In Norway, the consumption of CBD is not usually legal. Although cannabidiol is not a narcotic, the majority of cannabidiol products are regulated by Norwegian law as prescription medications, and selling, purchasing, or importing them without a medical prescription is prohibited. This, in practice, implies that, in Norway, it is not allowed to sell CBD oils, capsules, gummies, and cosmetics that do not contain THC, even though they are sold in other countries. It is only a limited range of cannabis-derived, doctor-prescribed, and government-approved CBD medicines.
Key Takeaways
- In Norway, CBD can only be used in extreme medical circumstances.
- The majority of the CBD oils, edibles, and supplements are prohibited, even when they do not contain THC.
- CBD products are not considered wellness or food products, but rather medicinal products.
- CBD is prohibited from being imported or sold without permission.
- Prescription-based, approved CBD medicines are allowed.
- For a broader overview of national regulations, see our guide on CBD legality in Norway
Understanding CBD Under Norwegian Law
What is CBD According to Norwegian Authorities?
Cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating substance of cannabis plants. In Norway, the legal definition of CBD is based not on intoxication but on medical classification.
The Norwegian Medicines Agency views the use of CBD products as medicines in cases where they:
- They are intended for medical or therapeutic use.
- Influences the physiological functions.
- Promoted on health claims.
- Include cannabinoids of cannabis.
This understanding puts a majority of the CBD products under pharmaceutical control, irrespective of the amount of THC.
Why THC-Free CBD Is Still Illegal in Norway
One of the misconceptions is that cannabinol-free cannabidiol is automatically legal. In Norway, this is incorrect.
The Norwegian Ministry of Health argues that it is the category of regulation rather than psychoactivity that matters in terms of legality. CBD products containing 0.0 percent THC are also outlawed in case they:
- Are not approved medicines
- Not prescribed by a physician.
- Not passed the Norwegian pharmaceutical authorisation.
As the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction defines:
In some states of Europe, cannabidiol is not controlled as a narcotic, but it is controlled as a medicinal substance, and its commercial sale is prohibited without permission.
EMCDDA Europe: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
Approved Medical CBD Products
Norway permits only a very limited number of cannabinoid-based medicines, including:
| Medicine Name | CBD Content | Legal Status |
| Epidiolex | High CBD | Legal with a prescription |
| Sativex | CBD + THC | Prescription only |
The most pertinent CBD-based medicine is Epidyolex, which is approved to treat rare types of epilepsy.
One can only acquire it by:
- A licensed Norwegian doctor
- A valid medical diagnosis
- Pharmacy dispensing
This is a medicine that is controlled by the Medicinal Products Act, rather than the consumer law.
Is It Legal to Buy CBD Oil in Norway?
Buying CBD Online or in Stores
CBD oil that is sold via the Internet or in real-life stores is not allowed in Norway unless it satisfies all of the following criteria:
- Approved as a medicine
- Prescribed by a doctor
- Distributed by a registered pharmacy.
CBD cannot be sold by health shops, wellness stores, and e-commerce retailers.
The Norwegian Consumer Authority has been issuing warnings and removals of CBD products being sold as either supplements or cosmetics regularly.
Importing CBD Into Norway
Personal Importation Rules
Norway does not have a legalized market to import CBD, even for personal use.
Norwegian Customs regards unlicensed imports of CBD to be:
- Medical products that have not been approved.
- Possible drug control regulation violations.
- CBD packages are commonly confiscated. Penalties may include:
Confiscation
- Fines
- Repeat offender legal investigation.
According to the Norwegian Customs Service, importation of medicinal products can only be made with specific permission.
Comparison: Norway vs Other European Countries
| Country | CBD Legal Status |
| Norway | Prescription-only medicine |
| Germany | Legal with THC under 0.2% |
| Switzerland | Legal with THC under 1% |
| UK | Legal if no medical claims |
| France | Legal but tightly regulated |
Norway is one of the most restrictive jurisdictions of CBD in Europe, which is closer to the pharmaceutical control than the consumer wellness law.
To understand how Norway’s strict CBD rules compare with those of its neighbour, Iceland, read our full analysis on CBD legality in Iceland.
The reason why Norway is so strict
Public Health Policy
Norway puts more emphasis on the precautionary model of public health. Authorities argue that:
- There is a lack of long-term safety data on CBD to use freely.
- The levels of cannabinoids in consumer products are usually not consistent.
- Medical care should be observed.
The World Health Organization, in its CBD review observed:
- CBD does not show any signs of abuse and dependence, although quality control and dosage are essential.
- The World Health Organization Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (2014).
- Norway has opted to control CBD by using healthcare systems instead of the retail markets.
The World Health Organization expert review of cannabidiol (CBD) indicates that pure cannabidiol (CBD) does not seem to be abused or cause dependence and is not listed as an internationally controlled substance.
CBD Food, Drinks, and Supplements
In Norway, it is explicitly illegal to use food or drinks containing CBD.
In the European Union, CBD is a novel food, although Norway is even stricter in its interpretation. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has not approved any CBD food product.
This includes:
- CBD gummies
- CBD tea
- CBD coffee
- CBD honey
CBD Cosmetics and Skincare
In Norway, CBD cosmetics are also prohibited in case the CBD is extracted from cannabis.
The Norwegian regulators do not accept cosmetic exemptions as practiced in other EU countries. Skin, pain, or wellness products that are marketed are considered medicinal unless proven otherwise.
What Happens in Practice?
- CBD packages are regularly inspected at customs.
- Online stores prevent Norwegian shipping.
- Health officials give compliance notices.
- Prosecutions are rare, and confiscations are common.
Norway does not consider the users of CBD criminals but imposes bans on products regularly.
Can This Law Change in the Future?
Norway has not declared any short-term intention to liberalise the laws on CBD.
The pressure, however, is mounting because of:
- EU novel food harmonisation
- Growing medical research
- The issue of cross-border trade.
Any change in the future would probably entail medical reclassification, and not consumer legalization.
About CBD Legality
CBD Legality is a scholarly site aimed at recording laws of cannabidiol in the world.
Our work relies on:
- Primary legal sources
- Agency publications by the government.
- Medical research by peers.
- Comparison of regulation in different jurisdictions.
- We are not selling CBD products and are editorially independent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is CBD oil legal in Norway if it contains zero THC?
No. CBD oil which is free of THC, is not legal unless prescribed as an approved medicine.
Can tourists bring CBD into Norway?
No. Tourists are not exempt from import restrictions as residents are.
Is CBD legal for pets in Norway?
No. CBD products in veterinary medicine are not approved.
Is hemp oil legal in Norway?
Yes, but only in case it does not contain cannabinoids and is made only of seeds.
Can a doctor prescribe CBD in Norway?
Yes, but only specially approved drugs like Epidyolex.
Final Conclusion
In Norway, the use of CBD is not legally accessible. Although it is non-intoxicating, the Norwegian law considers CBD a medical drug, which should be prescribed, approved, and supervised by a professional. This strategy puts safety and regulatory control over access by consumers first. Any person thinking of using CBD in Norway must use the legally prescribed medicines and must not import or buy retail products. To be updated properly and country-specifically, refer to authoritative sources of law and medical experts.
