Nicaragua
Is CBD Legal in Nicaragua?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
CBD is illegal in Nicaragua for general commercial sale. Law 735 of 2010 treats all cannabis derivatives as controlled substances regardless of THC content, and the Ministry of Health (MINSA) has not registered any cannabidiol product through its drug registration system.
Pharmacies may import authorized cannabinoid medicines such as Epidyolex only through a special-access mechanism that requires MINSA approval, a registered physician's prescription, and documentary evidence of treatment failure with conventional therapies. The Public Prosecutor's Office treats unregistered CBD products as narcotic possession under Article 358 of the Penal Code.
Customs authorities seize CBD shipments at Managua International Airport and Pacific ports. Marketing CBD as a wellness product can also trigger consumer-protection prosecutions under the Consumer Protection Law 842.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.
Key facts ·
Nicaragua
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
No legal threshold; all cannabidiol products treated as controlled
Regulator
Ministry of Health (MINSA); Public Prosecutor's Office
Key regulation
Law 735 of 2010; Consumer Protection Law 842
Effective
October 14, 2010
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Commercial CBD import is banned. Special-access pharmaceutical imports require MINSA pre-authorization and a hospital procurement order. Personal imports through Managua Airport and Pacific ports are seized and may trigger criminal charges under Article 358.
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