Is CBD Legal in Denmark?
David ReichUpdated:Key points at a glance:
Products containing no more than 0.2% THC are not classified as narcotics in Denmark, although other regulations still apply. Oral CBD products are frequently treated as medicinal products and, without appropriate authorisation or prescription, are not permitted on the market. CBD may be used in cosmetic products, but not in the form of flowers, resin or their extracts. Very low maximum THC levels apply to foods. H4 CBD, HHCP and THCP are prohibited. Medical cannabis is available only on prescription and will be subject to permanent regulation from 01/01/2026.
Which products contain CBD but no THC?
First, a brief overview of products that contain CBD but are free from THC. THC is legally much more sensitive in many countries. Here are some of the most common categories:
- CBD oils and tinctures: These liquids are usually placed under the tongue to support rapid absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets: A convenient way to take a measured amount of CBD, similar to food supplements.
- CBD edibles: This includes gummies, chocolate, drinks and other foods containing CBD.
- CBD vape products: These products are used to inhale vapour containing CBD. They include e‑liquids and vape pens.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, ointments, lotions and balms applied to the skin for local use.
This article does not replace legal advice.
CBD itself is not a narcotic in Denmark, but many CBD products – especially anything taken by mouth – are often treated as medicines and can only be used legally under strict conditions, such as with a prescription.
Is CBD legal in Denmark? – In brief
| Topic | At a glance |
|---|---|
| THC threshold (criminal law) | Products with ≤ 0.2% THC in Denmark do not fall under narcotics law; > 0.2% THC is classified as a “euforiserende stof” (narcotic). Other product rules still apply. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk) |
| CBD as a medicine | Oral CBD products can be classified as medicines (by presentation/function). Without authorisation or prescription they may not be placed on the market. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk) |
| Cosmetics with CBD | CBD as an ingredient in cosmetics is in principle permitted; flowers/resin/extracts of flowers are prohibited. (mst.dk) |
| Semi‑synthetic cannabinoids | H4‑CBD, HHCP, THCP and others have been listed as “euforiserende stoffer” and banned since 2024/2025. (sst.dk) |
| Bringing products into the country | Products carried as “medicine”: from EU/EEA allowed for personal use; from third countries for a maximum of 3 months’ supply. For medicines containing “euforiserende stoffer”, a maximum of 30 days’ supply and a Schengen certificate is recommended. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk) |
CBD law in Denmark: main legal bases
- CBD is not a narcotic under EU law: CJEU C‑663/18 (“Kanavape”) – CBD does not fall under the UN drug conventions; the free movement of goods applies, while national product rules remain in force. (op.europa.eu)
- Denmark: 0.2% THC threshold in narcotics law since 01.07.2018; other regimes (e.g. medicines and cosmetics law) remain unaffected. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk)
- Medicinal classification: Oral CBD products can fall under § 2 of the Danish Medicines Act because of pharmacological effects. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk)
- Cosmetics: Certain plant parts (flowers/resin/extracts thereof) are prohibited; seeds/leaves (without tips) are permitted; CBD as a substance can be used in cosmetics where safe and correctly marketed. (mst.dk)
- Food: Very low maximum THC levels apply to hemp seed products and hemp tea (mg/kg or mg/L), clearly below 0.2%. (foedevarestyrelsen.dk)
- Medical cannabis: Pilot scheme runs until 31.12.2025; permanent regime adopted, entering into force on 01.01.2026 (Lov nr. 439 af 06‑05‑2025). (ft.dk)
- (Semi‑)synthetic cannabinoids such as H4‑CBD, THCP, HHCP: included in the narcotics lists from 2024; possession/trade prohibited. (sst.dk)
Under Danish law, the key questions are THC content, how a CBD product is used (for example, orally or on the skin) and how it is presented; these factors decide whether it is treated as a medicine, a cosmetic, a food – or as an illegal narcotic.
Can you bring CBD to Denmark? Entry and border rules
Whether you may bring CBD products into Denmark depends mainly on:
- whether your product is considered “medicine” under Danish law, and
- whether it contains prohibited substances (for example THC > 0.2%, H4‑CBD, THCP, HHCP).
| Situation | What is allowed? | Documentation & tips |
|---|---|---|
| Travel from EU/EEA with non‑euphoric medicine (e.g. CBD oil classified as a medicine) | Permitted for personal use. The product must be legally supplied to private individuals in the country of origin. | Carry original packaging, proof of purchase/pharmacy receipt and, where applicable, a prescription. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk) |
| Travel from non‑EU/EEA with non‑euphoric medicine | Permitted for up to 3 months’ personal supply. | Documents as above. Large quantities may be confiscated. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk) |
| Medicines containing “euforiserende stoffer” (e.g. THC‑containing medicinal cannabis products) | Only up to 30 days’ personal supply; postal delivery is prohibited. | Always carry prescription plus Schengen certificate (“pill passport”). (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk) |
| Products with THC > 0.2% or with H4‑CBD/THCP/HHCP | Do not bring these in – they are treated as “euforiserende stoffer” in Denmark. | Risk of confiscation/penalties. (sst.dk) |
| Postal delivery to private individuals | Non‑euphoric medicines to private individuals are generally permitted; “euforiserende stoffer” may not be sent by post. | The country of dispatch must allow legal sale; keep evidence available. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk) |
Tip for security checks/customs: Carry a printed certificate of analysis (COA) showing the low THC content. Do not repackage products; keep proof of purchase and, if applicable, a prescription with you. For flights, keep the COA with your hand luggage documents. This is not a formal requirement, but often helpful in practice.
When travelling with CBD to Denmark, authorities focus on whether the product is a medicine, how long the personal supply lasts, and whether it contains any substances Denmark treats as narcotics, such as THC above 0.2% or banned semi‑synthetic cannabinoids.
Buying, possessing and using CBD in Denmark
The table below outlines how different CBD and hemp product types are treated under Danish law.
| Product category | Legal situation in Denmark | Important locally | Primary source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral CBD oils/drops | Often classified as medicines; the only legal oral CBD products are prescription‑only (e.g. Epidyolex). | Purchases without a prescription are generally not legal; consult a pharmacy. | Lægemiddelstyrelsen. |
| Vapes/e‑liquids with CBD | Not “narcotic”, but depending on composition/claims may fall under medicines or other product rules. | Check for THC ≤ 0.2%; medical claims can trigger classification as a medicine. | Lægemiddelstyrelsen. |
| Cosmetics/topicals with CBD | In principle possible; flowers/resin/flower extracts are prohibited. Seed oil/leaf extracts (without tips) permitted. | For external use only; avoid therapeutic claims; observe THC limits. | Miljøstyrelsen. |
| Hemp foods (seeds, oil, tea) | Permitted only with very low THC levels (mg/kg or mg/L). | In Denmark the permitted THC levels in foods are much lower than 0.2%. | Fødevarestyrelsen. |
| CBD “flowers” | ≤ 0.2% THC is not covered by narcotics rules; however, checks and confusion with THC‑rich flowers are possible. | Carry a COA and proof of purchase; police may take samples for testing. | THC 0.2% notice. |
| Medical cannabis | Pilot scheme until 31.12.2025; permanent framework from 01.01.2026. Prescription‑only. | Available only on medical prescription; dispensed through pharmacies. | Folketinget. |
| H4‑CBD, HHCP, THCP and similar | Prohibited (listed as “euforiserende stoffer”). | Do not buy or carry; frequent checks for vapes/“legal highs”. | Sundhedsstyrelsen. |
Important: Even if CBD itself is not classified as a “narcotic”, a product can be treated as a medicine in Denmark because of how it is promoted (for example, for specific health conditions) or the way it is used (such as oral drops with pharmacological effects). In that case, it is only permitted with marketing authorisation and/or on prescription. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk)
CBD THC limit in Denmark: why 0.2% is not everything
- Criminal law threshold: ≤ 0.2% THC in Denmark means the product is outside the scope of the narcotics order. This does not change other product requirements. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk)
- Food law limits: Very low THC limits in the mg range apply to hemp seed products and hemp tea; 0.2% (= 2000 mg/kg) would exceed these limits many times over. (foedevarestyrelsen.dk)
In Denmark, the 0.2% THC rule only answers whether a product is treated as a narcotic; separate, often stricter limits and rules apply to foods, cosmetics and medicinal products containing CBD.
Practical tips for CBD use on holiday and in everyday life
- Print and carry a certificate of analysis (COA) showing the THC content (ideally “non‑detect”/below the limit of detection) and the CBD content. The batch number should match the packaging.
- Take original packaging, proof of purchase and, if used as medicine, a prescription. For THC‑containing preparations, also take a Schengen certificate. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk)
- Do not decant into unlabelled bottles. This can increase suspicion at checks.
- Be particularly careful with “CBD flowers”: they look very similar to THC‑rich cannabis; expect questions and possible testing.
- Avoid “new cannabinoids” such as H4‑CBD, HHCP, THCP – they are prohibited in Denmark. (sst.dk)
Regional differences in the Kingdom of Denmark
For mainland Denmark (including Copenhagen, Aarhus, etc.) a largely uniform legal framework applies.
The Faroe Islands and Greenland have their own legal systems outside the EU, so rules there may differ or be stricter.
Example Greenland: import and handling of cannabis products are regulated separately; for products with ≤ 0.2% THC there are specific authorisation requirements. Check local rules before travelling there. Greenland – overview, Regulation.
EU context: how it affects CBD legality in Denmark
- In 2020, the CJEU held that CBD is not a narcotic; Member States may not impose a blanket ban on the free movement of lawfully manufactured CBD. C‑663/18.
- WHO expert committee: pure CBD preparations should not be subject to international control; no abuse or dependence potential was identified. WHO Q&A.
Important: Despite the EU ruling, national product rules (for example, for medicines, cosmetics and foods) remain decisive for placing products on the market and for carrying them when travelling. In Denmark, oral CBD products are frequently treated as medicines. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk)
Note for CBD producers and importers
Industrial hemp cultivation in Denmark is only possible with a special licence. Authorisation is annual, limited to low‑THC varieties and subject to controls, including THC measurements.
For raw material imports (seeds/raw hemp ≤ 0.3% THC) licensing rules apply. See: Industrial hemp; 2025 import guidance. (lbst.dk)
FAQ – Is CBD legal in Denmark? Quick answers
- May I bring my CBD oil from another country? – If it is regarded as medicine: yes, for personal use and if it is legally supplied to private individuals there; from outside the EU/EEA for a maximum of 3 months’ supply. Otherwise, relevant product legislation applies. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk)
- What happens during a check? – Authorities mainly look at THC content and product category. Documents/COA can help avoid misunderstandings. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk)
- Where can I buy legally in Denmark? – Prescription‑only preparations in pharmacies; cosmetic products with permitted ingredients from retailers. Be cautious with oral CBD products promoted as food or “wellness oils”. (laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk, mst.dk)
Disclaimer: The situation is subject to change. Always check the latest information from the Danish authorities before travelling. This article links to primary sources and is updated regularly.