Is CBD legal in Estonia in 2025?
The CBD market is evolving across Europe, and Estonia is gradually emerging as a participant in the region’s growing hemp and cannabis sector. Yet, despite EU-level rulings that support the legality of cannabidiol, the situation on the ground remains more complicated. So, is CBD legal in Estonia, or does it still fall into a regulatory grey zone?
While the European Commission ruled that CBD is not a narcotic and may be sold under the EU’s single market rules if derived from industrial hemp, Estonia has been slow to fully align its domestic regulations with these developments. Businesses and consumers alike face confusion about what can be legally sold, imported, or used—especially when it comes to ingestible CBD products, cosmetics, and supplements.
At Essentia Pura, we aim to offer clarity on this evolving topic. In this blog, we explore the legal status of CBD in Estonia in 2025, with a focus on what it means for businesses, product compliance, and market opportunities. Whether you’re a CBD producer, an aspiring importer, or a consumer looking for CBD oil in Estonia, this guide will help you navigate the current legal framework.
By the end of this article, you will learn:
- Is CBD legal in Estonia?
- What are the rules for CBD businesses in Estonia?
- Can consumers freely buy and use CBD oil?
- What is allowed under Estonian hemp laws?
- How does Estonia compare to other EU and Baltic countries?
- Can you bring CBD into Estonia?
If you’re interested in any of these topics, read on as we break down Estonia’s CBD landscape in 2025.
Understanding CBD
To understand the CBD market in Estonia, it’s important to begin with the basics. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural, non-psychoactive compound found in the Cannabis sativa L. plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause intoxication, making it more acceptable under certain regulatory frameworks. Global interest in CBD has grown significantly, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized that CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated in humans.
In Estonia, CBD is typically extracted from hemp, which is legally defined as cannabis containing less than 0.2% THC. This aligns with EU regulations that classify hemp-derived CBD as a non-narcotic substance when properly produced. However, the legal use of CBD depends heavily on how the product is classified—whether as a medicine, food supplement, or cosmetic.
Recreational Cannabis
While CBD oil in Estonia is permitted under certain conditions, recreational cannabis remains illegal. Estonia does not permit the use, possession, or sale of high-THC marijuana. Possession of small amounts (less than 7.5 grams) is decriminalized but still punishable by a fine. Larger amounts or intent to distribute can result in criminal charges, including imprisonment.
Estonia's cannabis laws are among the stricter ones in the European Union. Despite growing interest in cannabis reform across the continent, Estonia has not legalized marijuana for recreational or broad medical use. Instead, it maintains a zero-tolerance policy outside of narrowly defined legal uses.
Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis is technically legal in Estonia but remains tightly controlled. Only a limited number of cannabinoid-based medications—such as Sativex—are approved for use, and only with a doctor's prescription. Access remains rare due to regulatory and prescribing barriers.
Patients cannot access cannabis flowers or oils through pharmacies unless the product is formally registered as a medicinal product with the State Agency of Medicines (Ravimiamet). Consequently, the medical cannabis market in Estonia is underdeveloped, with most demand met through prescription-based imports or pharmaceutical preparations.
Hemp vs. Marijuana
Understanding the legal distinction between hemp and marijuana is essential for entering the Estonian market. Hemp is legal to cultivate and use, provided its THC content remains below 0.2%. Anything exceeding that threshold is classified as marijuana and falls under narcotics laws.
Unlike some countries that allow flowering cannabis plants for personal use, Estonia restricts cannabis cultivation for commercial or industrial purposes only. Farmers must use EU-certified hemp seeds and register their crops with the appropriate agricultural authorities.
Hemp has a long-standing role in Estonian agriculture, historically used in textiles, cosmetics, and health supplements. Today, CBD products derived from legal hemp are permitted, though they are subject to additional scrutiny when intended for human consumption.
How CBD Products Are Made
CBD is one of more than 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It can be extracted through several methods, including CO₂ and ethanol extraction. Once isolated, it is often combined with a carrier oil—like hemp seed oil or MCT oil—to produce CBD oil.
In Estonia, the legality of CBD products depends not only on their THC content but also on how they are marketed. Products intended as food supplements must comply with the EU Novel Food Regulation (2015/2283), while cosmetics must be registered through the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP).
To remain compliant, CBD oils and other consumer products must be made from legally grown hemp, include less than 0.2% THC, and meet all labeling, packaging, and safety standards.
CBD regulation
As of 2025, CBD in Estonia operates under a cautiously regulated framework shaped by both EU directives and local interpretations. While CBD is not classified as a narcotic if derived from industrial hemp with less than 0.2% THC, its use in consumer products—especially ingestibles—remains subject to multiple layers of regulation.
Classification of CBD Products
In Estonia, the classification of CBD products plays a major role in determining their legality:
- Food Supplements: CBD is considered a novel food under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, meaning it cannot be sold in ingestible form without prior approval. As of 2025, no CBD products have been authorized as novel foods in Estonia, making CBD edibles or oils marketed for internal use technically unauthorized.
- Cosmetics: CBD may be used in cosmetic products, but these must be registered through the EU Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) and meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. Products containing synthetic cannabinoids or unclear THC content risk rejection or enforcement action.
- Technical or External Use Products: Like some other EU countries, Estonia permits the sale of CBD oils and extracts labeled as "aroma oils" or "technical hemp products"—as long as they are not advertised or sold for internal consumption.
Hemp & THC Limits
CBD products must be derived from hemp plants containing less than 0.2% THC. This limit is in line with EU standards, and there is no national deviation. Products exceeding this threshold are treated as controlled substances and are illegal.
Farmers may grow EU-approved hemp varieties, but the use of hemp for cannabinoid extraction must comply with local agricultural and food laws.
Business Considerations
To operate within Estonia’s CBD market in 2025, businesses must:
- Be prepared for increased scrutiny from the Estonian Agriculture and Food Board (PRIA) and the State Agency of Medicines, especially when marketing products for wellness or health benefits.
- Ensure their products contain <0.2% THC and are derived from EU-certified hemp.
- Avoid marketing CBD for ingestion unless approved as a novel food.
- Clearly label products in accordance with their classification—cosmetic, technical, or otherwise.
Buying CBD
If you're wondering how to legally buy CBD oil in Estonia, the answer depends on the product type and its intended use. While CBD is not banned, only certain forms of CBD are permitted—and the legal options are somewhat limited.
CBD products labeled as cosmetics or technical hemp products (e.g., aroma oils) can be purchased both in-store and online, as long as they are not marketed for ingestion. Many Estonian consumers turn to online platforms, including EU-based CBD retailers, to access a broader range of legal, low-THC CBD products.
However, caution is required. Products advertised as food supplements or edibles containing CBD are currently unauthorized, as Estonia follows EU Novel Food regulations. These may be blocked at customs or flagged for non-compliance.
As a consumer, you should always:
- Avoid sites making medical claims, as such marketing violates both Estonian and EU advertising rules.
- Buy from trusted EU-based websites or local vendors with transparent labelling.
- Check the THC content (must be ≤ 0.2%) and make sure the product isn’t marketed for oral consumption unless it holds Novel Food approval.
Selling CBD
Starting a CBD business in Estonia requires navigating several regulatory hurdles. While CBD derived from hemp is not classified as a narcotic, its sale is only legal under strict conditions depending on the product category.
You can legally sell:
- CBD cosmetics, registered through the EU Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP).
- Hemp-based technical products such as aroma oils, labeled explicitly as not for human consumption.
You cannot legally sell CBD food supplements or edibles unless the product has received Novel Food authorization. As of 2025, Estonia has not approved any CBD food supplements.
If you plan to sell CBD products in Estonia, your business must:
- Source only EU-certified hemp-derived CBD with ≤ 0.2% THC.
- Ensure clear and compliant product labeling, including THC content, purpose of use, and origin.
- Avoid marketing terms that suggest health benefits or medical use unless your product is a registered medicine.
- Keep up to date with Estonian Agriculture and Food Board (PRIA) and State Agency of Medicines guidance for evolving standards.
Other Baltic Countries comparison
Estonia maintains a cautious but structured approach to CBD regulation, aligning closely with EU directives while enforcing national restrictions on ingestible products. But how does this compare with neighboring Latvia and Lithuania?
🇱🇻 Latvia
Latvia shares a similar stance to Estonia but is considered slightly more restrictive. It allows CBD only in cosmetics and technical products and maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any CBD marketed for internal use. Access to medical cannabis remains very limited, and enforcement is strict regarding labeling and importation.
🇱🇹 Lithuania
Lithuania has taken the most progressive approach in the Baltic region. It legalized hemp for cannabinoid extraction in 2022 and has since allowed the sale of CBD oils and supplements, provided they comply with THC limits and Novel Food rules. Retail sales of ingestible CBD products are possible, making it the most accessible market in the Baltics for both consumers and businesses.
Conclusion: Is CBD Legal in Estonia?
Yes, CBD is legal in Estonia under strict conditions, but both businesses and consumers must navigate a careful legal framework to remain compliant. Here’s a summary of the key points for 2025:
- THC Limit: All CBD products must contain less than 0.2% THC, in line with EU regulations. Anything above this is treated as a controlled substance.
- Product Classification: CBD cannot be marketed for oral consumption unless approved as a novel food. Most legal products are sold as cosmetics, aroma oils, or technical hemp products, clearly labeled “not for ingestion.”
- Sales Channels: Online and in-person sales are permitted but only for non-ingestible products. CBD edibles or supplements remain unauthorized unless they hold EU Novel Food approval.
- Hemp Cultivation: Growing industrial hemp is legal in Estonia using EU-certified seeds, but cannabinoid extraction for food use requires additional oversight.
- Cosmetics & Topicals: CBD is allowed in cosmetics when registered through the EU Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) and compliant with Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009.
⚠️ Food Products & Novel Foods: CBD used in ingestible products must be authorized under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. As of 2025, Estonia has not approved any CBD products as novel foods, making internal-use CBD products largely unavailable.
While the Estonian CBD market is less open than some neighboring countries, compliant businesses still have room to grow—particularly in the cosmetics and wellness sectors. By aligning with EU standards and staying within national rules, businesses can safely explore this emerging market.
About us
At Essentia Pura, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality white-label and private-label CBD products, helping businesses launch their own unique CBD brands. With cutting-edge hemp extraction methods and a commitment to compliance and quality, we support companies in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Whether you’re looking for ready-to-market formulations or custom solutions, we’re here to help you succeed in the growing CBD market.
