Sweden is a country that has a reputation for its progressive view on matters. This is true, but when it comes to CBD and THC products one may be surprised by the countries decisions.
Some recent changes to law have solidified the Swedish government's position and CBD oil use and possession. To get a better understanding of the issue let us answer some of the basic questions.
IS IT LEGAL TO BUY CBD IN SWEDEN ONLINE: YES
On 18 June 2019, the Supreme Court of Sweden ruled on a case involving possession of ‘CBD oil extracted from industrial hemp. The court determined that while Hemp production for industrial purposes would not fall under narcotic control laws, CBD oil with any THC content would be considered a derivative of the Cannabis plant and therefore illegal for sale.
The court determined that CBD oil could be purchased of it contained no THC and it was sold by a licensed vendor. To date, it is unclear if any legal vendors exist.
IS IT LEGAL TO BUY CBD IN SWEDEN OFFLINE: YES
CBD was available for purchase in Sweden in health food stores around the country before the June 18th ruling. It is still too early to tell whether or not the new ruling will be enforced or not.
As of now, there are reports of CBD still being found on the shelves in some shops. Keep in mind, if the product has any THC content at all it is not illegal.
IS IT LEGAL TO GROW HEMP FOR CBD IN SWEDEN? NO
No. Hemp production is not illegal in Sweden, but the manufacturing of CBD oil is. The only caveat here is if an official license to manufacture 0% THC CBD oil is granted.
IS IT LEGAL IN SWEDEN TO BUY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ABOVE 0.2% OF THC FOR MEDICAL USE: NO
Sweden has made almost no allowance for medical products containing THC. One product Sativex is allowed to be prescribed by a medical doctor. Sweden is one of the few countries in the region that does not make any allowances for medical Cannabis or THC products.
IS IT LEGAL IN ITALY TO BUY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ABOVE 0.2% OF THC FOR RECREATIONAL USE: NO
No, anything containing over 0.2% THC is illegal. Cannabis use has not been decriminalized and possession can result in a large fine or possibly jail time.
CONCLUSION
Contrary to its reputation as a culturally progressive country, Sweden does not tolerate CBD or THC products. CBD oil is legal if it contains no traces of THC, but it is unclear if any manufacturers offer such products. It is important to note that the wording of 0% THC is effectively saying it is illegal. Japan has similar views to CBD oil as Sweden does, but allows a THC tolerance of 0.02%, making allowances for trace amounts of THC. It is unclear whether CBD oil can be manufactured without any traces of THC. If it can’t CBD oil is effectively illegal in Sweden.
