Is CBD legal in North Macedonia?

Which products contain CBD?

Before looking at CBD law in North Macedonia, it helps to know which types of products might contain CBD and therefore fall under local regulations. Common CBD product categories include:

• CBD oils and tinctures: Liquid drops usually taken under the tongue for relatively fast absorption.
• CBD capsules and tablets: Pre‑measured doses of CBD, often used like food supplements.
• CBD edibles: Gummies, chocolates, 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 to the skin.

Is CBD legal in North Macedonia?

The use of cannabidiol (CBD) has increased worldwide, and many people want to know: is CBD legal in North Macedonia? CBD legality in North Macedonia depends mainly on whether the product is for recognised medical use or for recreational or general wellness use.

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is frequently discussed in connection with potential therapeutic uses and is often mentioned in relation to:

• long‑term or chronic pain
• anxiety or stress‑related issues
• sleep difficulties

Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is not considered psychoactive, meaning it does not cause a cannabis‑type “high”.

CBD law in North Macedonia

CBD law in North Macedonia is part of the wider legal framework regulating cannabis and its derivatives. The law clearly distinguishes between:

• psychoactive cannabinoids (such as THC) – substances that can cause a “high” and are prohibited
• non‑psychoactive cannabinoids (such as CBD) – permitted only in specific, tightly controlled circumstances

Key points about CBD legality in North Macedonia include:

• THC and other psychoactive substances are banned for recreational use.
• Non‑psychoactive cannabinoids, including CBD, are allowed only for medical purposes under strict conditions.

In 2016, North Macedonia amended its laws to allow the medical use of cannabis. This change made it possible to prescribe certain cannabis‑based medicines, including CBD products intended for medical treatment. However, the following still applies:

• Medical CBD is legal only with a prescription from a licensed doctor in North Macedonia.
• Recreational use of cannabis and its derivatives, including CBD, remains illegal.

This means that wellness CBD products commonly sold over the counter in some other countries (such as CBD oils, gummies or vape products without a prescription) are not treated as legal recreational products in North Macedonia.

Can you bring CBD to North Macedonia? Import and purchase rules

If you are wondering whether you can bring CBD to North Macedonia or buy CBD there, it is important to understand the country’s strict controls on cannabis‑based products.

Buying CBD in North Macedonia

In practice, access to CBD in North Macedonia is limited to the medical system. This means:

• CBD products for medical use may only be obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed doctor.
• Products are usually dispensed through authorised pharmacies or medical channels.
• Over‑the‑counter CBD oils, edibles or vape products for general wellness are not treated as legal consumer products.

Importing CBD into North Macedonia

The import of CBD products into North Macedonia is heavily regulated. According to the rules on controlled substances:

• Import of CBD for medical purposes is only allowed with the appropriate official authorisation.
• Bringing CBD across the border without this authorisation may be treated as an unlawful import of a controlled substance.

If you import CBD without the necessary permission, you could be in breach of the law and may face penalties. This risk applies even if:

• the product is legal in the country you are travelling from
• the CBD product contains low or no THC
• the CBD product was bought with a prescription abroad

Before travelling with CBD or arranging a shipment, it is essential to check the current North Macedonian laws and regulations and, where relevant, the rules of airlines or other carriers. Official guidance can change, and enforcement may vary.

The legal situation in neighbouring countries

If you are travelling in the region, CBD legality can differ significantly from one country to another. You can find more details in our country‑specific guides:

• Is CBD legal in Serbia?
• Is CBD legal in Bulgaria?
• Is CBD legal in Greece?

Summary

CBD legality in North Macedonia is relatively strict and focused on medical use. The main points are:

• Medical CBD: Legal only within the medical system and only with a prescription from a licensed doctor.
• Recreational CBD: Recreational or general wellness use of CBD, as well as other cannabis derivatives, remains illegal.
• Import rules: The import of CBD products is tightly controlled and requires the appropriate authorisation from the authorities.
• Traveller risk: Bringing CBD into North Macedonia without permission, even in small quantities, can lead to legal consequences.

In summary: CBD is legal in North Macedonia only for medical purposes and only with a doctor’s prescription. Recreational use and import without the necessary authorisation are illegal. Anyone considering buying, using or importing CBD in North Macedonia should familiarise themselves with the latest local laws and regulations before proceeding.