Cannabidiol (CBD) is controlled as a medicine in Finland

Cannabidiol has recently been a subject of public debate. The Finnish Medicines Agency Fimea wants to clarify the situation and the issues that have arisen.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a known medicinal substance and used as a medicine. A preparation that contains cannabidiol is equated to a prescription medicine in Finland. Each preparation is assessed separately, and Fimea decides, by means of an individual classification decision, whether the preparation concerned is to be considered as a medicine in Finland.

Purchasing products containing cannabidiol from abroad may be illegal. It is forbidden to import a preparation containing cannabidiol that is classified as a medicine without a prescription. Anyone who orders products from the net, for example, or brings products with them from abroad must first ensure that importing them is legal.  The restrictions depend on the composition of the product and how it would be classified in Finland. Furthermore, the restrictions also vary according to whether the medicine is imported from within or outside of the European Economic Area (EEA). 

According to the information provided by the Finnish Food Authority, there are also foodstuffs containing cannabidiol available on the market. Cannabinoid extracts, such as CBD extract, and foodstuffs to which CBD or other cannabinoid extracts have been added, are considered as novel foods in the EU that may not be used as foodstuffs without a novel food authorisation. Neither may they be marketed with medical claims.

In Finland, each authority controls products that have been placed on the market in accordance with their respective competence. Fimea engages in collaboration with the Customs to control the import of products. Where necessary, the Customs will request Fimea to issue a statement if the Customs encounters a preparation that, based on its composition, could be a medicine.

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