Is CBD legal in which countries and regions?

There are significant differences in CBD laws and regulations across countries and regions worldwide. Consumers and businesses must have a clear understanding of local policies when purchasing, using or selling CBD products. This article will outline the legality and restrictions of CBD in major countries and regions worldwide, providing a reference for readers.

1. North America

1) United States

At the federal level, the 2018 Farm Bill stipulates that CBD extracted from industrial hemp with a THC content of no more than 0.3% is legal. However, individual states have significant differences in their CBD laws and regulations.

You can view detailed CBD laws and regulations for each U.S. state in the article State-by-State Legality of CBD in the United States

2) Canada

Both hemp‑derived CBD and marijuana‑derived CBD are legal in Canada, and Health Canada is responsible for regulating the production, distribution, and sale of CBD products. They can be purchased from federally licensed retailers and medical dispensaries.

3) Mexico

Medical use: CBD products must have a THC content of no more than 1% and are limited to medical and research purposes.

Recreational use: Individuals may possess up to 28 grams of cannabis, with no concentration limit, but using cannabis in public places remains illegal.

2. Europe

1) European Union

Hemp-derived CBD is legal and products can be sold, but they must undergo evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Member states impose different restrictions on CBD products in categories such as food, dietary supplements, or cosmetics.

Specific regulations of each member state (classified by THC content limit)

Country	THC Limit	Other Restrictions
Germany	≤ 0.2%	As a food product, it must be approved through the Novel Food process or as a medicinal product.
France	0%	CBD flower is banned.
Italy	≤ 0.6%
Spain	≤ 0.2%	CBD products are for topical use only and cannot be sold as food.
Netherlands	≤ 0.5%
Poland	≤ 0.2%
Czech Republic, Austria	≤ 0.3%
Sweden	0%
Belgium	≤ 0.2%	Pharmacies selling medical CBD products require a doctor’s prescription.
Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia	≤ 0.2%	Stricter market supervision

2) United Kingdom

CBD products extracted from industrial hemp are legal, and the THC content must not exceed 0.2%. It can be used as a dietary supplement, health product or skincare product.

3) Switzerland

CBD is legal, and the THC content must not exceed 1%. It can be sold as food, beverages, dietary supplements and skin care products.

4) Norway

CBD is legal, but must be completely THC-free. CBD products are generally considered medicines and require a doctor’s prescription.

3. Asia

Country/Region	CBD Legality	THC Content	Remarks
Japan	Legal	0	Its uses include dietary supplements, health products, and skincare products, while inhalable products are strictly prohibited.
South Korea	Legal	0	Medical and skincare uses are permitted, but oral and inhaled products are prohibited.
Chinese mainland	Illegal		Official approval is required for cultivation, scientific research and export.
Hongkong	Legal	0	it is mainly used in skincare and healthcare products.
Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia	Illegal
Thailand	Medical CBD is legal.	≤ 0.2%	Recreational use is illegal.
India	Regulation is complex.		Commercial use is strictly regulated.

4. Oceania

Australia & New Zealand

Oral CBD products are classified as prescription medicines, and their purchase and use require a doctor’s prescription. Over-the-counter oral CBD products (e.g., food, dietary supplements) are not permitted for sale.

The THC content of topical CBD products (such as skincare or massage creams) must be less than 0.2%, and they must not claim any medical benefits.

5. South America

Country	CBD Legality	THC Content	Remarks
Brazil	Medical CBD is legal.	≤0.2–0.3%	Topical CBD products also require a prescription.
Argentina	Medical CBD is legal.	≤ 1%	CBD products used for recreational purposes are illegal
Colombia	Medical CBD is legal.	≤ 1%	Illegal for personal or commercial use

6. Middle East and Africa

Country	CBD Legality	THC Content	Remarks
Israel	legal	For medical CBD, THC concentration ≤ 0.2–1% (prescription required); for non-medical CBD, THC concentration ≤ 0.2% (no prescription required).	Oral non-medical use of CBD is restricted.
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar	Illegal		Only allowed for use in specific research projects, requiring strict government approval.
Iran	Illegal
South Africa	legal	≤ 0.2–1%	Medical CBD requires a doctor’s prescription.Non-medical oral CBD is prohibited from sale without approval.Non-medical topical CBD can be legally sold, but must not claim medical benefits.

7. Summary

The legality of CBD varies greatly across countries and regions, especially regarding THC content and restrictions on oral and topical use. Even if the domestic market prohibits it, some countries allow CBD for research or export purposes, such as China. Before purchasing or selling CBD products, it is essential to confirm local regulations to avoid breaking the law.