by Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant. However, the fact that, unlike THC, it does not produce mind-altering effects doesn’t mean CBD is universally legal. This article will take a look at the legal status of CBD oil in different countries to make it easier for people to travel abroad without worrying about their health and wellness supplements.
CBD in the UK
In the UK, hemp-derived CBD is legal to sell, possess, and use. However, the possession of cannabis, more generally, remains illegal. Possessing even hemp leaves, which contain little to no THC, can be considered a crime without proper authorization. Thankfully, there are discounts available here on fully legal CBD products, so there’s no need for UK residents to worry about running afoul of the law by making their own CBD oil.
CBD in Europe
CBD is now legal to use across the European Union, with just a few minor differences between member states. Countries like France, Sweden, and Norway all ban products containing even trace amounts of THC, for example, while other EU nations allow products with up to 0.2% THC to be sold and consumed as long as they were made from hemp plants rather than marijuana. When traveling to and around the EU with CBD oil, it’s a good idea to keep it in the original packaging and to carry printed-out lab results just in case.
CBD in the USA
As in Europe, different states within the USA have varying laws regarding CBD products. Some states allow the sale and possession of all varieties of cannabis products, including marijuana, to anyone over the age of 21. However, most allow only CBD products that contain 0.9% or less THC. In Idaho, both hemp and CBD are illegal, and possessing them comes with heavy penalties even if they were purchased in neighboring states with less stringent laws. Travelers need to check each state’s laws individually to understand whether it is legal to possess a certain type of CBD oil.
CBD in South America
In recent years, some South American countries have been relaxing their laws surrounding not just CBD but also other cannabinoids. Brazil, for example, legalized CBD for therapeutic uses recently and approved the import of hemp-based oils for use in treating conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and chronic pain. Most other South American countries already had provisions in place for legalizing hemp-derived CBD.
Are There Places Where CBD Is Definitely Illegal?
Some countries maintain zero-tolerance policies on cannabis products, even when they’re in the form of non-psychoactive, hemp-derived compounds. Singapore is one example. China is another. As a general rule, Asian countries have the strictest cannabis laws. However, even that is changing as public opinion around CBD continues to improve.
The Best Way to Avoid Legal Trouble
The best way to avoid getting into trouble for carrying CBD is to check the laws for every country individually before traveling abroad. If CBD is illegal, or even if the situation is ambiguous, it’s not worth the risk of bringing cannabis-based products across the border.
