Most Popular CBD Product in Louisiana
CBD LOUISIANA
Home to the famous Mardi Gras festival, the southeastern state of Louisiana is a melting pot of cultures. Known for its delicious Creole and Cajun food, the bayou is also the go-to for all types of recreational activities. This includes cannabis, hemp, and CBD Lousiana.
Though the cannabis plant has been around for a long time, public usage was eventually banned due to its intoxicating side effects. The ban on cannabis carried on for decades in most parts of the world. Legislators believed that it was a contraband substance, and thus, production and consumption should implement strict regulations.
In recent years, however, science has progressed enough for researchers to study the plant species in great detail, including the best CBD products. Studies found that there is actually potential in some of cannabis’ bioactive compounds to be used in the medical field. This includes the hundred and then some cannabinoids found in its genetic makeup.
CBD Oil in Louisiana
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most active cannabinoids. It is present in most species of cannabis plants but is most abundant in hemp. Due to its nature of being a byproduct of hemp, CBD oil is low on THC, the compound responsible for the weed high.
CBD is more known for its anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties. It is often used to relieve chronic pain, aid with sleep, and even treat certain types of epilepsy. It is also completely non-psychoactive, which means using it does not induce hallucinogenic side effects.
Premium hemp products like CBD oil in Louisiana are fast on the rise of popularity within the health community. They have become a staple in many home cabinets as they come in many forms: pills, tinctures, topicals, candies, and even as pet treats.
Is CBD Legal in Louisiana
CBD in Louisiana is now easy to find and purchase. Like many states, Louisiana has adjusted their state laws after the reauthorization of the 2018 United States Farm Bill. The bill legalized the production, manufacturing, and consumption of industrial hemp and its byproducts.
The catch? All hemp products must contain less than 0.3% trace amounts of THC to be legal on the federal level.
Many state laws model their hemp regulations after this federal guideline was passed. Louisiana CBD laws also defer to the Farm Bill when it comes to their hemp sales. Additionally, the demand of citizens for Louisiana CBD has put pressure on local government to amend state laws and decriminalize cannabis usage in general.
While recreational marijuana seems to be out of the question, Louisiana CBD law is more lenient. You can now purchase hemp-derived Louisiana CBD oil and other products in many wellness stores, health food stores, pharmaceuticals, and dispensaries all over the state.
As long as the product falls under the category for industrial hemp, it is fully legal and accessible to the public.
Read More: CBD PROS AND CONS
Louisiana CBD Laws
Last June 2019, Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards signed House Bill 491 into law. Under the state’s new law, hemp-derived CBD and other hemp byproducts are deemed legal. The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) was tasked to regulate CBD oil Louisiana.
The state law also specifies certain CBD products that are allowed within the state borders and explicitly explain a number of regulations regarding the cultivation, manufacturing, labeling, testing, distribution, and selling of all industrial hemp products.
As the Louisiana CBD industry grows ever more popular, it is becoming more difficult for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to closely monitor each state. Some states have taken it upon themselves to help the federal government by establishing regulations in their territories.
Under Louisiana law, retailers of all CBD products must be licensed by the ATC first.
All products must also undergo testing to prove that they are made from quality grade hemp extracts. Most hemp companies opt for third-party laboratory testing to earn a certification that their CBD is safe for use and contains less than 0.3% THC.
How Old do You have to be to Buy CBD in Louisiana?
The age of legality may vary per state but in order to purchase Louisiana CBD oil, you must be 18 years of age or older. Many hemp products can be purchased at a variety of grocery stores, pharmacies, and health spas.
Medical marijuana is also acceptable in the state but only patients with a medical marijuana ID card can avail of these. Currently, there are no limits on how much hemp plant-derived products each individual is allowed.
However, there are a few exceptions to legal CBD products in the state, in accordance with the Farm Bill.
Inhalable CBD, food and beverages that use CBD as additives, and CBD marketed as dietary supplements and claiming health benefits are not allowed. Nevertheless, many anecdotes swear by several cannabidiol products that have done wonders for their health and well-being.
Though these statements have not been verified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many emerging scientific studies support the claims on the cannabinoid’s therapeutic potential. Hemp-based CBD typically does not show up on drug tests either.
Read More: MEDITATE WITH CBD
Best CBD Oil in Louisiana
Before HB 491 was signed into law, CBD Louisiana was widely available throughout the state. Due to the recent changes in their hemp laws, all CBD retailers are required to acquire a permit from the ATC.
As a result, many Louisiana CBD shops closed down as permits often took a while to get approved.
The good news is, currently, CBD oil and other CBD Louisiana products can be purchased online. There are many legit and licensed hemp companies that cater to all sorts of goodies from pills to tinctures to topicals.
Reputable brands are often well-known so a quick search on the internet should point you in the right direction.