Is CBD legal in Romania?
David ReichUpdated:Key points at a glance:
CBD is not classified as a narcotic in Romania. Cannabis and THC remain prohibited. Only products without detectable THC are permitted. Cosmetics and medicines are subject to EU and national regulations. Foods with added CBD are frequently regarded as problematic. CBD flowers involve a high level of legal risk. A zero-tolerance approach to drugs applies when driving. Import from other EU countries is possible with appropriate documentation. Romania has been part of the Schengen Area since 1 January 2025. Certificates and supporting documents should be carried when travelling.
Is CBD legal in Romania? (2025 Guide for Travellers)
This article is for information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Romania distinguishes clearly between CBD (cannabidiol) and cannabis/THC in its drugs laws. CBD itself is not listed as a narcotic drug. However, cannabis and THC are strictly controlled, and any product that is considered to contain a listed drug can lead to criminal consequences. Different rules apply depending on whether CBD is in a cosmetic, medicine, food or other product category. (legislatie.just.ro)
Romania has been fully part of the Schengen area since 1 January 2025. Routine person checks at internal EU borders have been removed, but customs and police may still carry out targeted inspections, especially where drugs or THC are suspected. (consilium.europa.eu)
CBD is not a listed drug in Romania, but THC and cannabis are strictly illegal. CBD products are only tolerated if they are THC-free and comply with the specific rules for their product type (cosmetics, medicines, foods, etc.).
Which products contain CBD but no THC?
Before looking at CBD law in Romania, it helps to know which CBD products are usually sold as “THC-free”. THC is far more sensitive legally than CBD in most countries, including Romania.
Common CBD product types include:
- CBD oils and tinctures – liquids usually placed under the tongue for relatively quick absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets – measured amounts of CBD, taken like food supplements.
- CBD edibles – gummies, chocolate, drinks and other foods containing CBD.
- CBD vape products – e-liquids and vape pens used for inhaling CBD vapour.
- CBD skincare products – creams, ointments, lotions and balms applied to the skin.
Is CBD legal in Romania? Quick overview for tourists
| Topic | Summary | What applies in RO? | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD as a substance | Not listed as a drug | No separate entry for CBD in the schedules; cannabis/THC are listed as narcotics | (legislatie.just.ro) |
| Import of personal CBD products (from the EU) | Possible, with caution | Only carry CBD products without THC or with demonstrably negligible THC, plus documentation. Import of listed drugs/THC is a serious criminal offence (smuggling). | (customs.ro) |
| CBD oil (not marketed as a medicine/“food”) | Grey area; “THC-free (0.00%)” is preferable | During checks, you may be asked for analysis/certification; any detectable THC trace can cause legal issues. | — |
| CBD in cosmetics | Permitted EU-wide under cosmetics law, depending on CBD origin; THC in cosmetics is not allowed | Allowed if EU cosmetic rules are met and no prohibited “narcotic ingredients” are used | (eur-lex.europa.eu) |
| CBD as a medicine | Subject to medicines authorisation | Example: Epidyolex is authorised and prescription-only | (ema.europa.eu, legislatie.just.ro) |
| CBD flowers | High risk | “Cannabis” = flowering/fruiting tops. Even low-THC “CBD flowers” can be treated as cannabis → risk of prosecution | (legislatie.just.ro) |
| CBD in foods/drinks | Problematic | Authorities act against non-compliant foods with cannabinoids. Hemp seeds and seed-based products are allowed within THC limits. | (agerpres.ro) |
| Driving after CBD use | Be extremely cautious | Zero tolerance for drugs; frequent drug testing, driving licence usually retained until lab results are available | (legislatie.just.ro) |
CBD legality in Romania depends mainly on THC content and product category. THC and cannabis are criminally regulated, so products must be clearly THC-free and correctly classified (for example, as cosmetics or authorised medicines).
CBD law in Romania: the basic legal framework
Several Romanian and EU laws shape CBD legality in Romania and determine how CBD products are treated.
- Narcotics and criminal law: Law 143/2000 defines criminal offences such as possession, trade, and import/export of illicit drugs. Cannabis and THC fall within this law. CBD is not listed as a narcotic, but products that contain THC or are considered “cannabis” can trigger criminal liability. (legislatie.just.ro)
- Substance schedules and control regime: Law 339/2005 and implementing norms HG 1915/2006 contain the official schedules. Cannabis and THC are included; CBD is not. This absence does not automatically make all CBD products lawful, but it is important for distinguishing CBD from classic narcotics. (legislatie.just.ro)
- Legal definition of “cannabis”: Romanian law defines cannabis as the flowering or fruiting tops of the plant. This is why so-called “CBD flowers” are legally risky, even with very low THC levels. They can still be classified as cannabis. (legislatie.just.ro)
- EU context: The Court of Justice of the European Union (C‑663/18 “Kanavape”) decided that CBD is not a narcotic under UN conventions and, as a product, benefits in principle from the EU free movement of goods. National restrictions must be proportionate and justified, but product-specific rules (cosmetics, foods, medicines) still apply. (aoshearman.com)
Can you bring CBD to Romania? Import rules for travellers
Since 2025, there are no routine person checks at Romania’s internal EU borders. However, customs and police checks can still take place at airports, land borders and within the country. For travellers, importing CBD into Romania remains sensitive.
If you bring CBD products for personal use, the safest approach is:
- Choose products advertised as THC-free (0.00% THC/non-detect).
- Carry a clear, recent certificate of analysis (CoA) showing no detectable THC.
- Keep the product in its original packaging with visible ingredients and batch number.
- Have proof of purchase to show where and what you bought.
The import of listed drugs (including THC and cannabis) is a criminal offence and is treated as aggravated smuggling. Even small quantities can have serious consequences. (consilium.europa.eu, customs.ro)
Practical tip for inspections: carry a printed CoA showing:
- product name
- batch number
- method of analysis
- date of analysis
- THC limit of detection
Ideally, the certificate should also provide a QR code linking to the laboratory. For oils and cosmetics, the label should include the INCI list and batch details, and should not make medical or “healing” claims.
When travelling with CBD to Romania, only carry clearly THC-free products with a recent lab report and original packaging. Any product viewed as containing THC can be treated as illegal drug smuggling.
Buying, possessing and using CBD in Romania
CBD legality in Romania depends not only on THC content but also on how the product is marketed and categorised.
CBD oils and tinctures
In practice, CBD oils are sometimes sold locally as “aroma products”, “collector’s items” or even as cosmetics, to avoid being treated as foods or medicines.
For visitors, it is safer to:
- choose oils labelled as THC-free (0.00% / non-detect)
- keep any supporting documentation, such as a CoA
- prefer products from manufacturers that provide clear, verifiable information
Any detectable THC may create legal problems, especially if authorities suspect the presence of a controlled substance.
CBD in foods and drinks
CBD in foods and drinks is particularly sensitive in Romania. The national food safety authority has intensified controls against non-compliant products containing cannabinoids. By contrast, hemp seeds and seed-based products (such as seed oil and flour) are generally permitted under EU THC contaminant limits. (agerpres.ro)
Foods and beverages with added CBD can be challenged by authorities, withdrawn from sale and destroyed. This is an important distinction for anyone wondering, “Is CBD legal in Romania in food form?” – in practice, these products are at higher risk.
CBD in cosmetics
Cosmetics are regulated at EU level. In general, cosmetics that list “cannabidiol” as an INCI ingredient are permitted if they:
- comply with EU cosmetics law (including safety and labelling requirements)
- do not contain THC or other banned narcotic cannabis derivatives
For consumers, this means only buying cosmetics that:
- have proper EU labelling and INCI list
- do not make medicinal claims
- are notified in the EU system as cosmetics
CBD flowers (“hemp buds”)
Carrying or buying “CBD flowers” in Romania is strongly discouraged. Legally, the flowering tops of the cannabis plant fall under the definition of cannabis, even if marketed as “industrial hemp” or “low-THC CBD buds”.
Because the definition focuses on the plant part, not only on THC levels, low-THC flowers can still be treated as cannabis. The risk of seizure, investigation and criminal proceedings is therefore real. (legislatie.just.ro)
Medical CBD use
For medical use, medicines legislation applies. CBD products intended for treating or preventing disease count as medicines and require marketing authorisation.
An example of an authorised CBD medicine in Romania is Epidyolex, which has EU-wide approval and is prescription-only. Private imports of unapproved medicinal CBD products and the supply of unauthorised medicines are not allowed. (ema.europa.eu, legislatie.just.ro)
Driving in Romania after using CBD: zero-tolerance environment
Romania applies a strict zero-tolerance policy to driving under the influence of psychoactive substances. In 2024, traffic legislation was tightened further. Under OUG 84/2024, if you refuse a roadside drug test or test positive:
- you will usually be taken for a blood test
- your driving licence is retained until laboratory results are available
- even suspicion alone can trigger these measures
Because of this, it is risky to use any CBD product that might contain THC residues if you plan to drive in Romania. (legislatie.just.ro)
EU and international context for CBD legality in Romania
The European and international framework helps explain why CBD itself is treated differently to THC, but it does not override Romanian product rules.
The CJEU has confirmed that:
- CBD is not considered a narcotic under the UN drug conventions.
- EU Member States cannot simply ban lawfully produced CBD from other EU countries without a solid public health justification.
- However, each Member State can still enforce product-specific rules (such as for foods, cosmetics and medicines).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also indicated that “pure CBD” does not show evidence of dependence potential, which supports its treatment outside traditional narcotics control schemes. (who.int)
Practical tips for CBD users visiting Romania
- Choose CBD products labelled as “THC-free (0.00%)” or “non-detect”; avoid full-spectrum products that may contain THC traces – especially if you will be driving.
- Carry a printed certificate of analysis (CoA) and proof of purchase; keep products in their original, unopened packaging where possible.
- Do not buy or carry “CBD flowers”; these are easily treated as cannabis under Romanian law. (legislatie.just.ro)
- For cosmetics, look for “cannabidiol” in the INCI list and check for proper EU labelling. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
- Avoid foods and drinks with added CBD; hemp seed products are generally less contentious if they comply with THC limits. (agerpres.ro)
- If you plan to drive, remember the zero-tolerance approach to drugs. If in doubt, avoid using CBD products beforehand. (legislatie.just.ro)
Day to day, the lowest-risk approach in Romania is to avoid CBD flowers and CBD foods, stick to clearly THC-free products, and be especially careful if you are driving or likely to be drug-tested.
FAQ: CBD legality in Romania
Can I take CBD on a flight to Bucharest?
It may be possible to bring CBD into Romania if the product is legal in the country of departure, is clearly THC-free, and you carry documentation such as a certificate of analysis and proof of purchase. Romanian authorities enforce drug and THC rules strictly, and products with any THC can be treated as illegal. (customs.ro)
Are there regional differences in CBD law within Romania?
No. CBD law in Romania applies uniformly nationwide. However, in practice, the intensity of checks and enforcement may vary from place to place. You should not rely on local leniency or informal reports.
Is industrial hemp cultivation allowed in Romania?
Yes. Industrial hemp can be grown under strict conditions, including the use of certified seed and a THC limit of ≤ 0.3% for eligible varieties, with official controls in place. These rules apply to licensed farmers, not to private home growing. (agriculture.ec.europa.eu)
Key legal sources on CBD legality in Romania
- Law no. 143/2000 – combating illicit drug trafficking and use (criminal offences). (legislatie.just.ro)
- Law no. 339/2005 – legal regime for listed plants and substances; schedules and definitions (including cannabis). (legislatie.just.ro)
- HG no. 1915/2006 – implementing norms and schedules. (legislatie.just.ro)
- EU cosmetics law – Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (prohibited substances and basic rules). (eur-lex.europa.eu)
- EMA EPAR “Epidyolex” – authorised CBD-containing medicine. (ema.europa.eu)
- CJEU, judgment of 19.11.2020, C‑663/18 (“Kanavape”) – CBD not a narcotic drug and rules on marketing in the EU. (aoshearman.com)
- WHO/ECDD communications on CBD. (who.int)
- Romanian traffic regulations – OUG 84/2024 (drug tests and driving licence rules). (legislatie.just.ro)
- Romanian customs – criminal offences including smuggling and drug-related imports. (customs.ro)
- ANSVSA enforcement practice relating to foods, including hemp seed products. (agerpres.ro)
Packing checklist for CBD users travelling to Romania
- CBD product with confirmed 0.00% THC (with CoA, batch number, lab details and QR code if possible)
- Printed certificate of analysis and proof of purchase
- Original packaging, without medical claims unless you hold a valid prescription medicine
- No flowers, resins or vape products of unclear origin
- If driving, avoid full-spectrum CBD products that may contain THC
Note: The legal and enforcement situation can change. Before travelling, check the official sources again if needed and follow current guidance from Romanian authorities.