By Marcus Reid | Last updated: June 15, 2026
One of the first questions people ask before buying CBD is whether it is legal where they live. The honest answer is: it depends on where you are and what type of product you are buying. This guide covers the legal status of CBD in the key markets where this site operates, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and major European Union countries.
Is CBD Legal in the United States?
Hemp-derived CBD is federally legal in the United States under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the Farm Bill. The law removed hemp (defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight) from the list of controlled substances, making it legal to cultivate, process, and sell hemp and its derivatives across the country.
In practice, this means CBD products made from hemp with less than 0.3% THC can be sold and purchased legally at the federal level. However, individual states retain the right to set their own rules, and a small number of states have additional restrictions. Most states follow the federal framework, but it is worth checking your specific state’s laws if you are in an unusual regulatory environment.
One important caveat: the FDA has not approved CBD as a dietary supplement or food additive. The agency has stated that adding CBD to food products or marketing it with health claims violates federal regulations, though enforcement has been limited and inconsistent. This does not affect your ability to purchase or use CBD products, but it does shape how companies are allowed to market them.
Is CBD Legal in the United Kingdom?
CBD is legal in the United Kingdom as a food supplement, provided the product contains no more than 1mg of THC per container (not per serving, but per entire product). This is a stricter THC limit than the US, and it effectively means that most full-spectrum products sold in the US market cannot be legally sold in the UK without reformulation.
The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) classifies CBD products as novel foods, meaning companies must submit safety dossiers and receive authorization before selling. This process has been underway since 2021. Products from validated companies on the FSA’s public list are considered compliant. Products from companies that have not submitted applications are technically in a grey area.
CBD is not a controlled substance in the UK, but products containing more than the permitted THC level can be classified as a cannabis product and become subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act. Buying individual CBD products for personal use from reputable UK retailers is generally straightforward and legal.
Is CBD Legal in Australia?
Australia made a significant regulatory change in 2021, when the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved low-dose CBD products for sale over the counter without a prescription. This made Australia one of the most accessible CBD markets globally at the time of writing.
The approved OTC category covers CBD-only products (not full-spectrum) containing up to 150mg of CBD per day, with no more than 98% CBD purity and containing less than 2% of other cannabinoids combined. Higher-dose products and those with different formulations require a prescription through the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s approval process.
Products must be registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) to be legally sold. Importing CBD products not registered in Australia is not permitted for commercial purposes.
Is CBD Legal in Canada?
Canada legalized cannabis nationally in 2018 under the Cannabis Act, which covers both recreational and medicinal use. CBD falls under this framework and is regulated accordingly.
Legal CBD products in Canada must be purchased from federally licensed retailers, either provincial government-run stores or licensed private retailers depending on the province. Online sales through licensed retailers are also permitted. The products themselves, including potency, packaging, and labeling, are tightly regulated under Health Canada’s rules.
Importing CBD products from other countries into Canada for personal use is generally not permitted, even from the US where hemp-derived CBD is federally legal.
Is CBD Legal in Europe?
The European Union does not have a unified CBD policy. Each member state regulates CBD independently within a broader EU framework, which means the rules vary significantly by country.
Germany: Germany has one of the more developed CBD markets in Europe. Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.2% THC are legal and widely sold. Germany also legalized recreational cannabis in 2024, further opening the regulatory landscape.
France: France allows the sale of CBD derived from the flower, stalk, and seeds of hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC. A 2022 legal change removed restrictions that had previously limited CBD sales to certain plant parts, making France one of the larger CBD markets in continental Europe.
Switzerland: Though not an EU member, Switzerland has a notably permissive CBD framework. Products containing less than 1% THC are legal, which is significantly higher than most European limits and has made Switzerland a hub for CBD products targeting the European market.
Other EU countries: The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and most other EU members allow hemp-derived CBD products, typically with THC limits between 0.2% and 0.3%. Some countries have additional restrictions on how products can be sold or what health claims can be made.
Summary: CBD Legal Status by Country
| Country / Region | Legal Status | THC Limit | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Legal (federal) | 0.3% THC | Hemp-derived, Farm Bill compliant |
| United Kingdom | Legal | 1mg per product | FSA novel food authorization |
| Australia | Legal (OTC) | Low-dose only | TGA registered, max 150mg/day |
| Canada | Legal | Regulated | Licensed retailer required |
| Germany | Legal | 0.2% THC | Hemp-derived |
| France | Legal | 0.3% THC | Hemp-derived (post-2022 rules) |
| Switzerland | Legal | 1.0% THC | Permissive framework |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel internationally with CBD?
Traveling with CBD across international borders is risky, even when it is legal in both your origin and destination country. Customs and border agents in many countries are not trained to distinguish between hemp-derived CBD and cannabis products containing THC, and some countries classify all cannabis derivatives as controlled substances regardless of THC content. The safest approach is to purchase CBD locally at your destination rather than crossing borders with it.
Is CBD legal in all 50 US states?
Federally, hemp-derived CBD is legal throughout the US. Most states follow the federal framework. A small number of states have had additional restrictions historically, though most have aligned with federal rules since the 2018 Farm Bill. If you are in a state with unusual cannabis laws, check your specific state regulations before purchasing.
Does legal CBD mean it has been tested for safety?
No. Legal status does not guarantee product quality or safety testing. In most markets, CBD products are not subject to pre-market safety approval. Third-party lab testing (Certificate of Analysis) is the only reliable way to verify what is actually in a product. Always look for a COA before buying.
Can CBD become illegal in a country where it is currently legal?
Yes. CBD regulations are still evolving in most markets, and legal status can change. The UK’s novel food process, the FDA’s ongoing review in the US, and shifting cannabis policies in Europe all represent areas where rules could tighten or loosen. Checking current local regulations is always advisable, especially if you are purchasing in a country you do not regularly follow.
Related reading: The Complete CBD Guide | What Is CBD? | How to Choose a Quality CBD Product
