Is CBD legal in Latvia in 2025?
The CBD market is growing steadily across Europe, and Latvia is cautiously following this trend. But despite EU-wide rulings supporting the legality of cannabidiol (CBD) derived from industrial hemp, Latvia’s national stance still leaves many asking the same question: Is CBD legal in Latvia, or does it remain in a regulatory grey zone?
While the European Court of Justice has confirmed that CBD is not classified as a narcotic if legally produced in another EU country, Latvia has yet to harmonize its domestic laws with this position fully. The use, import, and sale of CBD products—especially when intended for consumption—remain tightly regulated. CBD oils, edibles, and supplements are often treated as novel foods or medical products, requiring approval from the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) or the State Agency of Medicines (ZVA).
At Essentia Pura, we aim to provide clarity on CBD regulations throughout Europe. This blog will break down Latvia’s CBD framework in 2025—what’s legal, what’s restricted, and what you need to know whether you’re a business owner, distributor, or consumer.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand:
- Is CBD legal in Latvia?
- What are the business regulations for the CBD in Latvia?
- Can consumers buy and use CBD products freely?
- What are the rules around hemp cultivation and THC thresholds?
- How does Latvia compare to Lithuania, Estonia, and the EU as a whole?
- Can you bring CBD into Latvia for personal use?
If you’re operating in the CBD space or looking to enter the Latvian market, read on for everything you need to know in 2025.
Understanding CBD
To grasp the legal and commercial framework of the CBD in Latvia, it’s essential to start with the basics. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the Cannabis sativa L. plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce intoxicating effects, which has made it more acceptable in many regulatory environments. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes CBD as generally safe and well-tolerated, but each country’s stance varies depending on local drug and food laws.
In Latvia, producers extract CBD primarily from industrial hemp. This variety of cannabis contains less than 0.2% THC, in line with European Union standards.However, how a CBD product is classified determines its legal standing. CBD may fall under multiple categories such as cosmetics, medicinal products, or novel foods, each requiring approval from the appropriate Latvian authorities like the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) or the State Agency of Medicines (ZVA).
Recreational Cannabis
Latvia takes a zero-tolerance stance on recreational cannabis. The use, possession, sale, or cultivation of high-THC marijuana remains illegal. Even small quantities (typically under one gram) are subject to administrative penalties or fines, while larger amounts can lead to criminal charges and imprisonment.
There are no active legislative proposals to legalize recreational marijuana in Latvia as of 2025. Although neighboring countries are slowly embracing cannabis reform, Latvia maintains some of the strictest cannabis laws in the Baltic region, reinforcing its commitment to controlled drug policy.
Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis is technically legal in Latvia, but only in a very limited and highly regulated form. Patients can access a small number of prescription cannabis-based medicines, such as Sativex. However, certified physicians must prescribe these products, and licensed pharmacies must dispense them. Access is typically restricted to individuals with severe conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Latvian law does not allow the use of cannabis flowers or full-spectrum oils for therapeutic purposes. Patients cannot legally obtain raw cannabis or participate in broad medical cannabis programs. All cannabis-based products must be registered as medicinal and evaluated by the ZVA before approval for sale or prescription. As a result, Latvia’s medical cannabis market remains much less developed compared to many other EU nations.
Hemp vs. Marijuana
Understanding the legal distinction between hemp and marijuana is crucial when navigating Latvia’s cannabis laws. In Latvia, hemp is defined as Cannabis sativa L. with a THC content not exceeding 0.2%, in line with European Union standards. Any cannabis plant exceeding that threshold is classified as marijuana and falls under strict narcotics legislation.
Cultivation of hemp in Latvia is legal but only for registered agricultural and industrial purposes. Private or recreational cultivation of any cannabis plant is not permitted, even if the THC content is below 0.2%. Farmers must:
- Use EU-certified hemp seeds
- Register their crops with the State Plant Protection Service (Valsts augu aizsardzības dienests)
- Report cultivation areas as part of agricultural policy compliance
Hemp has traditionally been used in Latvia for textiles, building materials, and animal feed, but more recently it has found a role in cosmetics and industrial oils. While these applications are tolerated, hemp-derived products intended for ingestion—such as oils, gummies, or supplements—face significantly more scrutiny under Latvia’s food safety and medicinal product laws.
How CBD Products Are Made
CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis that is non-psychoactive and widely studied for its therapeutic potential. It is typically extracted from industrial hemp using CO₂ extraction, ethanol-based methods, or other solvent-free techniques. The purified extract is then diluted with a carrier oil like MCT or hemp seed oil, creating CBD oil.
In Latvia, the legal status of a CBD product depends on its end use and THC content:
- Medicinal use: Products claiming medical benefits must be registered with the State Agency of Medicines (ZVA).
- Food supplements: Ingestible CBD (e.g., oils, capsules, gummies) is treated as a novel food under EU Regulation 2015/2283 and must be authorized by the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD).
- Cosmetics: CBD used in skin creams, balms, or shampoos must comply with the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 and be registered through the EU CPNP portal.
All CBD products sold in Latvia must be made from lawfully cultivated hemp, contain no more than 0.2% THC, and meet strict labeling and safety requirements.
CBD regulation
As of 2025, CBD in Latvia is legal under very specific conditions but remains tightly regulated. Latvia follows the broader EU regulatory framework, particularly around THC content and product classification, but national authorities apply these standards with strict oversight. The country’s approach is conservative, especially regarding CBD products intended for ingestion.
Classification of CBD Products
The legality of CBD depends largely on how the product is categorized:
1. Food Supplements:
CBD is classified as a novel food under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. This means CBD oil, gummies, or other ingestibles cannot be legally marketed in Latvia without prior authorization from the European Commission, enforced locally by the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD).
📌 As of 2025, no CBD ingestible product has received full authorization for sale in Latvia.
2. Medicinal Products:
CBD-based products making therapeutic claims or targeting specific health conditions are treated as medicines and must be approved by the State Agency of Medicines (ZVA). Only specific cannabinoid-based drugs like Sativex are permitted, and these are available by prescription only.
3. Cosmetic Products:
CBD is allowed in cosmetics, provided it complies with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 and is registered through the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP). The product must:
1. Be free of synthetic cannabinoids
2. Contain less than 0.2% THC
3. Be manufactured according to EU cosmetics safety standards
4. Technical/External Use Products:
As a workaround, some CBD oils in Latvia are sold as aroma oils or technical hemp extracts, labeled “not for internal use.” This model is similar to other conservative EU member states and offers a legal loophole, provided the product isn’t marketed with health claims or ingestion instructions.
Hemp & THC Limits
CBD in Latvia must be derived from industrial hemp with ≤0.2% THC, in accordance with EU regulations. Any product exceeding this threshold is treated as a controlled substance and subject to narcotics law enforcement.
Only EU-certified hemp varieties can be cultivated in Latvia. Hemp cultivation for cannabinoid extraction is legal, but the grower must register with the State Plant Protection Service and comply with strict agricultural controls.
Business Considerations
To operate a CBD business in Latvia, companies must:
- Use EU-approved hemp varieties and certified sources
- Avoid selling ingestible CBD products unless approved as a novel food
- Label products clearly and compliantly—never suggest therapeutic use unless registered with ZVA
- Ensure full documentation and batch-level lab testing to verify <0.2% THC
- Expect frequent inspections from the PVD, especially for imported products or wellness-related branding
Buying CBD
If you're wondering how to legally buy CBD oil in Latvia, the answer largely depends on how the product is classified and marketed. CBD itself is not banned in Latvia, but only certain types of CBD products are legally permitted. Legal channels for purchasing these products remain limited.
CBD products sold as cosmetics or labeled as technical hemp extracts (such as aroma oils marked "not for consumption") are allowed for retail sale. Consumers can buy them in physical stores and online, although local availability remains limited. As a result, many Latvian buyers turn to EU-based online CBD shops that meet regulatory standards and ship compliant products.
However, consumers should exercise caution:
- CBD food supplements, gummies, or oils for oral use are currently unauthorized unless they have received Novel Food approval. No such products have been approved in Latvia as of 2025.
- Customs authorities may seize ingestible CBD products at the border if they lack proper certification or are marketed as supplements or medicines.
- Imported CBD products must comply with EU THC limits (≤0.2%) and local labeling laws.
🔎 As a consumer, you should:
- Avoid sites that make medical claims—this violates Latvian and EU advertising laws.
- Buy from trusted, EU-based retailers with full lab testing, legal labeling, and visible certificates of analysis (COAs).
- Always check that the product is not marketed for ingestion unless it holds approved Novel Food status.
Selling CBD
Launching a CBD business in Latvia requires strict compliance with national and EU regulations. Although CBD derived from industrial hemp is not a controlled substance, its commercial sale is only permitted if the product meets classification and safety requirements.
You may legally sell:
- CBD cosmetics, if they are registered through the EU Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) and comply with Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009.
- Technical or external-use CBD products, such as aroma oils or balms, provided they are labeled “not for ingestion” and make no medical claims.
You may not legally sell:
- CBD oils, gummies, or supplements for oral consumption, unless they are authorized under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 – Novel Foods.
- Unregistered CBD medicinal products unless fully approved by the State Agency of Medicines (ZVA).
Other Baltic Countries comparison
When it comes to CBD regulation, Latvia takes a more conservative stance than its Baltic neighbors:
🇪🇪 Estonia
Estonia follows a similar EU-aligned model but is slightly more flexible. It permits the sale of aroma products and allows hemp cultivation with clear registration rules. However, ingestible CBD products are also banned unless Novel Food authorization is granted—which hasn't happened as of 2025.
🇱🇹 Lithuania
Lithuania has taken the most progressive approach in the Baltics. In 2022, it legalized industrial hemp cultivation for cannabinoid extraction, and in 2023, it permitted over-the-counter sales of CBD products, provided they comply with THC limits and labeling rules. It remains the only Baltic state with a clear pathway for CBD food supplements on the market—though Novel Food compliance is still required.
Conclusion: Is CBD Legal in Latvia?
Yes, CBD is legal in Latvia, but only under strict regulatory conditions. Both businesses and consumers must navigate a narrow legal path shaped by EU frameworks and national enforcement. Here's a summary of the key takeaways for 2025:
- THC Limit: All CBD products must contain no more than 0.2% THC, in accordance with EU law. Anything above this threshold is treated as a controlled narcotic under Latvian law.
- Product Classification: CBD products are only legal if they fall into approved categories:
Cosmetics are allowed if registered through the EU Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) and compliant with Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009.
Aroma oils and technical hemp products can be sold if clearly labeled "not for ingestion."
Food supplements (including oils and edibles) are not authorized unless registered under the Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, and none have been approved in Latvia as of 2025. - Sales Channels: Online and physical store sales are permitted but only for non-ingestible products. CBD oils and supplements advertised for consumption are still considered unauthorized and may be blocked or penalized.
- Hemp Cultivation: Hemp cultivation is legal for approved industrial purposes using EU-certified seeds, but cannabinoid extraction is tightly monitored. Growers must register with the State Plant Protection Service and follow local agricultural rules.
- Medical Use: CBD products intended for therapeutic purposes must be registered with the State Agency of Medicines (ZVA). Only select cannabinoid-based medicines (like Sativex) are currently approved for prescription use.
While Latvia’s CBD market is more restricted than some EU counterparts, there is clear legal room to operate—especially in cosmetics, topicals, and technical product categories. For long-term success, businesses must ensure full compliance with PVD, ZVA, and EU-level standards while avoiding all unapproved health claims or food sales.
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.
