Is CBD legal in Latvia?
David ReichUpdated:The most important points at a glance:
Is CBD legal in Latvia? In brief: pure CBD itself is not classified as a narcotic. Products must not contain detectable levels of THC. Permitted products mainly include cosmetics and e-liquids for electronic cigarettes. E-liquids are subject to strict tobacco-related and age restrictions. CBD food products are currently not authorised for sale. Hemp flowers, including for use as tea, are prohibited. Personal import for individual use is possible; it is advisable to carry documentation such as a certificate of analysis and proof of purchase.
Which products contain CBD but no THC?
First, a brief overview of which products typically 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 allow for rapid uptake.
- 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 CBD vapour. They include e-liquids and vape pens.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, ointments, lotions and balms applied to the skin for local use.
In brief: pure CBD is not classified as a narcotic in Latvia. Cannabis and THC remain strictly controlled. For consumer products, CBD legality in Latvia depends on how the product is classified (cosmetics, e-liquid, food, etc.).
- Pure CBD as a substance is not listed as a narcotic in Latvia. It is crucial that products contain no THC, or only amounts that are analytically not detectable. It is advisable to carry supporting documentation with you. (lvportals.lv)
- Cannabis and plant material containing THC fall under controlled substances and are prohibited, with exceptions only for licensed purposes. (likumi.lv)
- CBD in cosmetics and in e-liquids can be permitted; e-liquids are subject to Latvian tobacco and e-cigarette rules. (lvportals.lv, m.likumi.lv)
- As foods, CBD products are currently not authorised for placing on the market in Latvia. Hemp flowers (including as “tea”) are not permitted in foods. (lvportals.lv)
- Across the EU, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) clarified in 2020 that CBD is not a narcotic drug and can rely on the principle of free movement of goods; national restrictions must be proportionate. (euda.europa.eu)
In Latvia, CBD itself is not treated as a narcotic, but THC and cannabis remain strictly controlled, and CBD products are only permitted in certain forms such as cosmetics and e-liquids, not as foods.
Is CBD legal in Latvia? Legal status – quick overview
| Activity | Status in Latvia | Legal basis/source |
|---|---|---|
| Importing pure CBD products for personal use | Permitted if no THC is detectable and the requirements of the relevant product category are met; carry documentation. | LV‑Portāls (ZVA). (lvportals.lv) |
| Possession/use of CBD (without THC) | Permitted; pure CBD is not a narcotic. | ZVA information. (lvportals.lv) |
| Purchase of CBD cosmetics | Possible, provided EU cosmetics law is complied with. | ZVA/VI guidance. (lvportals.lv) |
| Purchase/use of CBD e-liquids | Possible; the strict rules of the Latvian tobacco/e-cigarette law apply (including rules on flavours and age limits). | Tobacco/e-cigarette law; LV‑Portāls. (m.likumi.lv, lvportals.lv) |
| CBD as food/“nutrition” | Currently not authorised for placing on the market; hemp flowers in foods (e.g. tea) are not permitted. | ZVA/PVD; PVD notice. (lvportals.lv) |
| Hemp flowers (as “souvenir”, tea, incense) | High risk of objection by the authorities; prohibited as food; labelling as a “souvenir” does not prevent enforcement. | PVD/LV‑Portāls. (lvportals.lv) |
| Cultivation of industrial hemp | Permitted only outdoors, using EU-certified seed; indoor cultivation is prohibited. | Law on narcotics/§§ 5–6. (likumi.lv) |
Legal foundations of CBD law in Latvia
The Latvian controlled substance lists are set out in Annex 2 to the law on the entry into force and application of the Criminal Law. This annex lists controlled narcotic and psychotropic substances. Pure CBD is excluded from these lists. (likumi.lv, lvportals.lv)
The Zāļu valsts aģentūra (State Agency of Medicines, ZVA) confirms officially: “Kanabidiols (CBD) kā tīra viela Latvijā kontrolei nav pakļauta” (“CBD as a pure substance is not subject to control in Latvia”). At the same time, it refers to the possibility of using CBD in cosmetics and e-liquids, provided that the relevant rules for those product categories are met. (lvportals.lv)
At EU level, the CJEU ruling C‑663/18 (“Kanavape”) also applies. The Court held that CBD is not considered a narcotic within the meaning of the UN conventions and that prohibitions must be proportionate and based on a scientific assessment. This affects how EU Member States, including Latvia, may restrict CBD products. (euda.europa.eu)
Latvian law and EU case law both confirm that pure CBD is not a controlled narcotic, but national rules still strictly regulate which CBD product types are allowed on the market.
Can you bring CBD to Latvia? Import rules (plane, car, ferry, post)
- Within the EU: there are no systematic customs checks. If you travel with CBD, keep it in its original packaging with a clearly stated product category (for example, “cosmetic”) and a certificate of analysis (COA) confirming the absence of THC. (lvportals.lv)
- From non-EU countries / in transit: rules can be significantly stricter. Avoid travelling via states with a zero-tolerance approach to cannabis or CBD, as media reports have described travel issues involving hemp products. Check airline conditions and the CBD travel rules of any transit countries in advance. (lsm.lv)
- E-liquids in hand luggage: follow general airport liquid restrictions and Latvian requirements for electronic smoking products, including rules on flavours and age limits (some rules tightening from 2025). (m.likumi.lv, lvportals.lv)
Practical tip at the border: Carry a printed COA (ideally showing the product name and batch), proof of purchase and manufacturer details. This can help demonstrate the absence of THC and clarify the product category if officers raise questions. (lvportals.lv)
When bringing CBD into Latvia, officials may focus on THC content and product type, so carrying original packaging plus a COA and purchase documents can be important to show that the product is THC-free.
Purchase, possession and use of CBD in Latvia
Possession and use: Pure CBD is not classified as a narcotic in Latvia. CBD products without THC are generally not treated as narcotics for possession purposes. However, during checks it may be difficult to distinguish CBD from THC products by appearance alone, so it is sensible to carry documentation such as a COA. (lvportals.lv)
Purchasing in the country: In shops in Latvia, CBD is typically offered as:
- cosmetics (for example, skin oils and ointments)
- e-liquids for e-cigarettes.
E-liquids fall under strict national rules. There are age limits (from 2025, sale and possession under 20 years of age will be prohibited) and restrictions on flavours. These rules also affect online purchases within Latvia. (lvportals.lv, m.likumi.lv)
Foods and “teas”: In Latvia, CBD products sold as foods are currently not authorised for placing on the market. Hemp flowers – including as herbal tea – are not allowed in foods. This also means that hemp flowers offered as “souvenirs” can be considered problematic, despite the labelling. Take particular care with such products. (lvportals.lv)
CBD product categories – how Latvia classifies them
CBD legality in Latvia depends heavily on how a product is classified. The same substance (CBD) can be treated differently depending on whether it is sold as a cosmetic, an e-liquid or a food.
| Category | Typical examples | Status in Latvia | Authority/source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure CBD (active substance/raw material) | Isolate, for use in formulations | Not a narcotic; origin and THC-free status should be documented. | ZVA. (lvportals.lv) |
| Cosmetics | Cream, balm, skin oil | In principle permitted under EU cosmetics law; market supervision lies with the Health Inspectorate. | ZVA/VI. (lvportals.lv) |
| E-liquids | Liquids for e-cigarettes | Permitted within the framework of the tobacco and e-cigarette law, including notification duties and rules on age and flavours. | Law 282077; LV‑Portāls. (m.likumi.lv, lvportals.lv) |
| Food/edibles | Oil for oral use, gummies, drinks | Currently not authorised as foods; supervision by the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD). | ZVA/PVD. (lvportals.lv) |
| Hemp flowers | “Tea”, loose flowers | Not permitted as food and generally considered very high risk, including when marketed as non-food items such as “souvenirs”. | PVD notice. (lvportals.lv) |
Practical tips for CBD users, travellers and expats in Latvia
- Where possible, take finished, sealed products with clear labelling, for example “cosmetic oil with CBD”. Avoid open containers and loose hemp flowers.
- Print out the COA and carry it with you. Ideally it should show the product name and batch and confirm THC as “not detectable”. Authorities may request laboratory documentation where there is any doubt. (lvportals.lv)
- Keep invoices or online shop confirmations as proof of origin and product details.
- For e-liquids, observe Latvian requirements on flavours, packaging and age limits. These rules apply both to in-store and online purchases. (m.likumi.lv, lvportals.lv)
- Check transit rules in advance. Some non-EU countries classify CBD as a prohibited drug. To reduce risk, avoid connections through countries known for particularly strict cannabis or CBD regulation. (lsm.lv)
In practice, travelling with CBD in Latvia is less about quantity and more about documentation, product labelling and avoiding higher‑risk items such as loose hemp flowers or CBD foods.
Regional differences in CBD law in Latvia
Latvia is centrally organised. There are no differing regional or municipal regulations for CBD legality. The decisive rules are set at national level and enforced by the competent authorities, in particular:
- ZVA (State Agency of Medicines)
- PVD (Food and Veterinary Service)
- Health Inspectorate.
Further primary sources on CBD law in Latvia
- Law “On the Procedures for the Legal Trade of Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances and Medicinal Products” (in particular Article 3(2), Articles 5–6): likumi.lv.
- Substance lists (Annex 2) to the law “Par Krimināllikuma … piemērošanas kārtību”: likumi.lv.
- Official statement: “CBD as a pure substance is not subject to control in Latvia” (ZVA via LV‑Portāls): lvportals.lv. (lvportals.lv)
- PVD/LV‑Portāls: hemp flowers in foods (including tea) not permitted: lvportals.lv.
- Tobacco/e-cigarette law: likumi.lv and LV‑Portāls explanation (including age limits and flavour rules): lvportals.lv. (m.likumi.lv, lvportals.lv)
- CJEU C‑663/18 “Kanavape” – CBD not treated as a narcotic; free movement of goods: EU Drugs Agency. (euda.europa.eu)
- General food law in Latvia (Law on the Supervision of the Handling of Food): likumi.lv.
Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Rules may change; before travelling, always check the current requirements of the Latvian authorities and your airline.