Is CBD legal in Slovakia?

Is CBD legal in Slovakia? Legal framework at a glance

• CBD removed from the narcotics list: Since 1 May 2021, CBD has not been listed as a psychotropic substance in Slovakia. This was clarified by Act No. 124/2021 Coll., which removed “cannabidiol” from the list of controlled substances. Source: Act No. 124/2021 Coll. (amending Act No. 139/1998 Coll.), point 32. (slov-lex.sk)
• Main Slovak drug law: The core law on narcotic and psychotropic substances is Act No. 139/1998 Coll. on Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Preparations. Cannabis/“konopa” and tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) remain listed as controlled substances, and strict criminal rules apply. (zakonypreludi.sk)
• EU law (CJEU “Kanavape” ruling): On 19/11/2020, the Court of Justice of the EU (C‑663/18, “Kanavape”) held that CBD is not a “narcotic drug” under UN drug conventions and that, in principle, the EU rules on free movement of goods (Articles 34, 36 TFEU) apply to CBD. (eur-lex.europa.eu, curia.europa.eu)
• WHO assessment: The WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence has stated that pure CBD shows no evidence of abuse or dependence potential and has not recommended it for international control. (who.int)
• Semi-synthetic cannabinoids banned: Newer substances such as HHC, HHC derivatives and H4‑CBD have been classified as psychotropic substances in Slovakia and are prohibited. Products should therefore be checked carefully. (slov-lex.sk)

Can you bring CBD to Slovakia? Border, plane, car and train

Within the Schengen Area and wider EU, there are usually no systematic customs checks, but random inspections do occur – especially at airports. For CBD travel rules in Slovakia, it is safest to:

• carry only small quantities for personal use
• choose THC-free or THC non-detectable CBD products
• have a recent Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with you.

Riskier products: CBD flowers and herb

• Flowers/herba: Carrying hemp flowers into Slovakia is legally more sensitive than carrying oils, capsules or cosmetics. CBD flowers look almost identical to high-THC cannabis, so they can easily trigger checks, testing and delays.
• When flying, it is usually easier and less risky to carry CBD extracts or oils in original packaging together with a CoA, rather than loose flowers.

Packaging and documents

• Original packaging + CoA: Keep products sealed where possible, with labels that clearly show CBD content and THC information. Attach or carry a printed, up-to-date laboratory certificate with batch number and THC analysis. This can help reduce questions during customs or police checks.

Inside vs. outside the EU

• Within the EU: For raw hemp (fibres, seeds), EU agricultural rules set THC thresholds and import conditions, and Member States may apply stricter rules. For ordinary travellers, ready-made consumer CBD products (such as oils and cosmetics) with a reliable CoA are usually the most straightforward option. (agriculture.ec.europa.eu)
• From outside the EU: Additional scrutiny is possible. Make sure documentation is especially clear and be prepared to declare the products if asked.

Customs rules

• Finančná správa (customs authority): General Slovak customs prohibitions and restrictions apply in addition to CBD law. If you are unsure, declare the products and show your paperwork. (financnasprava.sk)

Tip for flying: The CoA should show the tested THC content, batch number and test date. Pack CBD like any other food supplement or cosmetic in your hand luggage and respect the 100 ml liquid limit.

CBD legality in Slovakia: Purchase, possession and use

• Purchase: Non-medical CBD products such as oils, creams and, in some cases, flowers are available both in shops and online. Legally, THC-free or THC non-detectable products are the safest choice. For medical use, the authorised prescription medicine “Epidyolex” (CBD) can be prescribed. (ema.europa.eu)
• Possession: Possessing CBD that does not contain listed controlled substances is not a criminal offence. However, possession of cannabis flowers with relevant THC content remains punishable under Slovak law. Carry supporting documents such as a CoA to show, if questioned, that a CBD product does not contain illegal THC levels. (zakonypreludi.sk)
• Use: Using CBD oils or topical products is generally not a legal issue. Smoking or vaping hemp flowers in public can, however, attract police attention because of the similarity to cannabis use. In public spaces, more discreet forms (oils, capsules, cosmetics) are usually less likely to cause problems.

CBD product types in Slovakia and how the law treats them

EU free movement and CBD: What the CJEU ruling means

The Court of Justice of the EU has ruled that CBD is not a “narcotic drug”. As a result, an EU Member State such as Slovakia cannot, in principle, introduce a blanket ban on CBD products that were lawfully produced in another Member State (Article 34 TFEU).

Any national restrictions must:

• pursue a legitimate aim, such as public health protection
• be suitable and necessary to achieve that aim
• be based on solid scientific evidence, not mere assumptions.

In practice, this means that when you move CBD products across EU borders, it is important that you can show that the product is not a THC product. A clear CoA and proper labelling are central to this. (eur-lex.europa.eu, curia.europa.eu)

Regional differences in CBD law in Slovakia

Slovakia is a unitary state. There are no regional differences in CBD or controlled substances regulations between regions or cities. National Slovak law and directly applicable EU law are decisive everywhere.

In practice, what can vary is the intensity of checks. For example, controls at airports such as Bratislava and Košice may be more frequent than in smaller border regions. (financnasprava.sk)

Checklist: Can you bring CBD to Slovakia as a tourist?

• Use or carry only reputable CBD products with a recent laboratory analysis (CoA) and a clear statement on THC (ideally “not detectable” or similar wording).
• Keep the original packaging and invoice or order confirmation together with the product. The batch number on the product should match the number on the CoA.
• Avoid hemp flowers, especially when travelling by air. Oils, capsules and cosmetics are generally easier to explain during checks.
• Do not buy or carry products containing HHC, H4‑CBD or related semi-synthetic cannabinoids, as these are now listed as psychotropic substances in Slovakia. (slov-lex.sk)
• If you are unsure, declare your CBD products when crossing the border and cooperate politely with officials, showing your documents.

FAQ – CBD law in Slovakia: common questions

Is there a fixed CBD THC limit in consumer products?

Slovak law lists THC and cannabis as controlled substances but does not set a simple, universal “safe THC limit” for all CBD end products. The key point is that no listed controlled substance should be present in a marketable quantity.

In practice, products with non-detectable THC on a reputable CoA and clear documentation are generally seen as the lowest-risk option from a legal perspective. (zakonypreludi.sk)

Can I take my CBD oil on a plane to or from Slovakia?

Carrying CBD oil on a plane is possible if you respect standard airport security rules for liquids (for example the 100 ml limit for hand luggage). For CBD travel rules in Slovakia, you should:

• keep quantities small and clearly for personal use
• carry a CoA and proof of purchase
• avoid hemp flowers in your luggage
• follow general customs and security rules at all times.

(financnasprava.sk)

Is medical CBD available in Slovakia?

Yes. The CBD-based medicine “Epidyolex” is authorised throughout the EU and can be prescribed by doctors in Slovakia for approved indications. (ema.europa.eu)

How do the WHO and EU generally view CBD?

WHO: The WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence has assessed pure CBD as having no identified abuse or dependence potential and has not proposed that it be controlled under international drug conventions.

EU/CJEU: The Court of Justice of the EU has ruled that CBD is not a narcotic drug and that, in principle, the EU rules on free movement of goods apply, with proportionate exceptions for protecting health. (who.int, eur-lex.europa.eu)

Note

This article does not constitute legal advice. For specific questions, always check your particular product (composition, CoA) and the most up-to-date legal position in the official sources linked.