Is CBD legal in Ireland?
David ReichUpdated:Key points at a glance:
Ireland: CBD is not listed as a controlled drug, while THC is controlled. CBD flowers and hemp tea are prohibited. For foods, THC limits currently apply only to hemp seeds and hemp seed oil. Other products containing detectable levels of THC may be at risk of seizure. For driving, limits apply from 1 ng/ml THC in the blood. Medicinal CBD products such as Epidyolex are available on prescription. When travelling, it is advisable to carry THC-free products together with a certificate of analysis (CoA).
In the Republic of Ireland, CBD itself is not a controlled drug, but THC, cannabis flowers and leaves are strictly controlled. Any CBD product that contains detectable THC or looks like cannabis (e.g. “CBD flowers”) can be treated as an illegal drug.
Which products contain CBD but no THC?
First, a brief overview of which products typically contain CBD but are available without THC. THC is subject to stricter legal controls in many countries. Here are some of the most common categories:
- CBD oils and tinctures: These liquids are usually placed under the tongue for absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets: A convenient way to take CBD, similar to food supplements.
- CBD edibles: This includes gummies, chocolate, drinks and other foods that contain CBD.
- CBD vape products: These allow CBD vapour to be inhaled. They include e‑liquids and vape pens.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, ointments, lotions and balms that are applied to the skin for local use.
Pure CBD is not a controlled drug in Ireland. However, controlled substances include cannabis (including flowers and leaves), cannabis resin, as well as THC and its derivatives. Products with measurable THC may be treated as controlled drugs. Particular care is therefore advisable when travelling with CBD.
Is CBD legal in Ireland? At a glance
| Area | Republic of Ireland (ROI) | Note/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Status of CBD as a substance | CBD itself is not listed as a controlled drug. | Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017; FSAI |
| THC in products | THC is controlled. For foods there are only narrowly defined maximum levels for hemp seeds and products made from them (e.g. hemp oil); otherwise, products with detectable THC may be treated as controlled drugs. | EU 2023/915 (maximum THC levels in hemp seeds/oil); S.I. No. 150/2023 (Irish implementation); FSAI |
| CBD flowers/“hemp tea” | Prohibited (flowers/leaves fall under “cannabis”). | Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, s.1 – definitions; S.I. 173/2017 (Schedule 1 incl. “cannabis”) |
| Cultivation/industrial hemp | Licence required; in practice limited to fibre/seed. Flowers/leaves are controlled and must be destroyed. | Parliamentary reply 06.02.2025; s.17 MDA 1977 (cultivation ban without licence) |
| Medical CBD | Prescription‑only CBD medicines (e.g. Epidyolex) are available; other products presented with medicinal claims are treated as medicines. | HPRA/MCAP; EMA: Epidyolex |
| Driving (THC blood limits) | Per se limits: THC 1 ng/ml, THC‑COOH 5 ng/ml (blood). A positive THC finding can result in severe penalties. | Road Traffic Act 2016, s.8; RSA |
| Travel/import | “Illegal or dangerous drugs” are prohibited. CBD products with measurable THC can be seized. Keep documents to hand (see checklist). | Revenue (within EU) / Revenue (outside EU) |
CBD law in Ireland – the essentials in plain language
- CBD is not a controlled drug: The Irish schedules list cannabis, cannabis resin and THC/derivatives, but not CBD. CBD products are generally only considered unproblematic if they contain no detectable THC and comply with other applicable product regulations.
- “Cannabis” includes flowers and leaves: The definition in section 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 covers, among other things, the flowering or fruiting tops of the plant. This means CBD flowers (“aromatic flowers”, “hemp tea”) are always cannabis in the legal sense.
- Cultivation only under licence: Section 17 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 prohibits cultivation without a licence. In practice, licensed use is limited to fibre and seed; leaves and flowers must be destroyed.
- Food and THC: For hemp seeds (and products derived from them) the EU sets maximum THC levels (for example 3 mg/kg in seeds, 7.5 mg/kg in hemp oil). For other foods or products with THC traces there is no general tolerance level in the drugs legislation. Detectable THC often leads to enforcement action or products being removed from the market.
- Medical use: There are defined routes such as the Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP) and authorised medicines like Epidyolex. Products marketed with health‑related claims outside these routes are treated as medicines and require authorisation.
Primary sources: S.I. 173/2017, s.1 MDA 1977, s.17 MDA 1977, EU 2023/915, S.I. 150/2023, FSAI, HPRA/MCAP.
Irish law distinguishes clearly between CBD and cannabis: CBD that is truly THC‑free is generally not treated as a drug, but the plant’s flowers and any THC content fall under strict Misuse of Drugs legislation.
Can you bring CBD to Ireland? Travel and import rules
Important: Irish customs and police treat THC as a controlled drug. Products with measurable THC can be seized. On journeys within the EU, systematic checks are not always carried out in practice, but spot checks do occur.
Suggested checklist (for tourists and business travellers)
- Choose THC‑free CBD oils or capsules (isolate or “non‑detectable THC”) where possible. Avoid flowers, teas, “aromatic flowers” and products with any stated THC content.
- Carry a certificate of analysis (CoA) printed out: batch number, limits of quantification (LOQ), “ND”/
- Keep the original packaging with clear ingredient information and without medicinal claims.
- Keep quantities small (personal use), ideally carried in hand luggage and easily accessible. Present them openly at security if they are treated as liquid medicines (see Dublin Airport – Security).
- When arriving from outside the EU: If unsure, declare the products to customs and show your documentation (Revenue: Prohibited/Restricted).
Prescription medicines
- THC‑containing cannabis medicines (CBPM) are, as a rule, not permitted to be brought into Ireland by travellers (even with a Schengen certificate). Discuss possible alternatives with your prescribing doctor.
- CBD medicines (e.g. Epidyolex): As prescription‑only but non‑controlled CBD preparations, they do not fall under the Schengen rules on “narcotic‑containing” medicines. Carry your prescription or doctor’s letter and, if in doubt, confirm the position in advance with the HPRA or your pharmacist.
| Travel scenario | Practical note | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| EU → Ireland with CBD oil (THC “non‑detect”) | Low risk, but carry CoA and original packaging; spot checks are possible. | Revenue (within EU) |
| Non‑EU → Ireland with CBD oil | If in doubt, declare it; keep documentation to hand. Detectable THC may lead to seizure. | Revenue (outside EU) |
| Bringing CBD flowers | Do not bring them. Flowers are classed as “cannabis” → prohibited. | s.1 MDA 1977, S.I. 173/2017 |
| Travelling with medical THC products (CBPM) | Generally not permitted to bring into Ireland; clarify alternatives in advance. | gov.ie: travel advice |
Tip: Save CoA PDFs on your phone for offline access. If asked, it may help to explain factually that the product contains no detectable THC and that CBD is not listed as a controlled drug in Ireland – and to have the relevant legal sources to hand.
When travelling with CBD to Ireland, authorities focus on THC: clearly THC‑free oils or capsules carried with lab reports are much less risky than any product with stated THC or dried hemp flowers.
Buying, possessing and using CBD in Ireland
- Purchase: There are shops that offer CBD products. Pay close attention to THC‑free products with up‑to‑date CoAs. Products that resemble “cannabis” (flowers, teas) are best avoided.
- Possession: Possession of THC‑free CBD oils or capsules is generally regarded as unproblematic. Possession of flowers or resinous material is an offence (as cannabis).
- Use: Permitted, provided the product is not classed as a controlled drug. Warning for driving: THC from unclear products can be detectable in blood. As little as 1 ng/ml THC in blood is an offence that can lead to a driving ban and a fine.
Practical tip: Opt for CBD isolate or broad‑spectrum products with “THC not detectable”. Check the CoA for a suitably low THC limit of quantification (LOQ).
Industrial hemp and cultivation in Ireland
Hemp cultivation in Ireland is only permitted under licence and, in practice, is limited to fibre and seed. The controlled parts of the plant (flowers and leaves) may not be used and must be destroyed. Varieties must comply with EU requirements (≤0.3% THC in the plant). For details see the parliamentary answer of 06.02.2025.
EU context: Free movement of goods and CBD
The Court of Justice of the European Union (C‑663/18 “Kanavape”) has clarified that CBD is not a narcotic within the meaning of the UN conventions. EU Member States may restrict the free movement of goods only on imperative public health grounds and must ensure that any measures are proportionate. This provides a level of protection for reputable, THC‑free CBD products, but national product rules still have to be observed.
Judgment: C‑663/18 (“Kanavape”).
CBD in cosmetics vs medicines in Ireland
- Cosmetics: CBD can be used as a cosmetic ingredient provided the product complies with the general cosmetics rules and contains no THC. Medicinal claims are not permitted.
- Medicines: As soon as health effects are claimed, medicines legislation applies and authorisation is required. An example of an authorised preparation is Epidyolex (CBD). For medical cannabis products there is the Medical Cannabis Access Programme.
Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland: CBD rules compared
Northern Ireland is subject to UK law. There, pure CBD is likewise not controlled; THC and THC derivatives are controlled. The border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is generally open, but product standards, enforcement practices and import rules differ. When taking products into Northern Ireland, refer to the UK Home Office guidance.
Guidance: UK Home Office: Cannabis, CBD & Cannabinoids
| Topic | Republic of Ireland | Northern Ireland (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Status of CBD as a substance | Not listed as a controlled drug | Pure CBD not listed |
| THC | Controlled; no general tolerance in finished products (except seed derivatives under EU limits) | Controlled; “exempt product” criteria are very strict |
| Flowers | Prohibited as “cannabis” | Prohibited as “cannabis” |
Best practice: Staying within CBD law in Ireland
- Use only THC‑free products (with CoA). If in doubt, request laboratory evidence or avoid the product.
- Do not buy or carry flowers – these are treated in law as cannabis.
- When driving: Even very small amounts of THC can result in loss of your driving licence. Leave a generous interval between using unclear products and driving – or stick to products that are clearly THC‑free.
- Medical questions/import of specific preparations: Clarify the position in advance with your doctor or pharmacist and, where appropriate, the HPRA or Irish Customs.
For day‑to‑day use in Ireland, stick to clearly THC‑free CBD products with lab reports, avoid any form of hemp flower, and be cautious about driving because Irish law sets very low THC blood limits.
Note: This article is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific plans, consult the primary sources linked and, if necessary, seek professional advice.