How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy CBD?

Cannabidiol, which is commonly known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana plants. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety and pain. However, given the legal status of marijuana, being a controlled natural substance, many people wonder how old one has to be eligible to buy CBD. In this article, we will unveil to you the truths and guides on the appropriate age you have to reach to buy CBD without going against the law.

Legal status of CBD in the USA

The legal status of CBD in the United States is complex, with different levels of legalization in different states. The 2018 Farm Bill, signed into law by President Trump, legalized the cultivation, production, and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products, including CBD. Prior to the bill, hemp was classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and was, therefore, subject to the same regulations as marijuana. This federal bill left it up to individual states to regulate the sale and use of these products within their borders. As a result, the legal status of CBD varies from state to state.

Currently, 47 out of 50 US states and the District of Columbia have legalized the sale and use of hemp-derived CBD, with some states having restrictions on the products that can be sold. Only two states, Idaho and Nebraska, have laws prohibiting the sale and use of CBD hemp products.

The legal status of Marijuana-derived CBD

It is crucial to understand that the legality of CBD depends on its source. As per federal law, CBD extracted from hemp plants is considered legal, while the same cannot be said for CBD obtained from marijuana plants.

The 2018 Farm bill applies only to hemp-derived CBD with a THC concentration below 0.3%. Regarding marijuana-derived CBD, on the other hand, it still lies in a legal gray area, with different states having different laws regarding its use and sale. 

Difference between Hemp and Marijuana

Hemp is a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant, while marijuana is another strain of the same species. In general, hemp plants contain high levels of CBD, the non-psychoactive compound, and low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis; meanwhile, marijuana contains high levels of THC and low levels of CBD.

When it comes to the law, hemp and marijuana, have distinct regulations. Hemp is legal in the United States, making hemp-derived products, including CBD, widely available for purchase without a prescription. While marijuana remains federally illegal in the US, a medical recommendation or license is required to purchase marijuana-derived products in states that have legalized marijuana for medical use.

State-by-State Overview of CBD Age Restrictions in 2023

The age requirements for CBD vary across the states, with some following federal guidelines while others impose restrictions of their own. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of CBD age policies.

1. Alabama: There’s no specific age requirement, but hemp-derived CBD is legal, and marijuana-derived CBD is still considered illegal.
2. Alaska: Only hemp-derived CBD is legal, with the sale and use restricted to persons over 21 years old. 
3. Arizona: No specific age requirement, and hemp-derived CBD is legal.
4. Arkansas: No specific age requirement, and both hemp- and marijuana-derived CBD are allowed, although the latter is limited to medical use.
5. California: Hemp-derived CBD is restricted to persons 18 and older, while marijuana-derived CBD is restricted to people aged 21 and above.
6. Colorado: Only available for persons over 18 years old, and only hemp-derived CBD is legal.
7. Connecticut: Available for persons over 18 years old, and both hemp- and marijuana-derived CBD products are allowed, with the latter requiring a medical recommendation.
8. Delaware: Available for persons over 18 years old, and both hemp- and marijuana-derived CBD products are allowed, with the latter requiring a medical recommendation.
9. Florida: Available for persons over 18 years old, and both hemp- and marijuana-derived CBD products are allowed, with the latter requiring a medical recommendation.
10. Georgia: Available for persons over 18 years old, but hemp-derived CBD may be harder to find due to more restrictive policies.
11. Hawaii: Available for persons over 18 years old, but different age restrictions may apply in certain situations.
12. Idaho: Available for persons over 18 years old, and only hemp-derived CBD with no trace of psychoactive THC is allowed.
13. Illinois: Available for persons over 21 years old, and both hemp- and marijuana-derived CBD products are allowed.
14. Indiana: Restrictions vary by jurisdiction, but hemp-derived CBD is available for either 18+ or 21+, depending on the location.
15. Iowa: No specific age requirement, and hemp-derived CBD is legal.
16. Kansas: Available for persons over 18 years old, and only hemp-derived CBD with no trace of psychoactive THC is allowed.
17. Kentucky: There is no specific age requirement.
18. Louisiana: Available for persons over 18 years old, and hemp-derived CBD is legal.
19. Maine: Available for persons over 21 years old, and only hemp-derived CBD is legal.
20. Maryland: No specific age requirement, and hemp-derived CBD is legal.
21. Massachusetts: Available for persons over 18 years old, but marijuana-derived CBD is restricted to 21 years plus.
22. Michigan: Available for persons over 18 years old.
23. Minnesota: Available for persons over 18 years old.
24. Mississippi: 18 years and older, with exceptions for minors with a medical recommendation and guardian consent.
25. Missouri: No specific age requirement, but marijuana-derived CBD is illegal, and only hemp-derived CBD is legal.
26. Montana: No specific age requirement, but local jurisdictions may limit sales to 18+.
27. Nebraska: No specific age requirement, but marijuana-derived CBD is illegal, and only hemp-derived CBD is legal.
28. Nevada: Available to people 18 years and older.
29. New Hampshire: Restricted to people 18 years and older.
30. New Jersey: No specific age requirement for hemp-derived CBD, but some products may be restricted for 18+ under the medical marijuana program.
31. New Mexico: You must be 18 years or older to be eligible for CBD use.
32. New York: CBD is restricted to people of 8 years and older.
33. North Carolina: 18 years and older, only hemp-derived CBD is legal.
34. North Dakota: 18 years and older.
35. Ohio: There are no specific age requirements.
36. Oklahoma: While minors require medical recommendations, CBD is legal for people 18 years and older. 
37. Oregon: 18 years and older, no differentiation between hemp- and marijuana-derived CBD.
38. Pennsylvania: 18 years and older, only hemp-derived CBD is legal.
39. Rhode Island: 21 years and older, only hemp-derived CBD is legal.
40. South Carolina: 18 years and older, with state restrictions different from federal guidelines.
41. South Dakota: While CBD is permitted for people of 18 years and older, minors require a medical recommendation.
42. Tennessee: CBD is allowed for people 21 years and older.
43. Texas: No specific age requirement. However, only hemp-derived CBD is legal.
44. Utah: No specific age requirement, but local jurisdictions may restrict sales to people of 21 years and above.
45. Vermont: 21 years and older, following recreational cannabis laws.
46. Virginia: No specific age requirement.
47. Washington: Varies by location, usually 18 years and older and 21 years and older for dispensary-purchased CBD.
48. West Virginia: No specific age requirement, and only hemp-derived CBD is legal.
49. Wisconsin: Varies by location, usually 18 years and older and 21 years and older for dispensary-purchased CBD.
50. Wyoming: CBD sale and usage are restricted to people aged 18 years and older.

Why does age matter when buying CBD?

The age requirement for buying CBD serves as a safety measure to protect minors and promote responsible use. Several scientists and expert groups have published numerous research results that have scientifically proven and substantiated the effectiveness of cannabinoids in treating diseases affecting various organs and systems.

However, the age requirement for CBD products ensures the safe and responsible use of these substances, as the long-term effects of CBD on the developing bodies and minds of children are still being studied. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware that CBD products may contain varying levels of THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, which can have adverse effects on minors. To protect minors from potential harm, the sale and use of CBD products are therefore regulated similarly to other age-restricted products, such as tobacco and alcohol.

Conclusion

The legal age for purchasing CBD products varies across states, with most states requiring a minimum age of 18 to 21. To ensure compliance with the law, staying informed about your state’s specific regulations is crucial. CBD products are generally considered legal as long as they are derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC. By staying aware of these requirements, individuals can make informed decisions about their use of CBD products.

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