Is CBD legal in Sweden in 2025?
Is CBD legal in Sweden? Sweden is often seen as a progressive country, but its approach to CBD regulation is much stricter than many other EU nations. While CBD products are gaining popularity worldwide, Sweden enforces strict rules on their sale and use.
The CBD market has expanded rapidly due to research suggesting potential health benefits. However, Swedish authorities closely monitor these products, ensuring they meet national standards and comply with strict drug laws. This reflects Sweden’s cautious stance on cannabis-derived substances and controlled products.
This is usually where governmental regulation comes in, but because governmental apparatus can be slow, this regulation is often not up to date. Unfortunately, this means that it does not meet the needs of consumers and companies. We at Essentia Pura want to explain the often difficult legal language in layman terms, so you can make informed decisions when it comes to CBD oil and related products.
In this article we will:
- Explain what CBD is.
- Tell you the possible use of CBD.
- Explain is CBD legal in Sweden.
- Explain the conditions under which CBD can be used in Sweden.
- Give you some tips on where to buy CBD.
- Give you some advice on how to start your own CBD business.
What is CBD?
For some of you, CBD might be just another new acronym or another trend on social media that you cannot quite keep up with. So what exactly is CBD?
Well, CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is one of 113 known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. This is still a lot to take in, isn't it?
The first thing to note is, that CBD has something to do with the cannabis plant. In fact, you should think about it as a component of the cannabis plant. Each cannabinoid found in the plant has its own effect, making the plant an interesting botanical phenomenon. We know that many of you view cannabis in the same basket as other dangerous drugs, but we wish to change this view at least a little bit.
Cannabis in Sweden
To understand CBD laws in Sweden, it is important to distinguish between different types of cannabis plants—industrial hemp and marijuana. The law treats them differently, which directly impacts the legal status of CBD oil Sweden.
Marijuana in Sweden
Marijuana is strictly illegal in Sweden. As THC is classified as a narcotic substance, possession, use, and distribution of marijuana are criminal offenses. Unlike some European countries, Sweden even considers being under the influence of an illegal drug a crime, meaning that recreational cannabis use is not tolerated.
Similarly, growing or selling cannabis is strictly prohibited, and Sweden maintains one of the strictest anti-cannabis policies in Europe.
Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis is technically legal in Sweden but remains highly restricted. While some cannabis-based medicines have been approved since 2017—such as Sativex for multiple sclerosis—access is limited. Patients must receive special approval, and prescriptions are rarely granted.
Swedish courts have historically been unsympathetic to medical cannabis users, even penalizing those who claimed to use it for health reasons. Given the country’s conservative stance on cannabis, widespread availability of medical marijuana is unlikely in the near future.
Industrial hemp
Unlike marijuana, industrial hemp contains only trace amounts of THC while being rich in CBD. This allows consumers to benefit from CBD in Sweden without experiencing the intoxicating effects of THC. However, it is important to note that hemp still contains small amounts of THC, even if minimal.
Swedish law recognizes the distinction between hemp and marijuana. Hemp cultivation is legal, and the plant has been used in Sweden for centuries for industrial and agricultural purposes. This historical background has led to a more lenient regulatory approach compared to marijuana.
Despite this, Sweden CBD laws remain strict—any CBD oil Sweden product must be completely THC-free (0.00%) to be legally sold. This is where Swedish laws differ from many other EU countries that allow CBD with up to 0.2% THC.
CBD oil in Sweden
The legal status of CBD oil in Sweden is one of the strictest in Europe. While CBD extracted from industrial hemp might seem legal at first, Swedish courts have set harsh restrictions on its sale and use.
In 2019, Sweden’s Supreme Court ruled that CBD oil is illegal if it contains any detectable THC, even trace amounts. This zero-tolerance THC policy makes Sweden one of the few EU countries that do not allow CBD products with up to 0.2% THC, which is the standard across much of Europe.
Adding to the complexity, Sweden's Medical Product Agency (MPA) has classified all CBD products as medicines. This means that before CBD Sweden legal sales can take place, businesses must secure pharmaceutical approval—a process that is nearly impossible under current laws. As a result, even THC-free CBD products are extremely difficult to sell legally in Sweden.
While EU laws support the free movement of CBD products, Sweden continues to enforce its restrictive policies. Legal challenges have been filed against the MPA’s classification of CBD as a medicine, but Swedish courts have ruled in favor of the agency. For now, the Swedish CBD market remains heavily restricted, with almost no legal pathway for selling CBD products.
Other CBD product restrictions in Sweden
Sweden enforces strict regulations on all CBD products, with THC-free CBD being the only legal option. However, even these products face heavy restrictions depending on their form:
- CBD oil – Not freely available; classified as a medicine, requiring approval from the Medical Product Agency (MPA).
- CBD edibles – Completely banned; Sweden follows the EU Novel Food Regulation, but no approvals have been granted.
- CBD cosmetics – Allowed, but must be THC-free and comply with EU cosmetic regulations.
- CBD vape products – Prohibited due to Sweden’s strict stance on inhalable cannabis extracts.
Buying CBD oil in Sweden?
Buying CBD oil in Sweden has become increasingly difficult due to strict regulations. While CBD products were once widely available in health stores and online shops, legal changes have severely limited their availability.
Currently, only a few health food stores still offer THC-free CBD oil, but consumers should be cautious. Since Sweden has a zero-tolerance THC policy, it is essential to verify that any CBD oil Sweden product is certified as completely THC-free.
Due to these restrictions, many Swedes now purchase CBD online from other EU countries. However, importing CBD oil into Sweden can be risky, as authorities may confiscate products if they suspect any trace of THC content.
Selling CBD oil in Sweden?
Starting a CBD business in Sweden is challenging due to strict regulations. Since CBD oil with THC is illegal, and THC-free CBD products require approval from the Medical Product Agency (MPA), selling CBD oil Sweden legal products requires careful planning.
To sell CBD in Sweden, you must:
- Decide on business operations – Selling CBD in Sweden can be done online or through physical stores, but market analysis is crucial.
- Obtain MPA approval – All CBD products are classified as medicines and require regulatory approval before sale.
- Choose a compliant supplier – Authorities will test your products, so sourcing high-quality, THC-free CBD is essential.
We at Essentia Pura specialise in the bulk sale of CBD products and are compliance-oriented. If you want to know more, please visit our website or just contact us at our email address. Our staff will get back to you shortly to try and work out an optimal path for your new business.
Then, you should decide if you want to have an in-person store, or if you only want to sell your CBD oil products online. This means taking a clear look at the costs of each option and analysing foot traffic for the in-person store and just generally testing the market around you.
Future of CBD market in Sweden
The Swedish CBD market remains highly restricted, but pressure for reform is growing. As other EU nations move toward relaxing CBD regulations, Sweden’s zero-tolerance THC policy and classification of CBD as a medicine are becoming increasingly outdated.
By 2025, discussions about CBD oil Sweden legal reforms continue, with businesses and consumers pushing for clearer regulations. The EU’s stance on CBD as a non-narcotic and the increasing acceptance of CBD products across Europe could influence Sweden’s strict policies. However, significant legal changes are not expected in the immediate future.
For now, businesses hoping to enter the Sweden CBD market must focus on MPA-approved, THC-free CBD products and stay informed about potential policy shifts. If Sweden aligns with broader EU regulations, the market could expand significantly, opening new opportunities for CBD in Sweden.
Conclusion
So, is CBD oil legal in Sweden? Let’s quickly summarize:
- CBD comes from cannabis, but Swedish laws are strict.
- Marijuana is illegal and classified as a narcotic drug.
- Recreational cannabis use is prohibited in all forms.
- Medical marijuana remains rare and highly restricted.
- Hemp cultivation is legal, but products must comply with strict regulations.
- Only THC-free CBD oil is legal, but it must be approved by the Medical Product Agency (MPA).
- Selling CBD in Sweden requires MPA registration, even if the product contains zero THC.
If you are interested in the regulation of CBD in other countries, you are welcome to read our articles covering:
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.
