Last updated: June 2026
CBD is legal in many countries — but by no means all. Laws are changing rapidly and vary significantly by jurisdiction, THC limit and product type. Here’s a comprehensive guide to CBD legality worldwide.
Evopure CBD — 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 — 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 — 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. ≤0.2%, ≤0.3% or 0.0%), source (hemp vs marijuana), intended use (supplement, cosmetic or medicine) and sales channel (OTC vs prescription-only pharmacy).
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Take the free health quiz →Countries where CBD is legal
Laws evolve rapidly — always verify current rules before travelling with CBD. Key countries as of June 2026:
United Kingdom 🇬🇧 — Legal as a Novel Food supplement if derived from EU-approved industrial hemp with ≤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 — Most EU countries permit hemp-derived CBD with ≤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 ≤0.05%).
United States 🇺🇸 — Hemp-derived CBD with ≤0.3% THC is federally permitted under the 2018 Farm Bill. State laws vary significantly — always check local state rules.
Canada 🇨🇦 — Legal nationally within the cannabis framework. Widely available with provincial regulation.
Australia 🇦🇺 — Low-dose CBD available OTC; broader access via prescription.
Switzerland 🇨🇭 — CBD unregulated; THC ≤1% permitted. One of the more permissive European frameworks.
Uruguay 🇺🇾 — Cannabis fully legal; CBD unrestricted.
Japan 🇯🇵 — CBD legal with strictly 0.0% THC. All products must be THC-free.
South Africa 🇿🇦 — Cannabis decriminalised for personal use; CBD generally tolerated within limits.
Colombia 🇨🇴 — Legal with THC <1%; cultivation requires a licence.
Other countries with some form of legal CBD (verify current status): Argentina (prescription), Austria (THC ≤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 ≤0.3%), Guatemala, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands (THC ≤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 🇭🇰 — 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 🇷🇺 — All cannabis products illegal regardless of THC content.
Singapore 🇸🇬 — CBD is a controlled substance. Possession illegal. Do not bring CBD into Singapore.
Serbia 🇷🇸 — All cannabis-derived products illegal for medical and recreational use regardless of THC content.
Albania 🇦🇱 — No legal distinction between CBD and cannabis. Buying, selling or using CBD is illegal.
Belgium 🇧🇪 — Sale of THC-containing products prohibited; external-use CBD may be available.
Iceland 🇮🇸 — 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?
≤0.2% is the EU standard. ≤0.3% applies in the US and several others. ≤0.05% in the Netherlands. 0.0% required in Japan. ≤1% in Switzerland.
Is full-spectrum CBD legal?
It can be — 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
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Take the free health quiz →Final thoughts on CBD legality worldwide
CBD laws are evolving rapidly — 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 product’s COA, keep it in original packaging, and choose broad-spectrum or isolate where zero-THC rules apply.
