Is CBD Legal in Malta? The Law in 2026

Short answer: yes. Since 16 May 2025, Maltese law lists CBD as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, and products made from non-psychoactive cannabinoids with no more than 0.2% psychoactive cannabinoids fall outside the legal definition of cannabis. CBD oils, gummies and creams are sold as food supplements and cosmetics, without a prescription. THC cannabis is a separate matter with its own, stricter rules, and semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC are banned.

This guide explains what changed in 2025, how CBD differs from cannabis in Maltese law, the personal-use rules for cannabis, and what to check when you buy CBD in Malta. It is a plain-English summary, not legal advice.

What the law says about CBD in Malta

The main law on drugs in Malta is the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap. 101. Act XII of 2025, in force since 16 May 2025, amended it (together with Cap. 537 and Cap. 628) in three ways that matter for CBD:

1. A new definition of “cannabis”. The definition now excludes inflorescence, leaves, extracts and products derived from non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids that contain no more than 0.2% psychoactive cannabinoids.
2. A list of which cannabinoids are which. A new Fifth Schedule names the non-psychoactive cannabinoids: CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene) and CBDV (cannabidivarin). THC is listed as psychoactive.
3. Synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids are prohibited. The same schedule lists substances such as HHC, HHC-O, HHC-P, H4-CBD and THC-P. HHC was already banned by Legal Notice 238 of 2024.

Maltese courts have already applied the new definition. You can read the text of the Act on legislation.mt.

CBD products: food supplements and cosmetics

CBD oils, capsules and gummies are sold in Malta as food supplements, and CBD creams and balms as cosmetics. That has three practical consequences:

• No prescription needed. You can buy CBD in shops or online like any other supplement.
• No health claims. EU rules (Regulation 1924/2006) mean CBD can’t be sold as treating, curing or preventing any condition. A seller that promises it will is not following the rules.
• Labelling and safety rules apply. Supplements and cosmetics have to meet EU and Maltese food and cosmetics law, including ingredient lists and safe levels of contaminants.

Medical cannabis is different again: it is prescription-only, supervised by the Medicines Authority, and has nothing to do with buying CBD oil over the counter.

CBD vs cannabis: what’s the difference?

CBD and THC are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC is psychoactive: it is what causes a “high”. CBD is not. Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant grown for its fibre, seeds and CBD, with very low THC. CBD oil is made from hemp extract and a carrier oil; hemp seed oil is a different product, pressed from the seeds, with no meaningful CBD.

Cannabis for personal use in Malta

Malta was the first EU country to legalise limited personal use of cannabis, through the Authority on the Responsible Use of Cannabis Act (Act LXVI of 2021, Cap. 628). In summary, for adults aged 18 and over:

• carrying up to 7 grams is not a criminal offence;
• keeping up to 50 grams of dried cannabis at home is allowed;
• growing up to 4 plants at home is allowed, out of public view;
• using cannabis in public, or in front of children, is not allowed and can be fined;
• non-profit cannabis associations, licensed by the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC), can grow and distribute to their members (up to 500 members each; one association per person).

There are no licensed cannabis shops selling THC cannabis in Malta, and associations may not advertise. Dr. Hemp Me does not sell THC cannabis, hemp flower or semi-synthetic cannabinoids. If you are looking at CBD flower or hash, read our guide to CBD flower, hash and resin in Malta first.

Travelling with CBD to or from Malta

There is no official Maltese guidance for travellers carrying CBD, and rules in other countries differ. If you travel with CBD, keep it in its original labelled packaging with the batch lab report, and check the rules of the country you are flying to. Parcels sent into Malta can be inspected by Customs, so buying from a seller who ships within Malta is simpler.

How to buy CBD safely in Malta

1. Ask for the lab report (certificate of analysis) for the batch you’re buying, and check the THC result.
2. Avoid HHC, THC-P and other semi-synthetics. They are banned in Malta.
3. Check the ingredients. Good CBD oil needs only hemp extract and a carrier oil.
4. Be wary of health claims. They aren’t allowed for CBD products.
5. Buy from a seller you can reach, with a returns policy and independent reviews.

Our full buying guide: Where to buy CBD oil in Malta. Every Dr. Hemp Me product is THC-free, tested batch by batch by an independent lab, and delivered free to Malta and Gozo. See our CBD oils.

Frequently asked questions

Is CBD oil legal in Malta?

CBD is listed in Maltese law as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, and products made from non-psychoactive cannabinoids with no more than 0.2% psychoactive cannabinoids fall outside the legal definition of cannabis (Cap. 101, as amended by Act XII of 2025, in force 16 May 2025).

What is the THC limit for CBD products in Malta?

The law refers to no more than 0.2% psychoactive cannabinoids. Our products are THC-free; check the THC line on the lab report.

Is CBG legal in Malta?

CBG (cannabigerol) is listed as non-psychoactive in the same schedule as CBD. See our CBG oils.

Is HHC legal in Malta?

No. HHC was banned by Legal Notice 238 of 2024, and Act XII of 2025 lists HHC, HHC-O, HHC-P, H4-CBD, THC-P and similar substances as prohibited synthetic cannabinoids.

Do I need a prescription to buy CBD in Malta?

No. CBD oils are sold as food supplements. Prescription-only medical cannabis is a separate system.

Can I buy cannabis in a shop in Malta?

No. There are no licensed shops selling THC cannabis. Adults can grow a limited amount at home or join a licensed non-profit association.

Will CBD show up on a drug test?

We can’t guarantee that any hemp product will pass a drug test, because tests and cut-offs differ. If you are tested at work or in sport, check the lab report and speak to your employer or tester first.

Last reviewed: 24 October 2026. This page summarises Maltese law for general information and is not legal advice. If you need advice on your own situation, speak to a Maltese lawyer.