Is CBD Legal in Kenya?

CBD is illegal in Kenya for general sale. Cannabidiol is treated as a derivative of cannabis under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has not registered any cannabidiol product for over-the-counter or prescription dispensing.

Wellness CBD oils, tinctures, gummies, vapes, and cosmetics imported through e-commerce do not benefit from any exemption. Kenya Revenue Authority Customs at JKIA seizes parcels declared as CBD, and possession is prosecuted under Section 3 with the same penalty range as cannabis. Pharmaceutical CBD medicines such as Epidyolex have no published special-access pathway as of 2026, though the PPB has discretion under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act to authorize individual patient imports.

Advocacy groups have pushed for a regulated hemp-derived CBD market, and the Senate considered a Marijuana Control Bill in 2018 and a Cannabis-related petition in 2020, but neither produced enabling legislation. As of 2026, no domestic retail CBD market is authorized.

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