Is CBD legal in Estonia?
David ReichUpdated:The essentials at a glance:
CBD itself is not specifically listed as a substance in Estonia. Listed substances include cannabis, THC and extracts. Foods containing CBD are currently not considered marketable. CBD cosmetics may be permitted if they comply with EU requirements. Products promoted with claims relating to healing or treatment may be regarded as medicines and require authorisation. Many newer cannabinoids are prohibited. Unauthorised handling of controlled substances is a criminal offence. When travelling, narcotic drugs are generally prohibited. Special rules apply to prescribed CBD-based medicines. EU law only protects products that are lawfully placed on the market.
Which products contain CBD but no THC?
First, a brief overview of which products commonly contain CBD but are free from THC. THC is legally far more sensitive in many countries. Here are some of the most common categories:
- CBD oils and tinctures: These liquids are usually dropped under the tongue for absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets: A convenient way to take a defined amount of CBD, similar to food supplements.
- CBD edibles: These include gummies, chocolate, drinks and other foods that contain CBD.
- CBD vape products: These products are used to inhale CBD vapour. They include e-liquids and vape pens.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, ointments, lotions and balms that are applied to the skin for local use.
Is CBD legal in Estonia? Key points at a glance
- CBD (cannabidiol) itself is not listed as a narcotic in Estonia. However, cannabis, its extracts/tinctures and THC are listed as narcotic drugs, and products derived from them can fall under narcotics law. (ravimiamet.ee, riigiteataja.ee)
- CBD foods and edibles are currently considered not marketable in Estonia; the food authority actively takes action against their sale. (pta.agri.ee, err.ee)
- CBD cosmetics are possible if all EU cosmetics rules are met. Legal classification always depends on the specific product; a listing in the EU ingredient database (CosIng) does not by itself make a product legal. (single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu)
- Products marketed with health or medicinal claims can be treated as medicinal products and then require a marketing authorisation (for example Epidyolex/Epidyolex). (ravimiamet.ee)
- Many “new” cannabinoids (such as HHC, HHCP derivatives and THC esters) are expressly listed in Estonia and therefore prohibited. (ravimiamet.ee)
- Unauthorised dealing with listed substances or products is a criminal offence under the Estonian Penal Code. (riigiteataja.ee)
- Entering Estonia: narcotic drugs are generally prohibited for travellers; special rules apply to prescription medicines containing narcotics (for example Schengen certificate). (emta.ee, ravimiamet.ee)
- EU law: the Court of Justice of the EU (C‑663/18 “Kanavape”) confirmed that CBD is not a narcotic drug under the UN conventions and is in principle subject to the free movement of goods. National product rules must still be complied with. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
In Estonia CBD as a pure substance is not a listed narcotic, but many CBD products can still fall under narcotics, medicines or food law, depending on how they are made, labelled and used.
CBD legality in Estonia by product type
| Product category | Status in Estonia (2025) | Risk/notice | Primary source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD foods/edibles (oils for oral use, gummies, drinks etc.) | Currently not marketable according to the food authority (sale and promotion prohibited). | Possible seizure or prohibition; edible oils relabelled “as cosmetics” are treated as attempts to evade the rules. | PTA communication 14.04.2022 (pta.agri.ee) |
| CBD cosmetics (external use) | In principle possible if EU cosmetics law is fully complied with; assessment case by case. | CosIng entries are not legally binding; overall compliance (product safety, THC content, claims) is decisive. | European Commission: Cosmetics (single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu) |
| CBD flowers/“aroma flowers” | Very high risk: cannabis and its extracts/tinctures are listed; flowers are visually indistinguishable from THC-rich cannabis. | Police and authorities can assume they are narcotics; analysis may be required to clarify THC content. | NPALS (Narcotic Drugs Act) (riigiteataja.ee) |
| Vapes/e‑liquids with CBD | High level of legal uncertainty: extracts/tinctures from cannabis are listed; classification depends on the individual product. | Risk of classification as a listed cannabis extract; “THC‑free” alone does not rule this out. | Substance list regulation No 73 (riigiteataja.ee) |
| CBD from synthetic production (for example in cosmetics) | As a substance, not listed; allowed if all relevant product requirements are fulfilled. | No health-related claims; THC should be “not detectable”. | Ravimiamet: Cannabis, THC, CBD (ravimiamet.ee) |
| Medicinal products with CBD (for example Epidyolex) | Require marketing authorisation; available only on prescription. Special narcotics‑related travel rules apply. | Carry original packaging plus prescription or doctor’s letter; Schengen certificate may be required when travelling. | Ravimiamet: Travelling with medicines (ravimiamet.ee) |
The answer to “Is CBD legal in Estonia?” depends strongly on the product type: CBD edibles are not permitted on the market, cosmetics may be allowed, and flowers or vapes can easily be treated as narcotics.
CBD law in Estonia: main legal framework
The core law for CBD, cannabis and other cannabinoids in Estonia is the Act on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Precursors thereof (NPALS). It defines:
- what counts as a narcotic drug or psychotropic substance
- which authorities are responsible
- which substance lists and procedures apply.
In Estonia the following are listed as narcotics:
- “cannabis”
- resins, extracts and tinctures of cannabis
- tetrahydrocannabinols (THC)
CBD as an isolated substance is not listed. However, since 2023/2025 the substance lists have been updated several times to add various “new” cannabinoids (including HHC/HHCP derivatives, THC esters and other variants). (riigiteataja.ee, ravimiamet.ee)
- Act (NPALS): Act on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Precursors thereof (official consolidated English version). (riigiteataja.ee)
- Substance lists and procedural rules: Regulation No 73 (current version from 02.08.2025). (riigiteataja.ee)
- Criminal law: unauthorised dealing with listed substances or products is a criminal offence (for example §§ 183–186 of the Estonian Penal Code). §§ 183–185, §§ 186–187. (riigiteataja.ee)
- Specialist authorities:
- Ravimiamet (Estonian Medicines Agency): classifies cannabis/THC/CBD, assesses when products are medicinal products, and gives guidance on extraction. Topic page. (ravimiamet.ee)
- PTA (Agricultural and Food Board): responsible for food market surveillance, including CBD-containing food. Notice on CBD foods. (pta.agri.ee)
- EMTA (Tax and Customs Board): deals with imports, prohibited and restricted goods, and traveller guidance. Overview. (emta.ee)
Important for CBD law in Estonia: according to Ravimiamet, CBD as a pure substance is not listed. However, cannabis extracts and tinctures are listed. If CBD is extracted from cannabis that is treated as a narcotic, the CBD obtained is also treated as a narcotic. In contrast, synthetically produced CBD is allowed, provided no listed substances are created during production. (ravimiamet.ee)
Can you bring CBD to Estonia? Import and travel rules
For travel to Estonia by plane, car or ferry, the starting point is customs and narcotics law.
General rule: “narkootilised ained” (narcotic drugs) are prohibited for travellers. Special rules apply only to prescription medicines containing narcotic substances (for example quantity limits and documentation such as a Schengen certificate).
CBD products that clearly do not contain listed substances are not covered by the narcotics travel rules. However, in practice they can still be stopped at the border, especially if:
- they look like cannabis flowers or resins
- they are oils or vapes that could be cannabis extracts
- they are not clearly THC-free.
In such borderline cases, products can be refused entry or seized. (emta.ee, ravimiamet.ee)
Importing and travelling with CBD to Estonia: comparison table
| Travel situation | What is generally straightforward? | What carries high risk? | Tips & documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within the EU/Schengen to Estonia | CBD cosmetics with demonstrably 0.0% THC (isolate or synthetic), in original packaging. | CBD flowers, resins, “full‑spectrum” oils with detectable THC; CBD edible oils and foods (sale is prohibited on the Estonian market). | Carry a printed certificate of analysis (CoA); batch number should match the label. Avoid products with health claims. (pta.agri.ee) |
| From non‑EU countries (for example USA) to Estonia | Same as within the EU: only products that are completely THC‑free and clearly declared as cosmetics. | Any CBD edibles; products with any THC; “aroma flowers”; vapes based on extracts of unknown origin. | Border officials apply EMTA rules: “narcotic drugs and their precursors” are prohibited. If uncertain, do not bring the product. |
| With prescribed CBD medicine (for example Epidyolex) | Up to a 30‑day supply with prescription or doctor’s letter; within Schengen usually supported by a Schengen certificate. | Exceeding the permitted quantity; missing documentation; taking it out of its original packaging. | Apply for a Schengen certificate in advance via a pharmacy; carry original packaging, prescription and proof of purchase. (ravimiamet.ee) |
CBD travel rules Estonia: practical checklist
- Choose products with “THC not detectable” (≤ limit of quantification) and a clearly stated purpose (for example cosmetic cream). Keep the CoA both printed and digital.
- Avoid CBD flowers, resins and so‑called “aroma flowers” – these are easily treated as cannabis under Estonian law.
- Do not bring CBD edibles (oils for ingestion, gummies, drinks). Estonia does not allow them on the market and import can be refused. (pta.agri.ee)
- Travelling with CBD medicine? Carry a Schengen certificate or doctor’s letter, original packaging and no more than a 30‑day supply. (ravimiamet.ee)
When asking “Can you bring CBD to Estonia?”, products that look like cannabis or are eaten (oils, gummies, drinks) are particularly risky, while clearly labelled THC‑free cosmetics with documentation are generally less problematic.
Buying, possessing and using CBD in Estonia
Under Estonian law, mere possession or use of CBD as a substance is not a criminal offence. Problems arise when the specific product is treated as:
- a listed cannabis extract or THC-containing product, or
- a product that otherwise meets criminal law criteria (for example narcotics trafficking).
For the local CBD market in Estonia:
- The Agricultural and Food Board (PTA) prohibits the sale of CBD foods and edibles and takes enforcement action against businesses offering them. (pta.agri.ee)
- CBD cosmetics may be placed on the market if they fully meet EU and Estonian cosmetics rules, including safety assessments, correct labelling and THC control. (riigiteataja.ee)
For producers operating in Estonia:
- Extraction of CBD from industrial hemp is only allowed for specific uses set out in law, largely because THC residues cannot be avoided.
- Synthetic production of CBD is allowed provided that no listed narcotic substances are formed.
- Health-related or curative claims can lead to a product being classified as a medicinal product, which would trigger medicines law and authorisation requirements. (ravimiamet.ee)
EU law and CBD in Estonia
- At EU level, CBD is not considered a narcotic drug under the UN conventions. In 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union (C‑663/18 “Kanavape”) confirmed that lawfully produced CBD is in principle covered by the free movement of goods. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
- However, this does not mean that every CBD product is automatically legal in each EU country. National product categories and safety rules still apply in Estonia, including:
- medicinal product law (for products with health claims)
- cosmetics law (for creams, balms, lotions)
- food law (for edibles and supplements)
- other consumer product and safety requirements. (single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu)
EU rules confirm that CBD is not a narcotic, but Estonia can still restrict CBD products through its own food, cosmetics, medicines and narcotics legislation.
Practical tips on CBD for tourists and expats in Estonia
- Carry a certificate of analysis (CoA) for any CBD product:
- product name and batch number
- analytical method used
- clear statement that THC is “not detectable”.
- Favour isolate or synthetic CBD in cosmetic products such as creams or balms. Avoid “full‑spectrum” or “broad‑spectrum” products with measurable THC content.
- Avoid products whose packaging makes curative or health claims such as “for pain” or “for anxiety”, as these can be treated as medicines.
- If questions arise, you can refer officials to information from the Estonian authorities:
Regional differences within Estonia
There are no regional differences for CBD legality in Estonia. Estonia is a unitary state and narcotics, medicines, food and product safety rules apply uniformly across the whole country.
Key primary sources on CBD law in Estonia
- Act on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (NPALS): Riigi Teataja (EN). (riigiteataja.ee)
- Substance lists/Regulation No 73 (current version): Riigi Teataja. (riigiteataja.ee)
- Penal Code (Karistusseadustik) – relevant sections: §§ 183–185, §§ 186–187. (riigiteataja.ee)
- Ravimiamet: Cannabis/THC/CBD classification; Travelling with medicinal products. (ravimiamet.ee)
- PTA (food authority): CBD foods not permitted. (pta.agri.ee)
- EMTA (customs): Prohibited and restricted goods. (emta.ee)
- CJEU, judgment of 19.11.2020 – C‑663/18 (Kanavape): EUR‑Lex. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
- European Commission on hemp (background/THC limits in agricultural policy): Hemp. (agriculture.ec.europa.eu)
Note
This article does not constitute legal advice. Checks and enforcement practice may change. Always consult the latest information from the Estonian authorities before you travel.