Answering the question of whether CBD is legal is not easy. If CBD oil is produced from industrial or technical hemp, which varieties lack or minimize the content of THC, then most countries consider it legal. If cannabis oil is derived from other cannabis varieties with higher THC levels (above 0.2%), then some countries consider it illegal.
Legal status of CBD
It is important to understand that CBD, unlike THC, is NOT a psychoactive compound, and therefore its effect on the body is fundamentally different from the action of THC. However, the legal status of cannabidiol is different for each country. In recent years, CBD has been gaining more and more interest and coverage in the scientific world, with a large number of scientific studies conducted every year proving its therapeutic properties. As a result, the legal status of CBD oil around the world is rapidly changing. What is its legality in the CIS countries for 2023, primarily in Russia?
In the Russian Federation, Cannabidiol is NOT included in the List of Narcotic Drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, which was approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of June 30, 1998 No. 681. With regard to a number of cannabinoids (cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL)), in circulation, state control measures in the Russian Federation not installed.
At the same time, as part of any preparations positioning the presence of pure cannabidiol or any other uncontrolled cannabinoids, may also contain substances for which state control measures have been established in the territory of the Russian Federation (for example, tetrahydrocannabinols (all isomers and their derivatives) included in the list of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and their precursors subject to control in the Russian Federation, approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated June 30, 1998 No. 681).
It should be noted that the establishment of the qualitative and quantitative composition of any such drugs is possible only after conducting the necessary expert research.
In accordance with Article 18 of the Federal Law No. 3-FZ of January 8, 1998 “On Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances” (hereinafter referred to as the Federal Law No. 3-FZ) on the territory of the Russian Federation permitted cultivation for industrial purposes, not associated with the production or manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, hemp varieties included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements approved for use, with the content in the dry mass of leaves and inflorescences of the upper parts of one plant mass fractiontetrahydrocannabinol in an amount not exceeding 0.1%.
According to subclause 7.4.6. SanPiN 2.3.2.1290-03, valid until 01.01.2021, sale of dietary supplements that have not passed state registration, as well as without a certificate of quality and safety on the territory of the Russian Federation not allowed. In addition, hemp in Russian legislation is included in the list of plants and products of their processing, objects of animal origin, microorganisms, fungi and biologically active substances, banned for use as part of dietary supplements – biologically active food supplements (position 1 No 141 of the list “Hemp (all types, all parts)).”
So, according to the legislation of the Russian Federation, products containing CBD are in the so-called “grey zone”:
– food products from industrial hemp (seeds, cold-pressed oil, flour and proteins) have no restrictions for use in the territory of the Russian Federation
– CBD in cosmetics for external use also not prohibited for use, subject to the availability of confirming certificates, on the permitted concentration of THC less than 0.1%
– CBD and other hemp isolates not allowed in dietary supplements for free sale in the Russian Federation
All Cannador products certified and has all the necessary laboratory tests confirming the legal concentrations of CBD and other isomers in products and cosmetics. Ruler CBD oils-crystals and extracts with 0% THC content in 2023 passed Russian certification as a cosmetic product approved for external use. Therefore, the use of these products in 2023 is legal in Russia and other countries of the Customs Union.
