ByCBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in hemp and marijuana plants. Unlike THC, the compound that gets users high, CBD does not have any psychoactive effects. However, it does have a host of potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety and pain. Because of this, CBD has become increasingly popular in recent years. But is CBD legal? Here’s what you need to know.
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Do you remember Charlotte Figi? The girl who was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome and with the help of CBD got much better.
What about the medications that are made from cannabis plants? Epidiolex is just one of them which is used to treat various types of epilepsy and seizures. The FDA approved Epidiolex! So if a drug got the FDA’s approval, then there should again consider the effectiveness of Cannabis for health.
The Legal Status of Cannabis Plants
The legality of cannabis varies from country to country, state to state, and even city to city, and also changes how it can be consumed.
This 100% vegan and hemp-based product have been legalized for recreational use in Canada, Georgia, Malta, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Uruguay, Australia (only Australian Capital Territory), and in many states in the USA. Recreational cannabis is now legally sold in these three countries (Canada, Thailand, and Uruguay) as well as all American US states which have legalized possession besides DC.
Countries that have legalized the medical use of cannabis are Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Legal Status of Cannabis in the United States
In December 2015, the United States federal government made a favorable policy change when it came to CBD products. It removed some regulations that would make it easier for researchers to conduct trials in order to study the potential benefits of CBD in relation to medicinal applications. Since then, CBD has been allowed to be sold by online retailers and in some states, local medical marijuana dispensaries. In the state of Florida, women who are pregnant can legally obtain and use CBD oil for medicinal purposes, which is rare for all other US states.
Federal Law
With the Farm Bill of 2018 federal law legalized hemp (often labeled “industrial hemp”) which has a THC content level of less than 0.3% and with it, CBD. CBD is removed from the controlled substances act and buying CBD became federally legal around the United States. It just wouldn’t be possible to continue to make CBD illegal when the main ingredient is now legal. But the laws surrounding CBD vary from state to state, with some allowing access with a prescription and others only allowing it for medical purposes.
However, CBD derived from marijuana plants is still illegal at the federal level. Marijuana is defined as a cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% THC. Even though some states have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes, it is still illegal under federal law. As a result, CBD derived from marijuana plants is only legal in certain states.
Tense State Laws
Even though federal law now allows for the cultivation and sale of hemp-derived CBD nationwide, some states still have strict laws governing these products. For example, Idaho and South Dakota have banned all products containing CBD, regardless of whether they are derived from hemp or marijuana plants. Meanwhile, other states like California have very permissive laws when it comes to CBD products. So before you buy any CBD products, make sure to check your state’s laws to see if they allow for the sale of these products.
There are now 46 states where medical cannabis is legal, but this still can’t change the way federal law stands. The “CSA” (Controlled Substance Act), passed in 1970, created a federal framework for regulating the production, possession, and distribution of certain substances. Under this legislation, cannabis is treated like every other controlled substance, such as cocaine and heroin.
Detailed List of States Where Cannabis Products are Legal
Medical and Adult Use
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam*, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Virginia, Vermont, Washington (fedaral state)
Only Medical Use
Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Northern Mariana Islands*, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico*, Rhode Island, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands*, West Virginia
CBD-only
Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming
No MMJ Rules
American Samoa*, Idaho, Nebraska
*Inhabited territories
Conclusion
CBD has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential health benefits. But before you buy any CBD products, it’s important to know whether they are legal in your state. Federal law now allows for the cultivation and sale of hemp-derived CBD nationwide; however, some states still have strict laws governing these products. So before you purchase any CBD products, make sure to check your state’s laws first to see if they allow for the sale of these products within your state’s borders.
FAQ – Legal Status of CBD
Does cbd show up on drug tests probation
If you are on probation and use CBD products, you should consult with your probation officer before using them.
Is it legal to drive on CBD?
In general the answer is ‘No!’.
However the legality of driving on CBD depends on the state you are in and the amount of THC you have in your system. In some states, like Colorado, there are no restrictions on driving while using CBD. In other states, like Ohio, there are restrictions for drivers with THC levels over 5 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).
Can I fly with CBD across states in the US?
Yes, you now can travel state-to-state with legal CBD products. But don’t forget to be mindful of TSA limits on how much liquid you’re carrying when going through security.
A loophole in the law that allows for shipping of hemp-derived CBD products has given rise to an industry in which companies can mail CBD products, just like companies that comply with the Bill can ship their hemp-derived CBD products anywhere in the US.
