and CBD, Asian countries generally exercise a zero-tolerance policy. So be wary of traveling with CBD to these countries. Let's look at the laws in some of the most popular Asian destinations.
CHINA
CBD | ILLEGAL
Most Chinese farms are allowed to cultivate industrial hemp and cannabis to take advantage of the massive demand and worldwide popularity. When it comes to possession, both cannabis and hemp-derived products are illegal.
INDIA
CBD | LEGAL FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS
According to the AYUSH ministry, growing hemp is allowed only with special permission. hemp-derived CBD products are legal as Ayurvedic medicine.
JAPAN
CBD | LEGAL
Japan is one of the Asian countries where CBD is legal as long as it has 0% THC. Here, standard cannabis possession can land you in prison for a minimum of 5 years.
SINGAPORE
CBD | ILLEGAL
Singapore exercises a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. As it stands, the country makes no distinction between CBD and THC. So traveling with CBD to this country is not possible.
SOUTH KOREA
CBD | LEGAL FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS
South Korea stands as the first country in Asia to legalize medical cannabis. Hemp-derived CBD oil is legal but strictly for medical purposes.
THE BOTTOM LINE
So, where is CBD legal? You have your answer right above. The list is endless, but this is currently the most information we can find on the subject. If you are considering traveling with CBD, come back to this article. We will add more countries and keep them updated as laws change. If you are looking for CBD products with superior quality to enhance your wellness, check out our collection. We have a wide range of organic hemp-derived CBD products available.
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