Is CBD legal in Poland?

Is CBD legal in Poland? At a glance

CBD law in Poland – the basics in plain language

• Fibre hemp is legally defined: “konopie włókniste” means Cannabis sativa L. where the sum of Δ9‑THC and THCA in the flowering or fruiting tops is ≤ 0.3% of the dry mass (rounded to one decimal place). Art. 4 point 5.
• Non‑fibre hemp is treated as a narcotic drug: Herb, resin and extracts of cannabis with > 0.3% THC in the plant tops fall under the narcotic drugs list (for example “KONOPI ZIELE innych niż włókniste”, “ŻYWICA KONOPI”). These can lead to criminal sanctions. Annex 2 of the substance list.
• CBD itself is not listed: “Cannabidiol” does not appear in the Polish substance lists. For CBD legality in Poland, the key issues are:
  • whether the product involves cannabis preparations covered by narcotics law, and
  • the THC content (in particular whether it can cause intoxication).
  Substance list (consolidated).
• EU rules on CBD: In 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union held that CBD is not a narcotic drug under the UN Conventions and that EU Member States must respect the free movement of goods for lawful CBD products (case C‑663/18 “Kanavape”). National restrictions must be proportionate. Judgment summary.
• THC in hemp seed foods: Since 2023, binding EU-wide maximum levels for Δ9‑THC equivalents apply to foods from hemp seeds (for example hemp seed oil, hulled seeds, protein powder). Reg. (EU) 2023/915.

Can you bring CBD to Poland? Import and travel rules

Basic principle for importing CBD into Poland

Poland generally prohibits the import and export of narcotic drugs. Exceptions exist only for specific situations, such as personal medical use, and must be supported by formal documentation.

For CBD products without intoxicating properties, the usual understanding is that they are not classified as narcotic drugs. However, the following points are crucial if you travel with CBD to Poland:

• very low THC content (ideally “THC-free” or only trace levels),
• clear origin from lawful fibre hemp, and
• good documentation to show customs or security staff that the product is not THC cannabis.

Sources: KIS – travel information, Poland Travel – import rules, Substance list.

Practical tips for air travel with CBD

• Print the COA: Carry a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each product. It should show the total THC value (Δ9‑THC + THCA). From a practical perspective, it is safer if THC is “not detected” or ≤ 0.2–0.3%, depending on the type of product.
• Original packaging and receipt: Keep CBD products in their original, preferably unopened packaging and take a purchase receipt or online invoice.
• Avoid CBD flowers in hand luggage: CBD “buds” or “flowers” look the same as high‑THC cannabis. This can easily trigger checks and delays. From a travel perspective, oils, capsules or cosmetics tend to be less problematic.
• Observe the 100 ml liquid rule: In hand luggage, each liquid container may hold a maximum of 100 ml under general European airport security rules.
• Be cautious with health claims on labels: Strong medical claims on CBD products can lead to additional questions at the border or from inspectors.
• Travelling within the EU: Passport and customs controls are usually lighter, but once you arrive, Polish law applies to CBD legality in Poland, including THC limits and narcotics rules.
• Travelling from non‑EU countries: More detailed checks are common. If you cannot prove THC content and hemp origin, import can become problematic.

Medicines containing narcotic drugs

If you carry medicines containing narcotic drugs (not CBD food supplements), you usually need specific certificates (Schengen forms or equivalent). More information is available from:

• Polish border authorities – guidance
• KIS – traveller information

Buying, possessing and using CBD in Poland

Buying and selling CBD products

• Retail sale: Products made from fibre hemp with very low THC content can be offered on the market under certain conditions.
• What to look for: As a consumer, pay attention to:
  • reputable retailers,
  • clear labels (ingredients, strength, batch number), and
  • a current Certificate of Analysis (COA) on request or via a QR code.
• Hemp seed foods: Foods such as hemp seed oil must comply with the EU THC maximum levels. For example, Reg. (EU) 2023/915 sets limits of 3 mg/kg for hemp seeds and derived products and 7.5 mg/kg for hemp seed oil.

Possession of CBD in Poland

• CBD is not scheduled as a drug: CBD as a molecule is not listed in the Polish narcotic substances list.
• But cannabis products can be: “Herb/resin/extracts of non‑fibre hemp” are expressly prohibited and treated as narcotic drugs. This covers high‑THC cannabis, but in unclear cases, products with visible plant material may attract attention.
• Risk factor – THC content: You should not possess CBD products that:
  • have a THC content capable of causing intoxication, or
  • could be classified as “cannabis (non‑fibre hemp)” because of their composition or presentation.
  Source: Substance list – Annex 2.

Using CBD in Poland

• Private use: Using lawful CBD products in private is generally not considered problematic, as long as the product itself complies with the law.
• Public use: Smoking bans apply regardless of CBD or THC content, for example in non‑smoking areas or certain public spaces.
• Discretion: Discreet use (for example oils or capsules rather than smoking or vaping in public) can reduce the risk of misunderstandings.

Driving in Poland after using CBD

Driving “under the influence” is treated very strictly in Poland. If a CBD product leads to detectable THC in your body, and experts assess this as impairment, you may face criminal or administrative penalties. These can include:

• fines,
• driving bans, and
• custodial sentences in serious cases.

Unlike alcohol, there is no single, fixed statutory THC limit in Polish law for driving offences. Each case depends on toxicological assessment and the specific circumstances. Source: Kodeks karny Art. 178a ff..

Practical tip: If you plan to drive in Poland, consider only using CBD products that are labelled as THC‑free (isolate, “0.0% THC”) and allow enough time between taking CBD and getting behind the wheel.

Regional differences in CBD rules within Poland?

For consumers, there are no different regional THC thresholds or separate local CBD laws in Poland. The national rules apply throughout the country.

For cultivation of fibre hemp, a national register maintained by KOWR has applied since 2022. This replaces the earlier system of annual local permits. Growers and buyers of fibre hemp must follow these registration rules. Information and forms: KOWR – fibre hemp register.

Checklist: travelling with CBD to Poland

• Only take CBD products made from certified fibre hemp with very low total THC (Δ9‑THC + THCA).
• Print the COA and purchase receipt and keep them easily accessible.
• Keep products in unopened original packaging and avoid taking large quantities that could look commercial.
• Avoid CBD flowers, especially in hand luggage, as they can be confused with illegal cannabis. From a practical standpoint, oils, capsules or cosmetics are usually safer choices.
• If you intend to drive in Poland, only use products labelled as THC‑free.
• For food products made from hemp seeds, make sure they comply with the EU THC limits in Reg. (EU) 2023/915.

FAQ – Is CBD legal in Poland? Common questions

Primary legal sources on CBD in Poland

• Ustawa o przeciwdziałaniu narkomanii (ELI overview page) | consolidated legal text (PDF) – definitions (Art. 4), cultivation rules (Chap. 6), offences.
• Substance list – Obwieszczenie 2024 poz. 1139 | text (including Annex 2: “KONOPI ZIELE innych niż włókniste”, “ŻYWICA KONOPI”); most recent amendment: Dz.U. 2025 poz. 598 (info).
• KOWR – register for fibre hemp (cultivation/purchase).
• EU Regulation (EU) 2023/915 – THC limits in hemp seed products.
• CJEU, C‑663/18 (“Kanavape”).
• Kodeks karny (Art. 178a ff.) – driving “under the influence”.
• KIS – guidance for travellers (including on narcotic drugs/medicines) and Poland Travel – rules.