Is CBD Legal in Canada?

CBD is federally regulated as cannabis in Canada. Under Section 1 of the Cannabis Act and Schedule 1 of the same Act, cannabidiol is a controlled substance regardless of THC content or whether it is derived from hemp or marijuana. That means every CBD product — oil, capsule, topical, edible, or vape — must come from a Health Canada licensed producer, be sold through a provincially authorized retailer (OCS, SQDC, BCCS, etc.), and carry the standardized cannabis symbol with mandatory warning labels. The over-the-counter CBD market that exists in the United States farm-bill ecosystem does not exist in Canada.

Health Canada has refused to carve CBD out of the Cannabis Act despite a 2019 advisory committee recommendation and a 2022 expert panel report that floated a separate natural health product pathway. As of 2026, CBD cannot be sold in pharmacies, grocery stores, or pet shops, and it cannot be added to cosmetics, dietary supplements, or food products outside the licensed cannabis stream. Health products containing CBD require a prescription and a Drug Identification Number (DIN) — only Sativex (nabiximols) currently holds one. Medical CBD is accessed under Part 14 of the Cannabis Regulations.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.