Is CBD legal in Iceland?
David ReichUpdated:The essentials at a glance:
CBD is permitted in Iceland under certain conditions. Products must contain less than 0.2 percent THC. Sales are restricted to licensed pharmacies and shops. Products require approval from the medicines authority. There are strict checks when entering the country with CBD; carry laboratory reports showing the THC content. Common formats include oils and tinctures, capsules, edibles, vape products and skincare. Always check the most up-to-date regulations.
Which products contain CBD?
Before looking at CBD law in Iceland, it helps to know which products typically contain CBD and may therefore be affected by local rules.
- CBD oils and tinctures: Liquid drops, usually taken under the tongue.
- CBD capsules and tablets: Pre‑measured doses, used in a similar way to food supplements.
- CBD edibles: Gummies, chocolate, drinks and other foods that contain CBD.
- CBD vape products: E-liquids, cartridges and vape pens used for inhaling CBD vapour.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, ointments, lotions and balms applied directly to the skin.
Any oil, edible, vape liquid, capsule or cosmetic made from cannabis or hemp may contain CBD and fall under Icelandic CBD rules.
Is CBD legal in Iceland?
The legal situation of cannabidiol (CBD) differs from country to country and can be difficult to follow. This section focuses on CBD legality in Iceland and how CBD law in Iceland is applied in practice.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of more than one hundred naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive component responsible for a “high”, CBD is not intoxicating. It is often discussed in connection with various possible uses, but this does not change how it is regulated in law.
CBD law in Iceland: key rules
CBD is legal in Iceland only under specific conditions. According to the Icelandic Ministry of Health:
- CBD products are permitted if the THC content is below 0.2%.
- This CBD THC limit is similar to rules in many other European countries.
However, Iceland treats CBD as a tightly controlled product. As a result:
- Only licensed pharmacies and shops are allowed to sell CBD products.
- Each CBD product must be approved by the Icelandic Medicines Agency before it can be sold legally.
These rules apply regardless of the type of CBD product (oils, capsules, edibles, vapes or topicals). Products that do not meet these conditions are not legal for sale in Iceland.
CBD is only legal in Iceland if the THC content stays below 0.2% and the product has been authorised for sale through licensed pharmacies or shops.
How strictly is CBD regulated in Iceland?
In law, CBD trade in Iceland is strictly regulated. This means:
- Unlicensed sellers are not allowed to offer CBD products.
- Products without approval from the Icelandic Medicines Agency are not legal to market.
- Authorities can check CBD products to verify their THC content and authorisation status.
Enforcement practices can change over time, and checks may vary, but the legal framework itself remains strict. Anyone buying CBD in Iceland should be aware that only products from authorised outlets are within the legal system.
Can you bring CBD to Iceland?
CBD travel rules for Iceland are more sensitive than the domestic rules might suggest. Even though CBD is legal in Iceland under the 0.2% THC limit, importing CBD products can still cause problems at the border.
CBD and Icelandic customs controls
Icelandic customs authorities are known to carry out strict checks on products that might contain cannabis or hemp extracts. When you bring CBD to Iceland, officials may:
- Inspect the product and its packaging.
- Check whether the THC content is within the permitted limit.
- Confiscate products that appear to breach Icelandic law.
If a product is found to contain more than the permitted 0.2% THC, it may be seized. Additional steps by authorities can depend on the circumstances and current enforcement practices.
Documents you should consider carrying
Travellers who wish to bring CBD into Iceland are advised to carry documents that clearly show what is in the product, such as:
- Certificates of analysis (lab reports) confirming the THC content.
- Product labels that show ingredients and cannabinoid content.
These documents do not guarantee that customs will allow CBD into the country, but they may help officials understand what the product contains. There is always a risk that CBD products may still be questioned or confiscated at the border.
Bringing CBD into Iceland always carries some risk, even if the product is under 0.2% THC and you have lab reports or certificates with you.
CBD legality in neighbouring countries
If you are travelling around the region, you may also want to check CBD legality in nearby countries. Rules and THC limits differ from one jurisdiction to another.
Summary: Is CBD legal in Iceland?
The use and sale of CBD in Iceland is legal only if specific conditions are satisfied:
- The THC content of the CBD product must be below 0.2%.
- CBD trade is strictly regulated.
- Only licensed pharmacies and shops are allowed to sell CBD products.
- All CBD products must be approved by the Icelandic Medicines Agency.
Caution is recommended if you plan to bring CBD to Iceland. Customs authorities may carry out detailed checks, and products that exceed the permitted THC content or do not comply with Icelandic rules may be confiscated.
Laws and enforcement practices can change. It is therefore advisable to check the latest official information before travelling with CBD to Iceland or buying CBD products in the country.
Before travelling, always verify the most recent official guidance on CBD in Iceland, as rules, approvals and enforcement approaches can change over time.