Is CBD Legal in Ecuador?

CBD is legal in Ecuador for medical and cosmetic use under the framework that legalized non-psychoactive cannabis in 2019. The Organic Law for Health Reform and ARCSA Resolution ARCSA-DE-2021-021-MAFG established licensing for cultivation, processing, and commercialization of cannabis products containing less than 1.0 percent THC.

Patients access cannabidiol medicines through prescription channels regulated by the Ministry of Public Health and ARCSA. Over-the-counter CBD wellness products entered the market once cosmetic and supplement registrations opened, and pharmacies in Quito and Guayaquil stock domestic and imported brands. Importers must register each SKU with ARCSA, label THC content, and submit certificates of analysis. The Ministry of Agriculture (MAG) coordinates with ARCSA on raw-material licensing.

Smokable hemp flower remains a regulatory gray area in retail, and any product testing above 1.0 percent THC is treated as cannabis under COIP.

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