Is CBD legal in Kazakhstan?
David ReichUpdated:The essentials at a glance:
CBD is illegal in Kazakhstan. The country prohibits the cultivation, sale and possession of cannabis, and CBD is regarded as a derivative that falls under these rules. There is no specific legislation for CBD, but such products are treated as prohibited. This affects oils, capsules, edibles, vape liquids and skincare products. Buying, selling and possessing these items can lead to criminal consequences. Importing them is also banned, with possible penalties including confiscation, fines and imprisonment.
Which products contain CBD?
Before looking at CBD law in Kazakhstan, it helps to know which types of products usually contain CBD and could therefore be relevant for customs and local law enforcement. Common categories include:
- CBD oils and tinctures: Liquid extracts, usually taken under the tongue for faster absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets: Pre-measured servings of CBD, used in a similar way to food supplements.
- CBD edibles: Foods and drinks such as gummies, chocolate, snacks and beverages that contain CBD.
- CBD vape products: E-liquids, cartridges and vape pens designed for inhaling CBD vapour.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, ointments, lotions and balms applied directly to the skin.
Any oil, capsule, edible, vape liquid or cosmetic labelled as containing CBD may be treated as a cannabis-derived product under Kazakh law and can therefore be legally relevant.
Is CBD legal in Kazakhstan?
To understand CBD legality in Kazakhstan, it is necessary to look at how the country regulates cannabis and all cannabis derivatives. Kazakhstan is a Central Asian country with some of the strictest anti-drug laws in the world, and this strict approach also affects CBD.
Cannabis legislation in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, the following activities related to cannabis are illegal:
- cultivation
- sale and distribution
- possession, including for personal use.
These prohibitions apply even though Kazakhstan, due to its climate and geography, is one of the largest regions for wild-growing cannabis. The law does not make an exception for this. All activities involving the cannabis plant are strictly banned and can lead to criminal penalties.
The position on CBD under Kazakh law
CBD (cannabidiol) itself is not considered psychoactive in many countries. However, in Kazakhstan it is treated as a cannabis derivative. Because of this, CBD falls under the same strict rules as cannabis.
Key points on CBD law in Kazakhstan:
- There are no separate, specific CBD laws.
- CBD is legally associated with cannabis and its derivatives.
- As a result, CBD is regarded as illegal.
This means that, according to current CBD law in Kazakhstan:
- buying CBD products is illegal
- selling or distributing CBD is illegal
- possessing CBD, even in small amounts, is illegal.
Such activities can carry criminal consequences under Kazakhstan’s drug legislation.
CBD legality in Kazakhstan is the same as cannabis: CBD is classified as a cannabis derivative, and buying, selling or possessing CBD products is prohibited and may be punished under criminal law.
Travelling to Kazakhstan: can you bring CBD with you?
Because CBD is illegal in Kazakhstan, bringing CBD into the country is also banned. This applies to all forms of CBD, including:
- CBD oil and tinctures
- CBD capsules and tablets
- CBD gummies and other edibles
- CBD vape liquids and pens
- CBD creams and other topicals.
The ban applies regardless of:
- intended use (personal use, medical use, or otherwise)
- CBD content or strength
- THC content or limit in the product.
Travellers entering Kazakhstan with CBD products risk:
- confiscation of the product
- fines
- imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and quantity.
Bringing CBD into Kazakhstan, even in small amounts for personal use, is prohibited and can lead to confiscation, fines or criminal charges at the border.
CBD law in neighbouring countries
If you are travelling in the region, note that CBD travel rules and cannabis laws also vary between neighbouring countries. You can read more here:
Conclusion: CBD legality in Kazakhstan
To conclude, CBD is regarded as illegal in Kazakhstan because it is treated as a derivative of cannabis. Under Kazakhstan’s strict drug laws:
- CBD products are not legally differentiated from cannabis
- buying, selling or possessing CBD is prohibited
- importing or bringing CBD into the country is not allowed.
Travellers should be aware of these rules when planning a trip to Kazakhstan and should not carry CBD products across the border.