Cannabidiol Consumers
Whether you are planning to buy CBD products to treat a chronic condition or simply to feel healthier and more relaxed throughout the day, getting hold of your regular dose of cannabidiol can be harder or easier depending on where you live. While many North American and European countries are quickly moving towards complete legalisation, others remain hesitant to allow the free use of this natural substance.
Americas:
Perhaps the best example of CBD accessibility in the world is Canada. It is not surprising that a country where even recreational cannabis is legal, CBD products can be obtained without complications through both online and physical retailers.
In the case of the United States, access to cannabidiol is still relatively easy. While some states have tougher regulations, recent changes in federal legislation has made CBD legal across the entire country, opening the doors to a booming industry worth billions of dollars.
Finally, Latin American countries are generally tolerant when it comes to CBD products. In fact, the first country in the world to completely decriminalize the use of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes was Uruguay. Nowadays, getting almost any cannabidiol product anywhere between Mexico and Argentina is as easy as it gets.
Europe:
The European continent is commonly regarded as a land of innovations and a birthplace for new products of all kinds. While legislation certainly differs from country to country, buying CBD products is an easy and straightforward process.
In the United Kingdom, all hemp-derived products are legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% of THC. Countries such as Belgium, Denmark and Austria require patients to get a prescription for some cannabidiol products, while the Netherlands and Switzerland allow anyone to purchase CBD without further complications.
Perhaps the only big exception to the liberal approach in Europe is Russia, where all hemp-derived products -including CBD- are still illegal under federal law.
Oceania
Australian regulations regarding CBD products have traditionally been more conservative and restrictive than those implemented by North American and European countries. However, recent changes in legislation have encouraged new companies to flourish and a local market to quickly develop. Getting CBD products in Australia is now possible thanks to the appearance of online retailers which deliver their orders from door to door.
Similarly, CBD products in New Zealand are still not available in physical dispensaries but can easily be ordered online from countries such as neighbouring Australia or Japan. The current government is taking steps towards widening the availability of local cannabidiol, which might happen in the near future.
Asia
In the largest continent of the world, it is no surprise that CBD legislation varies widely and the availability of cannabidiol products changes significantly from country to country. While China and Malaysia have strict penalties for anyone producing or consuming CBD, South Korea and Japan have a friendlier approach to the substance.
For entrepreneurs and other stakeholders of the cannabidiol industry in Asia, changes in local regulations represent a great opportunity to offer their products and expand their influence into some of the most populated countries of the world.
Africa
In some African countries, CBD has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions including inflammation, joint pains and neurological diseases. While some countries still have strict limitations for anyone selling or buying cannabidiol, others -such as South Africa- are quickly joining the legalisation trend and opening their markets to local and international CBD companies.
