Is CBD Legal in the Dominican Republic?
David ReichUpdated:Key points at a glance:
In the Dominican Republic, CBD is illegal. Cannabis and its derivatives are prohibited. Only medical or scientific use is permitted with prior government authorisation. Import, sale and possession are not allowed. When travelling, you should avoid carrying CBD products. Possible consequences include fines, confiscation and criminal proceedings. Reports of products being available locally do not change this situation. Always check the most up-to-date regulations before you travel.
Which products contain CBD?
Before looking at CBD law in the Dominican Republic, it helps to know which types of products commonly contain CBD and may therefore raise legal issues when travelling.
- CBD oils and tinctures: Liquid extracts usually taken under the tongue for faster absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets: Measured doses of CBD in capsule or tablet form, similar to food supplements.
- CBD edibles: Foods and drinks that contain CBD, such as gummies, chocolate, snacks or beverages.
- CBD vape products: E-liquids, cartridges and disposable vape pens designed for inhaling CBD vapour.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, ointments, lotions and balms with CBD for use on the skin.
Any product containing CBD – oils, capsules, edibles, vapes or skincare – can be relevant for CBD legality in a country, including the Dominican Republic.
Is CBD legal in the Dominican Republic?
The legal status of CBD differs from country to country and can be difficult to understand. This section looks specifically at CBD law in the Dominican Republic and how CBD is treated under national and international drug control rules.
CBD law in the Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, cannabis and all its derivatives are illegal. This legal position also includes CBD, regardless of its form or intended use. There is no separate or more lenient CBD THC limit in Dominican law: CBD is treated as part of cannabis.
The Dominican Republic is a signatory to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Under this convention, cannabis is listed as a Schedule I narcotic. Substances in this category are subject to strict control of their production, sale and possession.
Exceptions for medical and scientific use
There are narrow exceptions for medical and scientific purposes. These require:
- prior authorisation from the Dominican government, and
- compliance with strict regulations on handling, storage and use.
These exceptions are intended for controlled medical or research settings, not for personal use by residents or visitors.
CBD is not treated separately from cannabis in the Dominican Republic: all cannabis derivatives, including CBD, are illegal except under tightly controlled medical or scientific authorisations.
CBD travel rules: can you bring CBD to the Dominican Republic?
Because CBD is illegal in the Dominican Republic, bringing CBD products into the country is considered high risk for travellers. This applies even to products that are legal in your home country, including:
- CBD oils and tinctures
- CBD capsules and tablets
- CBD gummies and other edibles
- CBD vape liquids and devices
- CBD creams and other topicals
Travellers found carrying CBD products may face:
- confiscation of the products
- fines or administrative penalties
- criminal penalties, depending on the quantity and circumstances.
Labelling such as “THC-free”, “hemp extract” or “legal in [other country]” does not change how Dominican authorities may treat the product at the border.
Buying CBD in the Dominican Republic
The sale of CBD is illegal in the Dominican Republic. As a result, buying CBD products in the country is also not advisable and carries legal risk.
There are reports of some shops selling CBD products despite this legal situation. However, such sales are not authorised and may have consequences for both:
- the seller (for illegal sale of controlled substances), and
- the buyer (for possession or purchase of an illegal product).
Travellers should expect CBD to be treated as an illegal cannabis product at Dominican borders and within the country, whether they bring it with them or attempt to buy it locally.
The legal situation in neighbouring countries:
Summary
In summary, CBD is illegal in the Dominican Republic and is regulated in the same way as cannabis. There is no separate legal framework for CBD, and no general allowance based on low THC levels.
It is not advisable to bring CBD products into the Dominican Republic or to buy them there, even if similar products are legal in other countries. Despite increasing global interest in CBD, the country’s rules remain strict.
Before travelling, it is important to check the most up-to-date laws and regulations in your destination country and to follow them carefully.