Ever thought about what countries CBD is legal in? Laws governing its use vary dramatically depending on what part of the world you might find yourself in. And laws tend to be similar about specific geographic regions. For instance, CBD is illegal throughout most of Asia where it may be used legally (primarily for medical purposes). Across the Pacific Ocean in North America, CBD is not just legal in most places, but is experiencing an explosive level of popularity.

Let’s take a brief look at what CBD is, and what cannabis-related products are accepted in different areas around the world, for a brief reference for those who are curious, or may be traveling to one of these areas.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring substance found in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a “high” in users and offers therapeutic benefits. The legal status of CBD is complicated because it varies from country to country. For many countries, the defining factor is whether plants have more or less than .3% of THC. More than that, it is usually considered cannabis. Less than that, and it is usually classified as hemp and thus safe to harvest for CBD extraction.

Simply put, cannabis is illegal in most countries around the world, and CBD is legal in most countries to some degree. It is a tightly regulated substance, and laws differ from nation to nation, ranging from how and where hemp is grown, what foods it can be implemented into, and who can legally sell it. Below is a brief overview of how CBD is generally regulated in different regions around the world. Each of these descriptions is just that: brief. If you are going into one of these areas, be sure to take some time to research the specific laws to avoid any legal trouble during your journey.

Laws in North America

All 50 states within the US have different laws that govern CBD growth and consumption. Hemp-derived CBD products are legal at the federal level in the US with the greatest THC limit of .3%. Marijuana is legal for medical use in 31 states, but 11 have legalized it for recreational use as well. Laws governing CBD and cannabis consumption in Canada are like US laws.

Australia- Not Available Over the Counter

CBD is regulated extensively in this country, and it is not available for sale over the counter at a retail level. Unless prescribed by a doctor, no one can legally have or use it, so if you are traveling there, err on the side of caution and leave your CBD behind.

CBD in Asia

Although Asia stretches across a major part of the globe, most countries in this region do not allow CBD consumption without special permission except India. Many countries threaten illegal use of CBD with harsh prison sentences, although CBD and marijuana can be safely consumed as an ingredient with a meal within a bar or restaurant. Just don’t think about ordering that meal to go. If the authorities see anyone with hemp-related products in public, they are at serious risk of getting in trouble with the law.

South America- Less Strict than Asia

Another continent with varying laws country by country, but certainly less strict than Asia in general. CBD and cannabis products can be enjoyed for medical and recreational use in Uruguay, and Colombia and Mexico allow CBD products to be legal if they contain less than 1% of THC. Brazil is catching up with relaxed CBD laws, but now only allows CBD for medical use.

Europe Has Multiple CBD Laws

In the EU, CBD products with no more than .2% THC are allowed, but each of the other member countries have slightly different laws. Most member nations allow CBD and cannabis for medical use, but Bulgaria allows free sale of hemp-derived CBD. Croatia and Slovenia have banned all cannabis-derived substances outright. https://dailycbd.com/ 

Conclusion- CBD Around The World

Each of the descriptions are brief and do not fully describe the legality of CBD or cannabis consumption in each region. For those traveling across borders, they should conduct thorough research before arriving.

While CBD has become an essential part of many people’s day to day lives, it certainly is not worth getting into trouble with the law in a foreign country, where a tourist may be far from home and help in resolving the situation. Perhaps someday the rest of the world will catch up with the US and Canada, but until then, travelers must be mindful and safe with their CBD.