Do You Have to be 18 to Buy CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is all the rage in the wellness industry, and everyone is looking to get their hands on it. However, due to the stringent measures on CBD legality from state to state, the question remains: do you have to be 18 to buy CBD oil? Why do you only have to be 18 to buy CBD?
Well, age requirements for purchasing the best CBD products are still unclear in the United States. It varies significantly all over the country. Let’s dive in to learn more about this subject.
Why is there an Age Limit for CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a hemp derivative and one of the cannabis plants’ main active compounds. Unlike its counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD has no psychoactive effects.
It means that CBD cannot get the user high, unlike THC, which causes euphoric “high” effects in users. In fact, experts believe CBD to alleviate the effects of THC. The reason why many stores restrict minors from buying CBD is due to its source plant cannabis.
However, while both CBD and THC come from the cannabis plant, each substance has unique components. The cannabis plant is divided into two: marijuana and hemp plants, both of which belong to the cannabis Sativa family.
CBD abundantly comes from industrial hemp, which contains low THC content of 0.3% or less. Conversely, marijuana contains high THC and low CBD.
Types of CBD
There are three types of CBD: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum is typically a whole plant extract that provides all the benefits the cannabis plant has to offer. It contains all cannabinoids, terpenes, including THC.
Broad-spectrum includes the whole plant compounds except THC. Broad-spectrum CBD is suitable for individuals who want to reap the benefits of the plant without getting high.
Unlike the two, CBD isolate is 99% pure CBD with all other cannabinoids and compounds stripped entirely.
The “best” type of CBD depends entirely on the user and their preferences. Some may benefit more from full-spectrum hemp because of its CBD-THC ratio. Others may opt for isolates in order to build a stronger tolerance to the cannabis compound.
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Does CBD Have THC?
Depending on its formulation, CBD products may or may not have THC content. For full-spectrum hemp, cannabidiol contains THC traces, though a negligible amount of about 0.3%.
Notably, this 0.3% THC cannot get the user similar high to traditional THC.
Unlike the full-spectrum, the broad-spectrum and CBD isolate have zero traces of THC. Depending on the type of CBD product you choose, some have THC, while others don’t have. Hence, it is helpful you understand how each product is extracted to avoid THC.
How will you know the CBD product has THC? It is easy, look at the bottle label and check its concentrations.
- Raw CBD oil means the oil has only CBD and no other compounds
- Full-spectrum extract means the oil has 0.3 % or more THC, depending on the state you live in.
Is CBD Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill decriminalized hemp-derived CBD products at the federal level. However, CBD legality varies at the state level. That said, the legality of CBD is subject to three rulings.
First, the cannabis plant is under Schedule 1 for Drug Enforcement (DEA), an act that deems cannabis as having high abuse and dependency levels. However, CBD users or producers face no criminal charges in possession and use of the product.
Second, CBD is an agricultural commodity. This comes after the 2018 Farm Act that removed hemp-derivatives from Schedule 1 Clause.
The third ruling comes after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex as curative for rare forms of epilepsy in young children.
With this, CBD products with THC amounts of 1% or less fall under Schedule 5 narcotics or drugs with the least abuse and dependency potentials. That said, CBD legality is based on regulation trends that vary from state to state.
- CBD is federally legal if sold or advertised, without attached medical claims.
- In states where recreational use of marijuana is legal, CBD is legal.
- In states where the use of marijuana is illegal, marijuana-derived CBD is illegal.
- Cannabidiol is legal if derived from industrial hemp.
- CBD is federally legal if it contains less than 0.3 THC, but this may vary on state laws.
Do you have to be 18 to buy CBD? It also depends on state laws. Depending on where you are based, CBD could either be legal or illegal. Since state rules differ from state to state, before thinking about CBD, check the state laws to avoid being on the wrong side of the law.
Laws on Who can Buy CBD
Currently, hemp oil demand has hit a drastic surge after the legalization of cannabis to support CBD’s reported therapeutic effects. Unfortunately, buying CBDs isn’t for all as there are tight age restrictions, among others.
Do you have to be 18 to buy CBD oil? Here is the answer!
For example, according to Virginia federal law, those with a doctor’s prescription can buy CBD. It means, to them, the entry to purchasing CBD is a doctor’s prescription.
In states where marijuana products are legal, you must be above 21 years to buy CBD or enter any marijuana dispensary and smoke shops.
Other states consider 18 years as the minimum age. This is to ensure CBD products do not end up in children’s hands. Again, this avoids THC side-effects in persons below the legal age.
Moreover, in states where medical marijuana is legal, anyone can purchase CBD products for recreational use. However, this is dependent on parent or guardian approval.
Lastly, nearly all reputable CBD companies maintain an age limit of 18 years of age. To them, one must be an adult to place an order or enter their premises.
From the above regulations, you must be either 18 or 21 years to buy CBD or at least have parent approval in states where cannabis is legal.
Can Minors Use CBD?
Minors with qualifying medical conditions can use CBD on authorization from certified physicians. Children who have epilepsy can use Epidiolex for epilepsy and seizure. This comes after the FDA approved the medication as an anti-epileptic drug.
Minors may use CBD as dietary supplements by adding the product in their foods. Again, cannabidiol is permissible for use to children with chronic skin conditions such as eczema and Psoriasis.
Additionally, doctors could administer CBD to minors during chemotherapy treatment to manage pain.
From the National Library of Medicine, children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder may use oral cannabidiol to improve the symptoms and comorbidities.
Lastly, minors may use CBD as a form of treatment after a healthcare professional gives medical advice regarding the condition to be treated.
With that said, can minors use CBD? The answer really depends on what they are using it for.
Read More: BEST CBD MEMES
Bottom Line
So how old do you have to be to buy CBD? Is it 18 or 21? Why do you have to be 18 to buy CBD? All answers depend on measures that your state’s government has imposed on cannabis. If it is illegal or subject to tight restrictions, you must be above 18 years.
However, the industry remains unregulated by the FDA. They have not approved of any over-the-counter CBD product. So, check with your state’s laws whether you are permitted to buy CBD.
Users are meant to take them as supplements, not medication. Consult a doctor before trying any hemp-infused regimen. They are not meant to treat, cure, or prevent any medical disease.
Learn More About CBD
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Do I need an ID to order CBD?
Yes, this is to ensure that minors or those below 18 years of age won’t have access to products that may be harmful. Again, most vendors only sell CBD products to adults.
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In which states can I buy CBD from the age of 18?
Nearly all the 50 federal states have legalized CBD’s sale to individuals above 18 years of age. Besides, other countries serve as the leading players in the CBD market. Hence, understanding each state’s law on CBD will give a verdict on age requirements.
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I am under 21, can I buy CBD?
Many CBD businesses opt not to sell hemp products to persons below 21 years old. However, patients with qualifying medical conditions may be permitted to purchase CBD products.
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Can doctors prescribe CBD for minors?
The answer to this question is yes. Epidiolex is available for a doctor’s prescription to treat certain epilepsy disorders in children. Moreover, doctors can prescribe medical marijuana to children with qualifying medical conditions.
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How old should I be to buy gummies CBD?
The age requirement to buy CBD may differ. No set law on the age that should purchase hemp-derived cannabidiols.
To some companies, you must be 18 years, to others you’ve to be 21 years. Do you have to be 18 to buy CBD oil? At the least, it is the minimum age to purchase CBD gummies.
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How to legally buy CBD if I am not 21 years old?
To get a clear and precise answer to this question, you need to consult your state’s laws about CBD’s sale to minors. As a minor, you can buy CBD legally from a medical dispensary, but on parent/guardian approval and physician consent.
