Is CBD authorized in all countries?

The CBD market continues to expand, establishing itself as a fast-growing sector worldwide. According to forecasts, it could reach $12.64 billion by 2026, with growing adoption among consumers, 84% of whom use it regularly. However, regulation of cannabidiol varies considerably from country to country. Its legality is subject to the specific laws and restrictions of each territory. Let's take a look at the different regulations governing CBD around the world.

CBD regulation in Europe

CBD is widely recognized as a wellness product in the majority of European Union countries. However, rules vary from state to state, particularly with regard to the forms of the product authorized for sale.

Germany,England, Switzerland and Belgium are among the few countries to permit the use of CBD for medical or therapeutic purposes. At European level, a consensus has been reached on a maximum THC limit of 0.2% in hemp-derived products. For consumers using CBD for medical purposes, it is advisable to consult the official guidelines of theInternational Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for country-specific regulations.

Regarding cannabis legislation, Germany has taken a major step by officially legalizing its use from 1ᵉʳ April 2024. Other countries such as Spain and Portugal have adopted a more flexible approach, opting for supervised decriminalization.

CBD regulation in Asia

Asia is gradually adopting CBD, although legislation varies from country to country. At present, CBD products are available in China, Japan and Thailand, each with its own regulatory rules.

Cannabis has been legalized in Thailand since June 9, 2022. However, legalization does not mean total freedom of consumption. For example, smoking in public places is prohibited and punishable by law.

In Japan, CBD is authorized on condition that it is totally THC-free. However, cannabis remains strictly forbidden and highly stigmatized, both by the government and the general public. According to data from the Japanese Ministry of Health, only 1.4% of Japanese claim to have used cannabis, a figure well below the 40% recorded in France.

CBD regulation in Canada

In Canada, the production and marketing of CBD is regulated by the federal government and Health Canada, in accordance with international conventions on the control of narcotics. Only licensed dispensaries are authorized to sell CBD products, guaranteeing strict control over their quality and distribution.

However, regulations vary from province to province. For example, in Quebec, it is forbidden to promote cannabis, while in Ontario and British Columbia, marketing benefits from a more flexible approach. The nationwide legalization of cannabis, effective since October 17, 2018, is part of a public health policy aimed at overseeing its use and combating the black market.

CBD in Latin America

The use of CBD for medical purposes has been widespread in Latin America for several years now. In Brazil, for example, theNational Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) has legalized CBD under prescription, enabling its use within a strictly regulated framework.

In some countries, such as Uruguay, Puerto Rico and Panama, cannabis consumption is legal, while other nations have opted for decriminalization, including CBD products. Colombia, meanwhile, has seen a meteoric growth in the CBD market in recent years, reinforcing its role on the international stage as a producer and exporter.

CBD in the United States

In the United States, CBD regulation is based on federal and state legislation that varies from state to state. In 2018, the Farm Bill, a major agricultural law, marked a turning point by distinguishing hemp from cannabis. Now, CBD extracted from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC is legal for agricultural and industrial purposes. This decision paved the way for the production and marketing of CBD on American soil, although its regulation remains strict.

However, a grey area persists, notably due to the lack of FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval, which has not yet validated CBD as an official dietary supplement. This lack of clear regulation is leading to confusion among producers, consumers and local authorities.

Despite these uncertainties, the majority of American states now allow the use of CBD with a THC content of less than 0.3%, including states such as Colorado, California and Texas. Some states, such as California, Michigan, Nevada, Alaska and Washington, have also legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use, illustrating the constant evolution of legislation.

CBD in Africa

The African continent is historically renowned for its cannabis culture, particularly in the Maghreb, where hashish production has been rooted in tradition for centuries. However, the legalization of CBD remains a complex issue that varies greatly from country to country, with each nation adopting its own approach based on cultural values and economic stakes.

Some countries, such as Rwanda, Ghana andUganda, have already authorized the use of CBD, regulating its production and distribution. In South Africa, the decriminalization of cannabis has been in force since 2018, allowing personal use under certain conditions.

In Morocco, where cannabis production is deeply rooted in the country's history, discussions are underway about possible legalization, in particular to frame and regulate this flourishing market. However, in other African countries, CBD is still banned or subject to strict restrictions, reflecting a legislative evolution that is still in full swing on the continent.

CBD in Oceania

Australia and New Zealand have recently adapted their regulations to allow the use of CBD for medical purposes, while imposing strict restrictions.

Since February 2021, Australia has allowed the sale of low-dose CBD products without a doctor's prescription. However, these products must contain less than 1% CBD and be intended for a specific medical use. Despite this development, the CBD market in Australia remains limited by strict regulations governing its manufacture and distribution.

In New Zealand, legislation evolved in 2020 to allow the use of cannabis-based medicines under medical prescription. CBD products are also authorized, provided they contain less than 2% THC and are manufactured locally. These regulations are designed to ensure strict quality control of the products available on the market.

Although progress has been made in these countries, CBD in Oceania remains highly regulated and subject to specific restrictions in each jurisdiction.