Is CBD legal in Russia?
David ReichUpdated:Key points at a glance:
CBD is not explicitly listed in Russian legislation, but THC content is a decisive factor: all THC isomers are prohibited. Products containing detectable THC are generally regarded as illegal. Import and postal shipment are strictly regulated. Travellers are advised to avoid oils, capsules, edibles and vapes. The option that appears least problematic is cosmetic products for external use with 0% THC and a transparent certificate of analysis. There is no established medical cannabis programme. This information does not constitute legal advice.
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 for relatively quick absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets: A convenient way to take a defined amount of CBD, similar to food supplements.
- CBD edibles: This includes gummies, chocolate, drinks and other foods that contain CBD.
- CBD vape products: These products are used for inhaling CBD vapour. They include e‑liquids and vape pens.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, ointments, lotions and balms that are applied to the skin for local use.
CBD (cannabidiol) is not explicitly listed as an illegal drug in Russia. However, cannabis (including resin and oil) and all forms of THC are banned. In practice, this means that as soon as a product is shown to contain any THC, it falls under strict Russian drug laws.
For tourists asking “Is CBD legal in Russia?” this leads to a cautious conclusion: bringing consumer CBD products into the country is risky. Only purely cosmetic CBD products for external use with 0% THC and clear documentation tend to be viewed as less problematic.
It is important to read the notes below carefully if you are researching CBD legality in Russia or planning to travel with CBD.
This is not legal advice.
Russian law bans cannabis and all THC, but does not name CBD itself. In practice, any CBD product that contains detectable THC can be treated as illegal, so travellers face significant risk if they bring consumable CBD into Russia.
Legal framework for CBD law in Russia
- Federal law: the key acts are Federal Law No. 3‑FZ “On Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances” and Government Decree No. 681, which contains the official list of controlled substances. (consultant.ru, minzdrav.gov.ru)
- Under Decree No. 681, “cannabis (marijuana)”, “cannabis oil (hashish oil)” and “tetrahydrocannabinol (all isomers)” are in List I (strictly prohibited substances). CBD is not mentioned by name. (minzdrav.gov.ru)
- “Industrial hemp” may be cultivated in Russia only if it contains a maximum of 0.1% THC in the dry mass of the upper parts of the plant. This is not a THC limit for CBD products, but it shows that Russian law allows only very low THC levels in hemp. (consultant.ru)
- Penalties for possession of illegal drugs are set out in the Criminal Code (Art. 228), together with Government Decree No. 1002, which defines “significant”, “large” and “especially large” quantities (for example, cannabis plant material: “significant” > 6 g). (consultant.ru, base.garant.ru)
- Consumption of prohibited drugs is an administrative offence (Code of Administrative Offences, Art. 6.9). For foreign nationals this can lead to fines, short‑term detention and deportation. (consultant.ru)
Is CBD legal in Russia?
CBD itself does not appear on Russia’s main list of prohibited narcotics. However, when authorities assess CBD legality in Russia, what really matters is whether a product contains any detectable THC.
THC (all isomers) is listed in List I of Decree No. 681. Products that contain THC are therefore treated as prohibited drugs, unless a specific exemption applies. In practice, these exemptions do not apply to consumer CBD products.
For anyone wondering “Can you bring CBD to Russia?” the key point is:
- Only products that are completely THC‑free can even be considered low risk.
- There is no general consumer THC threshold, such as 0.2% or 0.3%, like in some other countries.
CBD law in Russia focuses on THC content: any CBD product that tests positive for THC can be treated under strict drug legislation, and Russian rules do not recognise the higher THC limits used for CBD in many other countries.
Can you bring CBD to Russia? Border and import rules
In the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), to which Russia belongs, narcotic and psychotropic substances are subject to a licensing and authorisation regime (EAEU Decision No. 30). In Russia, the authority that issues import certificates for such substances is Roszdravnadzor.
For private individuals, only very narrow exceptions apply, and these mainly cover prescribed medicines. Typical wellness or consumer CBD products do not fall within these exceptions. Products that contain THC are prohibited.
(rppa.pro, roszdravnadzor.gov.ru, consultant.ru)
Federal Law 3‑FZ also clearly distinguishes between:
- Import and export (Art. 28) – bringing controlled substances across the border, and
- Postal shipment (Art. 22) – sending such substances by post is prohibited.
This means that ordering CBD oil online to a hotel or P.O. box in Russia may lead to confiscation if THC is detected.
Traffic‑light system for travellers
| Product | Bringing into the country in practice | Reason/notes |
|---|---|---|
| CBD oil, capsules, gummies (for oral use) | Not recommended | Even trace amounts of THC may make the product illegal. Border and police checks focus on THC, and there is no consumer threshold. (minzdrav.gov.ru) |
| CBD cosmetics (external use only: cream, balm) | Be cautious, only 0% THC | May be treated as cosmetics (for external use only). The crucial point is that no THC is detectable and that labelling follows EAEU cosmetics rules. (docs.cntd.ru, minzdrav.gov.ru) |
| CBD vapes/e‑liquids, flowers, extracts | No | Flowers, resin and oils from cannabis are explicitly prohibited. Detection of THC can lead to criminal or administrative proceedings. (minzdrav.gov.ru) |
Practical import check (if you decide to take the risk)
If, despite the risks, you are still considering travelling with CBD to Russia, the following points are important:
- Limit yourself to cosmetics for external use with 0% THC – ideally with manufacturer confirmation “THC: not detectable (ND)” and the limit of quantification (LOQ) stated in the laboratory report.
- Carry a printed certificate of analysis (COA) and, if possible, a short Russian translation showing product name, CBD content, “THC: 0%/ND”, laboratory and date. (docs.cntd.ru)
- Keep the original packaging with clear cosmetics labelling (“for external use only”). Avoid wording that suggests medical or internal use.
- Never carry CBD flowers, resin or vapes. If you are unsure about a product, it is safer not to bring it at all. (minzdrav.gov.ru)
CBD travel rules in Russia are strict: import exemptions apply mainly to prescribed medicines, postal shipping is restricted, and typical consumer CBD products – especially those taken orally or containing any THC – can be stopped or confiscated at the border.
Buying, possessing and using CBD in Russia
The table below summarises how CBD legality in Russia plays out in everyday situations such as buying, possession and use.
| Question | Practical situation | Legal basis / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buying CBD in shops? | Uncommon and risky. Reputable options, where available, tend to be limited to THC‑free cosmetics. | CBD is not listed as a narcotic, but THC is strictly prohibited. Cosmetics are only for external use under TR CU 009/2011. (minzdrav.gov.ru, docs.cntd.ru) |
| Possession of consumable products (oils/capsules) | Risky. If THC is detected, criminal liability may apply above a “significant” quantity; below that, possession is usually treated as an administrative offence. | Criminal Code Art. 228; thresholds under Decree No. 1002 (for example, cannabis plant material: > 6 g = “significant”). (consultant.ru, base.garant.ru) |
| Use | Use of prohibited drugs is an administrative offence. For foreign nationals, this can also lead to deportation. | Code of Administrative Offences Art. 6.9. (consultant.ru) |
| Medicinal cannabis/CBD on prescription | No general medical cannabis or CBD prescription programme is in place. Cannabis and THC remain in List I. | Decree No. 681. (minzdrav.gov.ru) |
Russian authorities ultimately focus on the actual composition of a product. During inspections, laboratories may detect very low levels of THC. A product that appears compliant in other countries may therefore still be considered unlawful in Russia.
Regional differences within Russia
Russian narcotics legislation, including CBD and THC rules, is set at federal level. Prohibitions and ranges of penalties therefore apply uniformly across the country.
There may be differences only in enforcement practice, such as where police checks are more frequent. However, the legal position remains the same everywhere and is based mainly on:
- Federal Law 3‑FZ
- Decree No. 681 (list of substances)
- Decree No. 1002 (quantity thresholds)
Practical tips for CBD users in Russia
- If possible, do not bring CBD products with you to Russia, and avoid buying CBD‑labelled foods or drinks in the country.
- If you nevertheless decide to carry something, restrict yourself to a cosmetic product for external use only, with a printed COA, preferably a Russian summary, and a clear note such as “THC: 0%/not detectable”. (docs.cntd.ru)
- Avoid terms on packaging such as “hemp oil for oral use”, “extract” or “tincture”, as these may raise questions about the product’s composition.
- Keep receipts and original packaging, place the product in checked luggage, and have documentation ready in case of inspection.
- If you are questioned, you can refer to the COA, but be prepared for the possibility that authorities may still retain the product for analysis.
- Never transport or use CBD flowers, resin or vaping products in Russia. (minzdrav.gov.ru)
For travellers, the safest approach is to avoid CBD in Russia altogether; if you still choose to carry it, limit yourself to clearly labelled THC‑free cosmetics and accept that officials can confiscate products even when documentation is provided.
FAQ: CBD legality in Russia
Can I bring CBD oil that is legal in my home country (for example, with 0.2% THC)?
This is not recommended. Russia does not apply a specific consumer THC limit such as 0.2%. THC as a substance is prohibited. Even very small amounts may be enough for a product to be treated as illegal.
Is there a medical cannabis or CBD prescription scheme?
No. There is currently no general medical cannabis or prescription CBD programme. Cannabis and THC are still listed in List I of prohibited substances.
Are CBD creams allowed?
CBD creams may be allowed if they are for external use only under EAEU cosmetics rules and if no THC is detectable. Correct labelling and a COA are important if questions arise.
(docs.cntd.ru, minzdrav.gov.ru)
What quantities can lead to criminal liability?
This depends on the substance. For cannabis plant material (“konoplja”), Decree No. 1002 sets more than 6 g as a “significant” quantity. In such cases, Criminal Code Art. 228 applies. Separate mass thresholds exist for THC itself.
Overview: CBD products that are relatively safe or unsafe for travellers
| Category | Recommendation | Legal reference |
|---|---|---|
| CBD foods/food supplements | Do not bring and do not buy | THC is banned (Decree 681). Possession or use may trigger criminal or administrative consequences (Criminal Code 228, Code of Administrative Offences 6.9). (minzdrav.gov.ru, consultant.ru) |
| CBD cosmetics (external use), 0% THC | Conceivable with COA | Covered by cosmetics law (TR CU 009/2011), but the THC ban in Decree 681 still applies. (docs.cntd.ru, minzdrav.gov.ru) |
| Shipping/online ordering to Russia | Not recommended | Postal shipment of controlled substances is prohibited under Law 3‑FZ Art. 22. (consultant.ru) |
| Carrying prescribed medicines | Only with prescription/documentation and customs declaration; generally not relevant to CBD products | Import rules and authorisations under EAEU Decision 30, Roszdravnadzor rules and Government Decree No. 853/2021. (rppa.pro, roszdravnadzor.gov.ru, consultant.ru) |
Primary sources (links)
- Government Decree No. 681 (list of substances, including cannabis and THC): minzdrav.gov.ru. (minzdrav.gov.ru)
- Criminal Code Art. 228 (unlawful possession/acquisition): consultant.ru. (consultant.ru)
- Government Decree No. 1002 (quantity thresholds, for example cannabis > 6 g): garant.ru. (base.garant.ru)
- Code of Administrative Offences Art. 6.9 (consumption, including possible deportation for foreign nationals): consultant.ru. (consultant.ru)
- Federal Law No. 3‑FZ (including Art. 22 postal ban; Art. 28 import/export): consultant.ru. (consultant.ru)
- TR CU 009/2011 (cosmetics for external use only): docs.cntd.ru. (docs.cntd.ru)
- Government Decree No. 101/2020 (industrial hemp ≤ 0.1% THC): consultant.ru. (consultant.ru)
- EAEU Decision No. 30 (import rules, including for narcotic drugs): rppa.pro. (rppa.pro)
- Roszdravnadzor (import certificates for narcotic/psychotropic substances): roszdravnadzor.gov.ru. (roszdravnadzor.gov.ru)
- Rules on the import of medicines (Government Decree No. 853/2021): consultant.ru. (consultant.ru)
Note: This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for individual legal advice. Always check the current legal situation before travelling.