CBD gummies have become a global wellness trend, touted for their potential to ease anxiety, promote better sleep, and support pain relief—without the intoxicating effects of THC. In countries like the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe, they’re sold openly in stores and online. Yet, in many places around the world, CBD gummies remain banned or heavily restricted. So why are some countries still cautious—or outright hostile—toward these seemingly harmless edibles?
1. Confusion Over Cannabis vs. CBD
One of the main reasons CBD gummies are banned in certain countries is the ongoing confusion between CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound in cannabis responsible for producing a “high.” CBD does not have psychoactive properties, but in many places, it’s still lumped into the same legal category as marijuana.
For example, in several Asian and Middle Eastern countries, any product derived from the cannabis plant—even if it contains no THC—is treated as a narcotic. Governments fear that relaxing CBD laws might create a slippery slope that could encourage recreational drug use or make enforcement of drug laws more difficult.
2. Lack of Clear Regulation and Testing Standards
In countries where the cannabis industry hasn’t been developed or standardized, there are often no clear testing guidelines for products like CBD gummies. This creates regulatory uncertainty and potential safety risks. Without proper oversight, there’s a concern that unregulated products could be contaminated with THC, heavy metals, or synthetic cannabinoids.
Authorities in these countries often take a “better safe than sorry” approach. They restrict or ban CBD products altogether until robust systems are in place to test and monitor quality, dosage, and safety. In some cases, governments simply lack the resources or infrastructure to manage such systems, so they resort to a full ban.
3. Cultural and Religious Views
Cultural and religious beliefs also play a significant role in how cannabis-derived products are perceived. In many Islamic countries, for example, the use of intoxicants—including anything associated with cannabis—is considered haram (forbidden), even if CBD itself is non-psychoactive. This has led to outright bans in places like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
Similarly, conservative societies may resist the idea of CBD products due to longstanding taboos against anything linked to drugs. Governments in these regions are often more cautious about endorsing wellness products associated with cannabis, fearing a backlash from traditionalist communities.
4. Concerns About Misuse and Black Market Expansion
Another reason some governments restrict the ability to buy CBD gummies is due to fears of misuse or black-market activity. Edible products like gummies are easy to conceal and consume discreetly, which raises red flags for authorities who worry about them being used recreationally or by minors.
In some countries, there are also concerns that allowing CBD gummies on the market could open the door to counterfeit or illegal products. These fake gummies may be laced with unapproved substances or higher levels of THC, leading to public health issues.
In markets without established CBD frameworks, it's easier for bad actors to introduce unregulated products that undermine trust and endanger consumers.
5. Lack of Scientific Consensus in Policy Circles
Even though a growing body of research supports the therapeutic potential of CBD, there’s still no global consensus on its medical benefits or risks. Some health ministries remain skeptical about claims surrounding CBD and prefer to wait for more conclusive, long-term studies before loosening restrictions.
Governments in these countries often defer to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations’ drug classification policies. Although the WHO recommended in 2018 that pure CBD not be scheduled as a controlled substance, global drug control treaties haven’t been fully updated, leaving individual nations with outdated or unclear guidance.
6. Political and Bureaucratic Hurdles
In some countries, outdated laws remain in effect simply because changing them is politically risky or bureaucratically slow. Legal reform around cannabis—even non-intoxicating derivatives like CBD—can be controversial, especially in governments with strong anti-drug platforms.
In such environments, even minor steps toward CBD legalization might be perceived as weakening the state’s stance on drug control. Lawmakers might avoid addressing the issue altogether, leaving CBD products stuck in a legal gray zone or outright banned.
7. Economic and Pharmaceutical Lobby Interests
There’s also an economic angle. In some regions, pharmaceutical companies exert strong influence over health regulations. These companies may view over-the-counter CBD gummies as competition to prescription medications, especially for anxiety, sleep, and pain relief. As a result, there may be indirect pressure to keep such products off the shelves until stricter controls are introduced—or until pharmaceutical-grade CBD products can be commercialized.
Additionally, countries that rely on agricultural exports or have vested interests in other medicinal industries may resist importing CBD goods that threaten domestic businesses.
Final Thoughts
Despite the global rise in CBD use, the regulatory landscape remains uneven. While some countries embrace CBD gummies as part of a broader wellness movement, others continue to ban them due to cultural, political, and regulatory concerns. Until global standards are more clearly defined—and public awareness improves—CBD gummies will likely remain a contested topic in many parts of the world.
For travelers and consumers alike, it’s essential to check the local laws before carrying or purchasing CBD gummies abroad. What’s perfectly legal in one country could lead to serious penalties in another. The global conversation around CBD is evolving, but for now, the rules remain far from consistent.
Why Some Countries Still Ban Buying CBD Gummies