Is CBD legal in South America?
The demand for CBD products on a global scale has grown exponentially in recent years. Governments around the world are now accepting the potential of cannabinoids to provide relief from several health issues.
The fact that its analgesic and anxiolytic effects come without risk of addiction or overdosing has made it much more popular than opioid-based medicines in many countries.
Some nations have gradually started with medical marijuana programs, and some have gone full throttle by completely legalizing hemp-derived products for all citizens. Canada, the USA, and European countries have all come around to regulate and legalize CBD products for their citizens.
If you are in the USA, every other site will try to recommend some reputable brands of CBD in the form of lists or informational write-ups. But what about South America? What’s happening with CBD legalization in all the developing countries there?
Well, that’s exactly what we covered today. So buckle up and get ready to learn more about the changing CBD landscape in South American countries.
Legal Status of CBD in South American Nations
There are 12 countries that fall in the South American Continent, with each having it’s unique history and relation with cannabis. Let’s understand the changing legal CBD landscape in these nations.
Argentina
Football, Inflation, and a unique economy have put Argentina in a unique position. Cannabis and products derived from it, including CBD, are only legal for medical use.
This is a fairly recent development, where the country’s senate on March 20, 2017, approved the use of cannabis-derived CBD oil for medical purposes. In 2020, further development took place when that time president signed a decree that legalized the cultivation and sale of cannabis for medical use.
The nation moved ahead by forming an official Agency that will be responsible for overlooking the distribution and trade of medical-grade cannabis. As for normal people, they can’t buy CBD for general day-to-day use.
Bolivia
Nope, CBD is not legal in Bolivia. In fact all forms of Cannabis are completely illegal in this South American nation. This does not stop people from illegally growing it for personal use but comes with the risk of 10-25 years of jail time if caught.
As low as 1 gram, can land you in jail, because cannabis is treated on the same level as Cocaine here. There’s been an anti-drug law in effect since 1988, which makes it compulsory for drug users to be put in rehab for treatment.
Brazil
The idea of having some gummies and walking around in the Amazon forest sounds fun, but it’s definitely not feasible. Just like in Argentina, CBD has been legal in Brazil only for Medical use, since 2015.
The country’s health regulatory agency, ANVISA, approves CBD products for specific medical conditions. Patients need a prescription and must register with the government. There are two kinds of CBD products available, one with less than 0.2% THC and the other with more than 0.2% THC.
Chile
Chile has relatively progressive cannabis laws in South America. CBD is legal for medical use. In 2015, the country passed a bill that now allows citizens to grow up to six cannabis plants at home for recreational, medical, or spiritual purposes.
This has led to widespread use, and people openly smoke and smoke in public places now. Many cannabis grow shops have also popped up. In fact, among Latin American countries, Chile has the highest per capita cannabis use.
Colombia
Cannabis in all forms, including CBD products has been completely legal in Colombia for medical use since 2016 with proper guidelines for dispensaries. In 2021, it also became legal for industrial use.
The country has a rich history of cannabis cultivation, and hemp was widely grown for producing industrial fiber. Cannabis was first decriminalized for personal use in 1994, and then in 2012, up to 20 grams of possession for personal use was decriminalized. The country’s supreme court made it legal to grow plants by passing the rule in 2015.
Ecuador
Ecuador decriminalized personal cannabis use in 2013 but maintained strict regulations. In 2019, the country legalized medical cannabis, including CBD, with THC levels below 1%.
The law allows production, commercialization, and research of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes
Guyana
Guyana has strict cannabis laws, and CBD is not legal. The country’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act prohibits the cultivation, possession, and sale of cannabis. There’s no clear legal distinction between CBD and other cannabis products. Medical use of cannabis or CBD is not officially recognized
Paraguay
Paraguay legalized medical cannabis in 2017, including CBD products. The country allows the importation, production, and distribution of medical cannabis products with proper licensing. Patients can access CBD with a prescription. In 2019, Paraguay issued its first licenses for industrial hemp cultivation.
Peru
CBD and Marijuana have been legal in Peru since 2017 for medical use. However, possession for personal use is also decriminalized, and one can carry up to 8 grams without any legal repercussions. The country’s first legal medical marijuana dispensary started operation in June 2021.
Uruguay
Uruguay was the first country to fully legalize cannabis in 2013, including CBD. The country allows cultivation, sale, and consumption of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. CBD products are legal and widely available.
Uruguay has a state-controlled cannabis market, with licensed pharmacies selling cannabis products. Home cultivation and cannabis clubs are also permitted.
Key Takeaways
Well, that’s a wrap. I hope you had fun reading about the legal CBD landscape in South America. We’ve skipped Venezuela and Suriname; cannabis is completely illegal there in all forms, including CBD. Uruguay is the only South American nation where CBD is legal for each and every individual; in fact, it’s the first country to legalize it.
In the rest of the nations, CBD is only legal for medical purposes, and a medical prescription is required for consuming it. Chile has a very chill environment; people openly roll and smoke there, and CBD is actually legal for medical use.
So plan your South American trip properly and avoid carrying it on a plane. However, when visiting Uruguay, you can consider carrying high-quality products obtained through reputable and well-tested brands like Colorado Botanicals.
