Is CBD legal in Slovakia in 2025?
CBD has been moving upwards in the past decade. It is one of the latest trends in the health and food industry. We believe this is due to promising research that is done on CBD. We are sure that you have come across some articles describing how good it is supposed to be for your well-being. Perhaps even your social media feed is full of CBD posts. But is this all just a temporary trend or is it a thing to watch out for? Even more importantly, how are countries around the world responding to this surge in demand and production of CBD? To put it simply: Is CBD legal in Slovakia?
We, at Essentia Pura, understand that all of this new information can be confusing for some people. There are many sources telling you different things, some of them obviously exaggerated. We want to set the record straight.
We consider it our mission to explain in layman's terms the regulation of CBD around the EU. This is why we are preparing detailed articles about CBD products, ranging from its regulation in European Union member states to CBD products for your pets and other innovations in the market.
In this article, we will take a deep look at the Republic of Slovakia and try to answer your questions. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will learn:
- What is CBD?
- The difference between hemp and marijuana.
- Some possible medical effects of CBD.
- Is CBD legal in Slovakia?
- Where to buy CBD in products in Slovakia?
- How to start your own CBD business in Slovakia?
If you are interested in any of these topics, please read on.
CBD basics
Let us start with some basic information about CBD in general. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a component of the cannabis plant.
Cannabis has been present in human society for a long time, but nowadays it is commonly associated with narcotic drugs, which gives it a bad reputation. But this is not the whole story.
There are two major types of cannabis plants – marijuana and hemp. They differ significantly in chemical aspects as well as in how the law treats them.
Marijuana
Marijuana remains illegal in Slovakia, with strict regulations governing its use, sale, and cultivation. The primary reason for this is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Under Slovakia’s Psychotropic Substances Act, THC is classified as a controlled substance, meaning marijuana is legally treated as a drug.
Possession, sale, and cultivation of marijuana are prohibited, even in small amounts. While some European nations have relaxed their cannabis laws, Slovakia maintains a zero-tolerance policy, and personal use is not decriminalized. Individuals caught with marijuana may face criminal prosecution, fines, or even imprisonment.
Medical Marijuana
Slovakia continues to lag in adopting medical marijuana programs. Unlike many EU countries, medical cannabis remains illegal, with no active regulatory framework allowing its prescription or sale. In recent years, there have been several unsuccessful attempts in parliament to introduce medical cannabis reforms, but no significant progress has been made.
As public opinion shifts and neighboring countries introduce more progressive cannabis policies, Slovakia may reconsider its stance on medical marijuana in the future. However, as of 2025, there are no official government plans to legalize or regulate medical cannabis.
Industrial hemp
Industrial hemp is legally permitted in Slovakia, provided that it meets strict THC content regulations. Unlike marijuana, hemp contains little to no THC and has no psychoactive effects, making it a valuable resource in various industries, including textiles, food, and construction materials.
Hemp Cultivation in Slovakia
The cultivation of industrial hemp has been steadily increasing over the last decade, with more Slovak farmers entering the industry. However, strict compliance with THC limits is required. Any hemp variety grown must not exceed the 0.2% THC threshold, in line with European Union regulations. Farmers must obtain government approval before cultivating hemp and ensure their crops are regularly tested for compliance.
Despite growth in the industry, Slovakia’s hemp market remains relatively small compared to other EU nations. With rising demand for hemp-based products, there is significant potential for further expansion in hemp farming and processing. Future regulatory developments could create more opportunities for hemp businesses in Slovakia.
Back to CBD in Slovakia
So CBD is a component of cannabis that does not make you feel high and might have some medical benefits. But how do scientists get CBD from the plant into oil or other products? In short, scientists extract CBD from the plant so that they isolate it from other cannabinoids. Most importantly, they separate it from the psychoactive substances (THC). They can then use the extracted substance to make CBD-infused cannabis oil or other products. We also offer you an in-depth, scientific look at CBD.
As the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) continues its Novel Food assessment for CBD, Slovakia follows EU-wide food regulations, meaning that CBD cannot yet be officially sold as a food supplement unless it receives approval. However, CBD cosmetics and topical products remain legal for sale.
Regulation of CBD in Slovakia
Now that we understand what CBD is, let’s look at whether CBD is legal in Slovakia and what the law says about CBD oil and other hemp-derived products.
For years, Slovakia was one of the strictest EU countries regarding CBD regulation, as it had classified CBD as a controlled substance—despite recommendations from the EU and WHO. However, this changed in 2021, when Slovakia removed CBD from its list of controlled substances, aligning itself with the European Court of Justice’s ruling on the free movement of hemp-derived CBD products.
Is CBD Legal in Slovakia in 2025?
Yes, CBD is legal in Slovakia, but there are strict limitations. As in other EU countries, CBD must be derived from hemp, meaning that only low-THC CBD products are permitted. However, the sale of CBD as a food supplement remains restricted.
Under current Slovakian laws:
- CBD oil for oral use still falls under Novel Food regulations and is not yet officially approved for sale.
- CBD cosmetics are fully legal and widely available.
- Marketing CBD products as medicinal is prohibited unless authorized by the Ministry of Health.
- CBD products must contain non-detectable THC to comply with Slovakian law.
What Changed After 2021?
Since Slovakia’s removal of CBD from its controlled substances list, the market has expanded significantly. CBD cosmetics are now widely sold, and some CBD retailers are cautiously entering the market, anticipating further legal clarity. However, Novel Food approval delays at the EU level continue to limit CBD's classification as a food supplement.
Slovakian authorities remain conservative in their approach to CBD regulation, and businesses must ensure full compliance with EU and national laws when entering the market. Despite these limitations, the outlook for CBD in Slovakia is positive, and further legislative developments are expected.
Buying CBD
While CBD is legal in Slovakia, buying CBD oil and other hemp-derived products still comes with some restrictions. CBD cosmetics and topicals are widely available, but CBD oil for oral consumption remains in a gray area due to ongoing Novel Food regulations at the EU level.
Where Can You Buy CBD in Slovakia?
- Online Shops: The easiest way to buy CBD in Slovakia is through online retailers. Many European CBD brands ship to Slovakia, offering a variety of CBD cosmetics, balms, and skincare products.
- Physical Stores: Some health shops and wellness stores in Slovakia now stock CBD-infused products, but options remain limited.
- Pharmacies: Unlike in some EU countries, CBD is not available in Slovak pharmacies as a medical product.
What to Look Out for When Buying CBD in Slovakia
If purchasing CBD in Slovakia, it’s important to:
Check that the product contains non-detectable THC to comply with local laws.
Ensure the seller provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) proving compliance with EU and Slovak regulations.
Buy from reputable brands that specialize in high-quality, lab-tested CBD products.
While Slovakia still restricts CBD oil for ingestion, future legislative changes could expand the market. With the global CBD industry continuing to grow, Slovakia may follow other EU countries in fully legalizing CBD as a supplement.
Selling CBD in Slovakia
Setting up a CBD business in Slovakia requires strict compliance with hemp and CBD regulations. While CBD is legal, the sale of ingestible CBD products is still restricted due to EU Novel Food regulations. However, selling CBD cosmetics, topicals, and other hemp-derived products is fully legal.
Key Considerations for Selling CBD in Slovakia
- Choose a Business Model: Decide whether to work as a CBD distributor for an existing brand or launch your own CBD private-label business.
- E-commerce vs. Retail: Selling online allows for broader market reach without the cost of renting a physical store.
- Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with consumer protection laws, data protection regulations, and advertising guidelines.
- Supplier Verification: Work only with accredited CBD manufacturers that produce THC-free, EU-compliant products.
If you're looking for a trusted CBD supplier, Essentia Pura provides:
- CBD Oils compliant with EU regulations.
- CBD Wholesale & Bulk Supply options tailored to your business needs.
- White-Label & Private-Label CBD solutions for building your own brand.
Conclusion: Is CBD Legal in Slovakia?
To summarize, here’s what we now know about CBD legality in Slovakia:
✔ CBD is legal and no longer classified as a controlled substance.
✔ High-THC cannabis remains illegal, even for personal use.
✔ CBD oil can be purchased online due to Slovakia’s EU membership.
✔ CBD cosmetics and topicals are legal, but ingestible CBD products are still subject to Novel Food regulations.
✔ Businesses must comply with Slovakia’s consumer protection laws and EU hemp regulations.
The CBD industry in Slovakia is growing, and we expect further clarifications on ingestible CBD products shortly. If you need assistance with CBD wholesale, private-label CBD, or regulatory compliance, feel free to contact us.
You are also welcome to read our articles about other countries:
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.
