Is CBD legal in Switzerland?
David ReichUpdated:The essentials at a glance:
CBD is legal in Switzerland if the total THC content is below 1 percent. Purchasing, possessing and using such products is permitted. Depending on the product category, additional rules apply, for example for cosmetics, medicinal products and products for smoking or vaping. These products may only be supplied to adults aged 18 and over from 01.10.2024. When travelling by plane, containers of up to 100 ml are generally allowed in hand luggage, carried in a suitable bag. It is advisable to carry a certificate of analysis (CoA). When returning to Germany, the import of cannabis, particularly CBD flowers, remains prohibited.
CBD is generally legal in Switzerland as long as products stay below a strict THC limit. However, rules differ by product type, and importing CBD back into other countries (especially Germany) can be risky.
CBD itself is not treated as a narcotic in Switzerland, but CBD products must stay below 1.0% total THC and comply with separate rules for cosmetics, smoking products, medicines and other categories.
Which products contain CBD but no THC?
First, a brief overview of which products may contain CBD while being free from THC. THC is considered legally 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 quicker absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets: A convenient way to take 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, such as e-liquids and vape pens.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, ointments, lotions and balms that are applied to the skin for local effects.
- CBD is not classified as a narcotic in Switzerland. The decisive factor is the total THC content: products with less than 1.0% THC do not fall under narcotics legislation. (bag.admin.ch, swissmedic.ch)
- Purchasing/possession/use of CBD products with <1% THC is generally permitted. Depending on the product category (e.g. cosmetics, smoking products), additional specific rules apply. (bag.admin.ch, blv.admin.ch, swissmedic.ch)
- Entry by plane: liquids ≤100 ml per container in hand luggage, in the 1‑litre bag. Carry original packaging and supporting documentation. (bazl.admin.ch)
- For the return journey to Germany: the import of cannabis remains prohibited there – this particularly affects CBD flowers. (zoll.de)
Legal framework: how CBD law works in Switzerland
Is CBD legal in Switzerland? The key rule is the 1% THC threshold. If a product has less than 1.0% total THC (THC + 0.877 × THCA), it is not covered by Swiss narcotics law. From 1.0% total THC or more, narcotics rules apply. This rule comes from the Ordinance on the Lists of Narcotics (BetmVV‑EDI) and is explained by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG). (fedlex.admin.ch, bag.admin.ch)
| Topic | Core idea | Primary source |
|---|---|---|
| THC threshold | Cannabis/CBD products with < 1.0% total THC are not subject to narcotics legislation. | BetmVV-EDI (SR 812.121.11); BAG: Cannabis. (fedlex.admin.ch, bag.admin.ch) |
| Use/possession (THC ≥1%) | Use of THC-containing cannabis remains prohibited; possession of up to 10 g for personal use is not punished; there are cantonal differences in enforcement. | BAG: Legal situation; Sucht Schweiz. (bag.admin.ch, suchtschweiz.ch) |
| Product categories | Depending on the category, different legal regimes apply (medicinal products, food law, cosmetics, tobacco/tobacco substitutes, chemicals). | Swissmedic guidance on CBD. (swissmedic.ch) |
| Cosmetics | CBD in cosmetics is possible, but only under strict conditions (including no THC; origin/extract is relevant). No health-related claims. | BLV: CBD in cosmetics; VKos (SR 817.023.31). (blv.admin.ch) |
| Medicinal products | CBD products with a medical intended purpose are considered medicinal products and generally require Swissmedic authorisation or an admissible exemption. | Swissmedic; HMG (SR 812.21). (swissmedic.ch, lawbrary.ch) |
| Smoking/vaping products | Legal requirements and notification duties apply to tobacco substitute products; since 01.10.2024, sale is nationwide restricted to those aged 18 and over. | BAG CBD FAQ; BAG: TabPG FAQ. (bag.admin.ch) |
For CBD legality in Switzerland, the decisive point is total THC: below 1.0% total THC products are outside narcotics law, but they must still comply with separate rules for medicines, cosmetics and smoking products.
Buying, possessing and using CBD in Switzerland
This section focuses on what visitors and residents can usually do in practice under current CBD law in Switzerland.
- Buying CBD: CBD flowers, oils and cosmetics with <1% THC are sold legally. For smoking and vaping products, there are notification and labelling duties, and since 01.10.2024 there is a nationwide minimum age of 18 for sale. (bag.admin.ch)
- Possession and use: CBD products with <1% THC are lawful to possess and use. For products with ≥1% THC, possession of up to 10 g for personal use is exempt from sanctions, but use can still be punished with a fixed penalty. Enforcement can vary by canton. (bag.admin.ch, suchtschweiz.ch)
- Public places and indoor areas: Swiss law on protection against passive smoking bans smoking in enclosed, publicly accessible spaces. In some cases this also covers vaping or heating products. Cantons can apply stricter rules. (bag.admin.ch)
- Driving after CBD use: The Federal Office of Public Health advises that people who use CBD smoking products should avoid driving and be clearly warned of this. Possible reasons include impairment and THC traces that may appear in tests. (bag.admin.ch)
Entering Switzerland with CBD (car, train, plane)
If you are travelling to Switzerland with CBD products, you need to consider both aviation security rules and customs regulations.
Plane: security and customs rules for CBD
- Hand luggage limits: Liquid CBD products such as oils and tinctures are treated like other liquids. They are limited to 100 ml per container and must fit into a single transparent 1‑litre bag in hand luggage. Larger containers should go in checked luggage. (bazl.admin.ch)
- Documentation for CBD legality: Carrying the original packaging, proof of purchase and a CoA stating total THC can make security and customs checks smoother and help show that the product meets the Swiss CBD THC limit. (bag.admin.ch)
- VAT, value limits and allowances: For most goods, a value limit of CHF 150 applies when entering Switzerland; above this, Swiss VAT may be due. For tobacco and tobacco substitutes there are quantity allowances. Many CBD flowers do not contain tobacco, so they are not subject to tobacco tax, but other rules can still apply. (bazg.admin.ch)
You can usually bring CBD into Switzerland if total THC stays under 1.0%, aviation liquid rules are respected and you carry documents like a CoA – but taking CBD flowers back across borders (especially into Germany) can breach foreign import rules.
What CBD products are allowed in Switzerland – and under what conditions?
CBD legality in Switzerland depends heavily on the product type and intended use. The table below summarises what is basically permitted and which conditions usually apply.
| Product type | Basically permitted in Switzerland? | Key conditions/restrictions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD flowers (<1% THC) | Yes | Not subject to narcotics law; product and packaging rules apply depending on the category (smoking product/tobacco substitute). No tobacco tax for flowers without tobacco; sale from 18 years. (bazg.admin.ch, bag.admin.ch) | BAG; BAZG tobacco tax. (bag.admin.ch, bazg.admin.ch) |
| CBD resin (<1% THC) | Yes | Since 01.08.2022, the 1% threshold has also been anchored for resin; as a smoking product only if the relevant requirements are met. (bag.admin.ch) | BAG CBD FAQ. (bag.admin.ch) |
| CBD oil (without health claims) | Conditional | Outside narcotics legislation, but other laws may apply depending on the intended use (e.g. cosmetics/chemicals). Health-related claims bring the product under medicines law. (swissmedic.ch) | Swissmedic. (swissmedic.ch) |
| CBD cosmetics | Yes, with conditions | No THC; origin/extract is decisive; safety report required; no therapeutic claims. (blv.admin.ch) | BLV. (blv.admin.ch) |
| CBD with therapeutic claims | Only with authorisation | Considered a medicinal product → generally requires authorisation/boundary assessment by Swissmedic. (swissmedic.ch) | Swissmedic. (swissmedic.ch) |
Regional (cantonal) differences in CBD enforcement
Swiss federal law sets the basic rules for CBD legality, but cantons can differ in how they apply and enforce them.
- Enforcement practice: Checks, use of fixed penalties and treatment of minor THC cannabis offences can vary by canton. This may affect how strictly CBD products are scrutinised in practice. (bag.admin.ch)
- Protection of minors and sales rules: From 01.10.2024, sale of tobacco and nicotine products is nationally restricted to 18+. Cantons may adopt stricter rules on advertising and sales promotion for smoking and vaping products, which can affect CBD smoking products. (bag.admin.ch)
- Cultivation (for producers): Some cantons require notification or authorisation for cultivation and production. This is generally relevant for businesses rather than travellers. (bag.admin.ch)
Safe and smooth CBD travel: checklist for tourists
The following table summarises key steps for travelling with CBD to and within Switzerland, and for your return journey.
| To-do | Reason | How | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry CoA + original packaging | Proves THC level; facilitates checks | Print CoA (QR code/batch no.), pack proof of purchase | BAG CBD FAQ |
| Observe liquids rule | 100 ml limit in hand luggage | CBD oil up to 100 ml in the 1‑litre bag; larger quantities in checked luggage | BAZL (FOCA) |
| Do not use while driving | Avoids fitness-to-drive issues/THC traces | Avoid driving after use | BAG CBD FAQ |
| Check return journey | Import bans abroad (e.g. DE) | Do not take CBD flowers to Germany | German customs. |
For smoother CBD travel to Switzerland, keep products in original packaging, carry lab reports showing total THC under 1.0%, follow airline liquid limits and check import rules in any country you leave or enter afterwards.
Common CBD pitfalls in Switzerland
Even though CBD legality in Switzerland is relatively clear on paper, there are still frequent issues that travellers and buyers should be aware of.
- Therapeutic or medical claims: If oils, ointments or other CBD products are marketed with claims such as treating or preventing diseases, they may be classified as medicinal products. This usually requires Swissmedic authorisation or a suitable exemption and can be problematic without it. (swissmedic.ch)
- CBD cosmetics with plant extracts: Cosmetic products containing plant cannabis extracts are only allowed under certain conditions. In particular, they must contain no THC, and the origin and type of extract are important. (blv.admin.ch)
- CBD flowers in transit: CBD flowers look very similar to illegal THC cannabis. This can lead to checks, delays and possibly seizure during transit through airports or borders. Carry a CoA and keep quantities as small as possible. (infodrog.ch)
Legal basis for further reading: BetmVV-EDI (SR 812.121.11), BetmKV (SR 812.121.1), HMG (SR 812.21), BAG: Cannabis, BLV: CBD in cosmetics, BAZL: liquids in hand luggage, BAZG: allowances. (fedlex.admin.ch, lawbrary.ch, bag.admin.ch, blv.admin.ch, bazl.admin.ch, bazg.admin.ch)