Is CBD legal in Croatia?

Is CBD legal in Croatia? Brief overview

CBD law in Croatia: legal framework in brief

• Industrial hemp definition: “Industrial hemp” (industrijska konoplja) is Cannabis sativa L. with total THC ≤0.2%, grown from EU‑approved varieties. Industrial hemp is not listed as a narcotic. (narodne-novine.nn.hr)
• Drugs list: Cannabis and THC are on the official narcotics list. CBD as a single substance is not listed and is even excluded in some substance group definitions. (narodne-novine.nn.hr)
• Cultivation rules: Growing hemp is allowed, but farmers must register with the Ministry of Agriculture (producer register) and follow agricultural rules. (poljoprivreda.gov.hr)
• Hemp seed foods: Foods made from hemp seeds and hemp seed oil are permitted if they comply with EU‑wide Δ9‑THC limits. (eur-lex.europa.eu, hzjz.hr)
• EU and UN context: CBD is not treated as a narcotic under UN conventions, and the CJEU “Kanavape” decision confirms this for EU law. (curia.europa.eu)

Can you bring CBD to Croatia? Importing and travelling

Travel within the Schengen Area (including direct flights)

Croatia is part of the Schengen Area. Since 1 January 2023 there are no regular border checks at land and sea borders with other Schengen states, and since 26 March 2023 this also applies to air borders. Travel is therefore usually without systematic controls, but spot checks by police or customs remain possible. Croatian law applies as soon as you enter the country. (euronews.com)

• Carry only CBD products that appear clearly lawful in the EU (clear labelling, EU contact details, very low THC).
• On flights, standard security rules for liquids and cabin baggage apply.

Practical tips for travelling with CBD to Croatia

• Carry a printed certificate of analysis (CoA) that shows the batch number and very low or “not detectable” THC. Keep it together with the original packaging and proof of purchase.
• Avoid CBD flowers and raw plant material. They look like illegal cannabis and are more likely to be stopped and tested. Oils, capsules or cosmetics are usually easier to explain. (narodne-novine.nn.hr)
• Take only personal‑use quantities, not large amounts that could raise suspicion.
• For connecting flights via non‑Schengen countries, the law of each transit country applies. If you are unsure about local rules, it may be safer not to carry CBD at all.

Buying, possessing and using CBD in Croatia

Is it legal to buy and possess CBD in Croatia?

CBD itself is not classified as a narcotic in Croatia. As a result, possession of lawful CBD products is generally not a criminal offence, provided that:

• the product contains no relevant amount of THC, and
• it can be clearly distinguished from cannabis products intended as drugs.

This distinction is particularly important for extracts and tinctures that could be confused with illegal cannabis preparations. For consumer products, it is sensible to keep documentation with you (CoA, packaging) to show that the product is a legal CBD product. (narodne-novine.nn.hr)

Vaping and smoking CBD in Croatia

CBD products intended for inhalation (such as CBD e‑liquids or vapes) fall under Croatian rules on tobacco‑related products. These include:

• Sales bans to minors.
• Strict advertising and display restrictions in shops and public places. (narodne-novine.nn.hr)

Use in public spaces and indoors

Smoking and vaping are generally banned in enclosed public spaces, and this also applies to e‑cigarettes, whether they contain nicotine or CBD. Outside, local rules and by‑laws may restrict smoking or vaping in certain areas (for example near schools or health facilities), so check signs and follow local instructions. (sredisnjikatalogrh.gov.hr)

Are CBD foods legal in Croatia?

There is a clear distinction between hemp seed foods and other CBD foods:

• Hemp seeds, seed products and hemp seed oil are allowed if they meet EU Δ9‑THC limits:
  • 3.0 mg/kg for seeds and processed seed products.
  • 7.5 mg/kg for hemp seed oil.
  (eur-lex.europa.eu, hzjz.hr)
• Croatian authorities indicate that “other cannabinoids in foods” are not foreseen in the current framework. This means edible CBD products that are not based purely on seeds may face stricter scrutiny.

Because of this, particular caution is advisable with CBD gummies, sweets or other edible CBD products that go beyond traditional hemp seed uses. (hapih.hr)

Medical CBD (Epidyolex)

CBD can also be used as a prescription medicine in Croatia. The medicine Epidyolex is available, but only on prescription (“ograničeni recept”) and is dispensed through pharmacies. It is not available over the counter. (halmed.hr)

Driving in Croatia after using CBD

Croatia prohibits driving while “under the influence” of drugs or certain medicines. There is no fixed THC blood limit, so police and courts can look at any THC present together with signs of impairment.

This means that even trace amounts of THC from products that are not fully THC‑free could cause difficulties if you are tested after an incident. To reduce risk, it is safer to:

• choose products where THC is reported as “not detectable” in lab analysis, and
• avoid driving if there is any doubt about THC content or possible effects.

(euda.europa.eu)

EU internal market rules and CBD in Croatia

In 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled in the Kanavape case that CBD is not a narcotic under EU law and that the free movement of goods applies to CBD products that are legally manufactured and marketed in one EU Member State.

For CBD legality in Croatia, this means that:

• national bans or restrictions must be scientifically justified and proportionate, and
• products lawfully produced and sold in another EU state have some protection under internal market rules.

However, this does not remove the need to comply with Croatian product‑specific rules (for example on food, cosmetics, medicines, advertising or THC limits). (curia.europa.eu)

Regional differences within Croatia

Croatia does not have separate state or regional narcotics laws. The legal framework for CBD and cannabis applies nationwide.

In practice, there may be some differences in how rules are enforced, for example:

• more visible controls in tourist hotspots or around major events,
• varying approaches by local police to CBD flowers or unfamiliar product types.

Wherever you are in the country, it is sensible to carry documentation such as a CoA and original packaging if you carry CBD products.

Checklist for tourists: CBD travel rules in Croatia

Primary legal sources on CBD legality in Croatia (selection)

• 2019 legislative amendment – definition of “industrial hemp”, registration requirement, advertising bans (Narodne novine NN 39/2019). (narodne-novine.nn.hr)
• Official drugs list (NN 19/2023, last amended 2024) – cannabis/THC listed; CBD not listed. (narodne-novine.nn.hr)
• Ministry of Agriculture – “Duhan i konoplja” (summary of the framework). (poljoprivreda.gov.hr)
• HZJZ – “CBD nije zabranjen” (CBD is not prohibited) – information for sport/testing. (hzjz.hr)
• EU Regulation 2022/1393 – Δ9‑THC limits in hemp seeds/seed oil. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
• Schengen implementation in air transport 26.03.2023. (euronews.com)
• Indoor smoking/vaping bans. (sredisnjikatalogrh.gov.hr)
• Driving under the influence – country overview (EU drugs agency). (euda.europa.eu)
• HALMED – Epidyolex (CBD) on prescription only. (halmed.hr)
• CJEU C‑663/18 (Kanavape). (curia.europa.eu)