CBD products are becoming increasingly popular around the world as many people have discovered benefits for overall wellbeing. However, if you plan to take CBD products with you when traveling abroad, it's important to know the applicable laws and regulations.
For example, many people wonder:
In Switzerland, the situation regarding CBD products is comparatively liberal. CBD obtained from approved hemp varieties with a THC content of up to 1% is legal. This higher THC limit sets Switzerland apart from many other countries. CBD-containing products such as oils, tinctures, flowers, cosmetics and foods are widely available and can be legally purchased and consumed. The sale and consumption of products containing CBD is permitted in Switzerland as long as they do not exceed the THC limit of 1%. It should be noted that the possession and use of CBD products is legal in Switzerland, but the import and export of CBD flowers and other CBD products with a higher THC content to other countries may be illegal.
In particular, THC limits can vary from country to country and have an impact on which CBD products can be taken legally. In this blog post, we give you an overview of the legal situation in some countries in the EU, Turkey and the USA.
The EU has a common legal framework for CBD products, but this can be interpreted and implemented by the individual member states. In principle, CBD extracted from authorized hemp varieties with a maximum THC content of 0.2% is legal in most EU countries. However, there are some exceptions where THC limits may be higher. For example, countries such as Switzerland and Austria allow THC levels of up to 1%. It is advisable to check the specific regulations of the destination country before your trip to ensure that you comply with the applicable laws.
In Germany, CBD products are legal as long as they do not exceed the legal THC limit of 0.2%. This applies to both private use and commercial sale. However, it is important to note that CBD products with higher THC levels are classified as narcotics in Germany and are therefore illegal.
In France, CBD products made from hemp are generally legal as long as they comply with the maximum THC limit of 0.2%. However, it should be noted that the use of CBD in food and as a dietary supplement is not permitted in France. Therefore, CBD products should only be taken for personal use and not for sale.
In Italy, CBD products are legal as long as they do not exceed the THC limit of 0.6%. The country has a relatively progressive attitude towards CBD and allows the sale of CBD-containing products, including food and dietary supplements. However, it is important to note that the use of CBD in cosmetics is not permitted in Italy.
In Spain, CBD products made from authorized hemp varieties with a THC content of up to 0.2% are legal. The country has an active CBD industry and allows the sale and consumption of CBD-containing products, including food, cosmetics and e-liquids.
In Portugal, CBD products are legal as long as they do not exceed the THC limit of 0.2%. The country has a progressive stance on CBD and allows the sale and consumption of CBD-containing products, including food and cosmetics. Portugal has also legalized the medicinal use of cannabis, which includes the use of CBD products for medical purposes.
In Greece, CBD products are legal as long as they do not exceed the THC limit of 0.2%. The country has legalized the cultivation of hemp for industrial and medicinal purposes and allows the sale of CBD-containing products, including food, cosmetics and dietary supplements. Greece has recognized the potential to grow in the CBD industry and is creating a favorable environment for businesses and consumers.
In Sweden, CBD products that are made from hemp and do not exceed a THC content of 0.2% are generally legal. However, Sweden is considered one of the strictest countries when it comes to dealing with drugs, and CBD is considered a controlled substance. Although the sale of CBD products is legal, there is a risk that they will be confiscated by the authorities. However, personal possession of CBD products is usually allowed as long as they comply with the legal THC limit.
In Turkey, the legal situation regarding CBD products is complex. Although hemp is recognized as a useful plant, CBD products are subject to strict restrictions. CBD oil extracted from hemp is generally legal as long as the THC content does not exceed 0.2%. However, it is important to note that the Turkish authorities have a very strict approach to illegal drugs, and conflicts may arise if CBD products are deemed suspicious by the authorities.
In the US, the legal situation regarding CBD products is more complex, as both the federal government and the individual states have their own laws. At the federal level, the Farm Bill was passed in 2018, which legalized the cultivation and use of hemp with a THC content of 0.3% or less. However, some states have enacted stricter regulations, and in some cases, CBD products are even banned altogether. Before bringing CBD products into the US, you should check the specific laws of the state you plan to visit.
California: California is one of the states where the use and sale of CBD products is widespread. There, CBD products with a THC content of up to 0.3% are legal. However, there are also CBD products that are derived from cannabis and have a higher THC content. These are only approved for medical use and require a prescription.
When traveling with CBD products in the EU and the US, it is important to know the legal regulations and THC limits of the respective country or state. While CBD products with a THC content of up to 0.2% are legal in most EU countries, THC limits may be higher in some countries such as Switzerland and Austria. In the US, the federal government has set a THC limit of 0.3%, but some states have enacted stricter regulations. To avoid legal issues, you should check the current regulations before you travel and make sure you only bring CBD products that are allowed at your destination.
Note: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please note that the legal situation may change and it is advisable to check the current laws and regulations of the respective country before traveling.