Is CBD legal in Paraguay?
David ReichUpdated:Key points at a glance:
CBD is legal in Paraguay under certain conditions. Products must contain less than 1% THC and require authorisation from the national health authority. Cultivation and sale for personal use are prohibited. Medical use has been permitted since 2017, and cultivation for medical and scientific purposes has been allowed since 2019. Common product formats include oils, capsules, edibles, vape products and skincare. When travelling, it is important to check the regulations of the destination country.
Which products contain CBD?
Before looking at CBD law in Paraguay, it helps to know which types of products usually contain CBD and may therefore be affected by local rules. Common categories include:
- CBD oils and tinctures: Liquid extracts, usually taken under the tongue for faster absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets: Pre-measured doses of CBD, often used like food supplements.
- CBD edibles: Foods and drinks containing CBD, such as gummies, chocolate and beverages.
- CBD vape products: E-liquids and vape pens intended for inhaling CBD vapour.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, ointments, lotions and balms applied to the skin for local use.
Many different product types can contain CBD, including oils, capsules, edibles, vape liquids and skincare, and all of them may be subject to CBD law in Paraguay.
Is CBD legal in Paraguay?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Interest in CBD has grown worldwide for various wellness-related uses. When asking “Is CBD legal in Paraguay?”, it is important to distinguish between medical regulation, THC limits and rules around cultivation and sales.
Overview of CBD law in Paraguay
Paraguay adopted a law in 2007 allowing the personal use of cannabis and its derivatives. However, this only became effective in 2017, when Paraguay became the first country in South America to legalise the medical use of cannabis.
In 2019, Paraguay went further and legalised the cultivation of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes. The law also permits the import of CBD products, as long as they meet the legal THC limit in Paraguay of less than 1% THC.
CBD legality in Paraguay: key conditions
Although CBD is legal in Paraguay under certain conditions, there are important restrictions to understand:
- The personal use of cannabis is permitted, but growing cannabis for personal use remains illegal.
- The sale of cannabis for personal (non-medical) use is also illegal.
- CBD products must contain less than 1% THC to be considered legal.
- All CBD products imported or sold in Paraguay must be approved by the Paraguayan National Health Surveillance Authority (Dirección Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria).
This means that while CBD with less than 1% THC can be legal, it is still tightly controlled and must pass through the official health authority approval process.
CBD is legal in Paraguay only when it contains less than 1% THC and has been authorised by the national health authority; personal cultivation and non-medical cannabis sales remain prohibited.
Exceptions and restrictions on CBD in Paraguay
When considering CBD legality in Paraguay, it is important to keep the following limitations in mind:
- THC content: Products with 1% THC or more are illegal, even if they are marketed as CBD products.
- Approval requirement: All CBD products that are imported or distributed locally must be approved by the Dirección Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria.
- Personal cultivation: Individuals are not allowed to grow cannabis plants for their own CBD or cannabis use.
- Commercial sale for personal use: Selling cannabis for non-medical, personal use is not allowed under current law.
In practice, this creates a system where CBD products are only lawful if they meet the THC limit, have gone through the official approval process, and are used within the medical or regulated framework.
Can you bring CBD to Paraguay?
If you are travelling and want to bring CBD to Paraguay, there are several legal points to consider:
- CBD with less than 1% THC is legal in Paraguay, but may be restricted or prohibited in countries you depart from or transit through.
- CBD products with higher THC content can be illegal not only in Paraguay but also in other countries on your route.
- Imported CBD sold in Paraguay must be approved by the Paraguayan National Health Surveillance Authority; travellers bringing their own products may face questions about content and legality.
Because enforcement and checks can vary between border points and airlines, travelling with CBD always carries some level of risk, even if the product appears to comply with Paraguayan law.
Bringing CBD into Paraguay can be risky, as authorities may check THC content and documents, and laws in transit and departure countries may be stricter than CBD law in Paraguay.
The legal situation in neighbouring countries
If you are travelling around the region, it is important to check CBD travel rules for each country separately. Laws differ from Paraguay’s and may change over time. For more details, see:
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to “Is CBD legal in Paraguay?” is yes, but only under strict conditions. CBD products must contain less than 1% THC and must be approved by the Paraguayan National Health Surveillance Authority before they can be imported or sold. The cultivation of cannabis for personal use is still illegal, as is the sale of cannabis for non-medical, personal use.
If you plan to travel to Paraguay with CBD, ensure that your product clearly complies with local THC limits and approval rules, and that you also follow the regulations of all countries you depart from, visit or transit through.