Last updated: June 2026
CBD is legal in many countries ā but by no means all. Laws are changing rapidly and vary significantly by jurisdiction, THC limit and product type. Hereās a comprehensive guide to CBD legality worldwide.
Evopure CBD ā UK-legal, lab-tested broad-spectrum
What is CBD oil?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is non-psychoactive and non-addictive ā legal in many countries as a food supplement. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive cannabinoid and is controlled worldwide. Many CBD products contain trace THC as a natural result of extraction ā where CBD is legal, it typically must stay below a specific THC threshold.
Read more: Hemp vs marijuana | Flying with CBD oil
What makes CBD legal or illegal?
Legality typically hinges on: THC content threshold (e.g. ā¤0.2%, ā¤0.3% or 0.0%), source (hemp vs marijuana), intended use (supplement, cosmetic or medicine) and sales channel (OTC vs prescription-only pharmacy).
Looking for UK-legal CBD you can trust?
Take our free quiz and weāll recommend the right Evopure broad-spectrum formula ā all with published COAs confirming UK legal compliance.
Take the free health quiz āCountries where CBD is legal
Laws evolve rapidly ā always verify current rules before travelling with CBD. Key countries as of June 2026:
United Kingdom š¬š§ ā Legal as a Novel Food supplement if derived from EU-approved industrial hemp with ā¤0.2% THC in the plant (finished products must stay within 1 mg THC per container). Evopure products comply fully with UK regulations.
European Union ā Most EU countries permit hemp-derived CBD with ā¤0.2% THC. Specific rules on oral supplements vs cosmetics vary by member state. Notable exceptions: France (mixed enforcement), Sweden (THC-free only required), Slovakia (external use only), Netherlands (THC ā¤0.05%).
United States šŗšø ā Hemp-derived CBD with ā¤0.3% THC is federally permitted under the 2018 Farm Bill. State laws vary significantly ā always check local state rules.
Canada šØš¦ ā Legal nationally within the cannabis framework. Widely available with provincial regulation.
Australia š¦šŗ ā Low-dose CBD available OTC; broader access via prescription.
Switzerland šØš ā CBD unregulated; THC ā¤1% permitted. One of the more permissive European frameworks.
Uruguay šŗš¾ ā Cannabis fully legal; CBD unrestricted.
Japan šÆšµ ā CBD legal with strictly 0.0% THC. All products must be THC-free.
South Africa šæš¦ ā Cannabis decriminalised for personal use; CBD generally tolerated within limits.
Colombia šØš“ ā Legal with THC <1%; cultivation requires a licence.
Other countries with some form of legal CBD (verify current status): Argentina (prescription), Austria (THC ā¤0.3%, not for food/medicine marketing), Bulgaria (imported products), Chile (prescription), China (hemp-derived only, no food import), Costa Rica, Denmark (grey area), Greece, Germany (THC ā¤0.3%), Guatemala, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands (THC ā¤0.05%), Paraguay (medical), Peru (medical, THC <1%), Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Slovakia (external only), Spain, Thailand (THC <0.2%), US Virgin Islands.
Countries where CBD is illegal or heavily restricted
Hong Kong šš° ā As of February 2023, CBD classified as a dangerous drug. Possession can carry up to 7 years imprisonment; manufacturing/export can carry life imprisonment. Do not travel with CBD.
Russia š·šŗ ā All cannabis products illegal regardless of THC content.
Singapore šøš¬ ā CBD is a controlled substance. Possession illegal. Do not bring CBD into Singapore.
Serbia š·šø ā All cannabis-derived products illegal for medical and recreational use regardless of THC content.
Albania š¦š± ā No legal distinction between CBD and cannabis. Buying, selling or using CBD is illegal.
Belgium š§šŖ ā Sale of THC-containing products prohibited; external-use CBD may be available.
Iceland š®šø ā Legal grey area; CBD only allowed if it contains 0.0% THC, which most products cannot guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel internationally with CBD?
Only if your destination explicitly allows it. Always check current rules for your destination AND any transit/layover countries before flying. Bring your COA confirming THC levels.
What THC limits are most common?
ā¤0.2% is the EU standard. ā¤0.3% applies in the US and several others. ā¤0.05% in the Netherlands. 0.0% required in Japan. ā¤1% in Switzerland.
Is full-spectrum CBD legal?
It can be ā if total THC stays within local limits. Where 0% THC is required (e.g. Japan), choose broad-spectrum or isolate.
Will CBD show up on a drug test abroad?
Tests screen for THC, not CBD. Poorly labelled or contaminated products could trigger a positive. Always verify via a published COA.
Buy UK-legal CBD with published COAs
Take our free quiz and weāll recommend the right Evopure formula for your wellness goals.
Take the free health quiz āFinal thoughts on CBD legality worldwide
CBD laws are evolving rapidly ā what was illegal two years ago may now be permitted, and vice versa (Hong Kong is a cautionary example). Before travelling with CBD, always check current rules for your destination and all transit countries. Carry your productās COA, keep it in original packaging, and choose broad-spectrum or isolate where zero-THC rules apply.
