No. CBD oil remains illegal in Vietnam under the 2021 Law on Drug Prevention and Control, which classifies all cannabis-derived products—including CBD—containing any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as controlled substances. The Ministry of Health’s 2023 circular reaffirmed this stance, permitting only hemp cultivation for industrial fiber under strict licensing, excluding CBD extraction. Importation is prohibited without a rare exemption for medical research, requiring approval from the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV).
Key Regulations for CBD Oil in Vietnam
- Zero-THC Mandate: CBD products must contain 0% THC to avoid classification as narcotics under Decree 105/2017/ND-CP. Even trace amounts trigger criminal liability.
- Industrial Hemp Exclusivity: Only licensed entities may cultivate hemp for fiber/textiles under the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2022 pilot program; CBD extraction is explicitly excluded.
- Medical Research Loophole: CBD may be imported for clinical trials under DAV’s 2024 guidelines, but commercial distribution remains banned. Penalties include fines up to VND 1 billion (≈$42,000) or imprisonment.
Enforcement targets both domestic production and online sales, with customs seizing CBD shipments at ports. The 2026 revision to the Drug Law is expected to tighten controls further, aligning with ASEAN’s drug conventions. Foreign investors must navigate these restrictions via local partnerships or risk asset forfeiture.