Is CBD legal in Germany?
- Legal status
- CBD (cannabidiol) as an isolated substance is not a narcotic under the Narcotics Act (BtMG) — only THC is scheduled — so consumer CBD is lawful if derived from EU-certified industrial hemp within the THC field-threshold (raised from 0.2% to 0.3% by the Consumer Cannabis Act/CanG in force 1 April 2024), though ingestible CBD requires Novel Food authorisation, which the BVL treats as not yet met.
- Consequences if caught
- Compliant CBD carries no offence; a CBD product with more than trace, psychoactive-capable THC is caught as a THC-containing narcotic under the BtMG.
- If prescribed or medical
- Cannabidiol medicines such as Epidyolex are prescribable; ingestible CBD may otherwise be placed only via a medicinal-product or Novel Food authorisation. Distinct from cannabis, which was delisted from the BtMG for adult use by the CanG on 1 April 2024.
- Documentation
- Carry proof the product is EU-certified-hemp derived and within the THC limit; no personal-import licence is needed for compliant consumer CBD, and cannabidiol medicines require a prescription.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Germany’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →