Is CBD Legal in Malta? The 2026 Definitive Guide to Laws, THC Limits & Safe Buying
Confused about CBD laws in Malta? Learn the 2026 legal status of CBD, the 0.2% psychoactive cannabinoid limit, HHC restrictions, driving rules, travel tips, and how to buy safely with lab reports.
If you’re asking “Is CBD legal in Malta?” — the answer is yes, when the product meets Malta’s legal definitions and THC/psychoactive cannabinoid limits.
This guide explains Malta’s CBD rules in plain English: THC limits, what “psychoactive” means legally, HHC, driving, travelling, and how to buy CBD safely in 2026.
Key Takeaways (Malta, 2026)
- •CBD is explicitly listed as a “non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid” under Maltese law. (Parliament of Malta)
- •Maltese law excludes from “cannabis” certain non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid products that contain no more than 0.2% psychoactive cannabinoids.
- •THC is listed as a psychoactive cannabinoid in Maltese law.
- •HHC is treated as a synthetic cannabinoid (and appears in Maltese schedules as such), and Malta has moved to prohibit it.
- •EU context: the CJEU has held that CBD is not a “narcotic drug” under EU law for free movement purposes (important for cross-border trade context). (EUR-Lex)
1) The Legal Framework: How Malta Defines CBD vs Cannabis
Malta’s legal approach is to separate:
- Psychoactive cannabinoids (like THC), from
- Non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids (like CBD).
In Malta’s schedules, CBD (Cannabidiol) is listed as “Non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids,” while THC is listed as “Psychoactive cannabinoids.”
The Rule People Actually Need to Know
Maltese law updates the definition of cannabis so it excludes “inflorescence, leaves, extracts and products derived from non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids” as long as they contain not more than 0.2% psychoactive cannabinoids.
That’s the legal backbone behind compliant CBD oils/topicals being sold as legal products in Malta.
2) The 0.2% Limit: What It Means in Real Life
You’ll often see “<0.2% THC” online. Malta’s law language is slightly more precise: it references “psychoactive cannabinoids” and sets the limit at 0.2%.
Practical Interpretation
- CBD isolate / broad-spectrum products aim for zero THC, but you still want proof (lab report).
- Full-spectrum products can contain trace THC, so your COA (lab report) matters more than marketing terms.
3) What About HHC and “New Cannabinoids” in Malta?
HHC is not treated like CBD.
In Maltese legal schedules, HHC appears under “Synthetic cannabinoids.” Malta has also publicly moved to ban/prohibit HHC products via legal and enforcement action (reported widely in Malta via outlets like MaltaToday).
CBD Malta Advice: Stick to natural, lab-tested CBD (CBD / CBG / CBC etc.) and avoid grey-area semi-synthetics.
4) Driving After CBD in Malta (Important)
CBD itself is non-intoxicating, but driving law is about what’s in your body, not your intent.
Malta has proposed (and debated) stricter drug-driving rules via Bill 146, including a provision that prohibits driving after consuming drugs if you still have any amount of the drug in your body. The same bill framework also introduces oral fluid (roadside) drug testing, including random testing powers in certain circumstances.
What This Means For CBD Users
- If you use full-spectrum CBD, there is a non-zero risk of a THC-related issue depending on product quality, dose, timing, and how enforcement/testing thresholds are applied in practice.
- If you want maximum peace of mind, choose broad-spectrum or isolate and only buy products with batch-specific COAs.
(This is general information, not legal advice.)
5) Travelling with CBD to/from Malta (EU + Schengen Reality)
In general, travel within the EU is easier than outside it — but CBD rules still vary by country.
Best practice when travelling:
- Keep products in original packaging.
- Bring a COA (lab report) showing cannabinoids and compliance.
- Follow airline liquids rules for oils.
- Avoid travelling with CBD to jurisdictions that treat any cannabis derivative harshly.
EU legal context matters here too: the EU’s top court has held CBD is not a narcotic drug for EU internal market purposes, which supports the general legality of compliant CBD trade across member states.
6) Buying CBD Safely in Malta: The Checklist
Before you buy any CBD oil, gummies, vapes, capsules, or topicals in Malta, check:
Look for CBD potency (mg), THC / psychoactive cannabinoids %, and contaminants (solvents, pesticides, heavy metals).
Avoid vague labels like “hemp extract” with no mg strength.
Maltese law is specific about classifications (CBD vs THC vs synthetic cannabinoids).
7) CBD Edible Products and “Novel Food” in the EU
This part is frequently misunderstood.
The European Commission treats many cannabinoid extracts (including CBD extracts used as ingredients) under the Novel Food framework, and EFSA has highlighted data gaps that prevent it from concluding safety for CBD as a novel food at this time (EFSA).
Plain English: the EU food pathway for CBD is complex and still evolving — so always buy from sellers who provide proper documentation and don’t make reckless health claims.
FAQ
- Is CBD legal in Malta?
- Yes. CBD is listed as a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid in Maltese law, and compliant products are treated differently from psychoactive cannabinoids like THC.
- What is the THC limit for CBD in Malta?
- Maltese law references a 0.2% threshold linked to psychoactive cannabinoids for certain non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid-derived products.
- Is HHC legal in Malta?
- Malta classifies HHC under synthetic cannabinoids and has moved to prohibit HHC products.
- Can I drive after using CBD in Malta?
- CBD is non-intoxicating, but full-spectrum products may contain trace THC. Choose THC-free products and keep batch COAs if you want maximum peace of mind.
Recommended by Dr. Vella
About Dr. Marija Vella
Dr. Marija Vella is a Ph.D. Pharmacologist and our Head of Quality Assurance. She ensures all CBD Malta products meet rigorous pharmaceutical standards and provides evidence-based guidance on cannabinoid wellness.
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