The legal status of CBD is among the most widely discussed issues regarding this substance. While CBD made from industrial hemp is legal under federal laws, some states place restrictions on its use — whether by introducing an age limit or outright prohibiting the sale of CBD across the state. As a result, many people find it challenging to receive a satisfactory answer to a fundamental question: ‘How old do you have to be to buy CBD products?’
Another aspect that adds to the confusion is the distinction between marijuana-derived CBD products and those made from hemp. People often have little to no idea what these terms mean and how they connect to current laws regulating CBD use. This situation leads to even more chaos, which can be overwhelming for a CBD beginner.
This article clarifies these uncertainties by explaining the CBD age limit requirements, crucial differences between hemp CBD products and their marijuana-derived counterparts, and CBD laws. Here is what you need to know before purchasing CBD online or in your local store.
Is CBD Legal?
To this day, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one CBD-based drug called Epidiolex. It is frequently used to treat severe forms of epilepsy — Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome (DS). But, it does not mean you cannot legally buy CBD online for your purposes.
As more CBD research comes out, FDA might include several other CBD medications in the future. It is a highly probable scenario, as many people who buy CBD praise it for its beneficial effects.
Whether the CBD product you want to buy is legal or not, for the most part, depends on two factors. First of all, it has to be legal under your local laws. Second of all, it has to be of the correct type.
Let’s examine these two points in more detail below.
CBD Laws
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp-derived CBD products are federally legal. This regulation removed hemp from the list of Schedule I controlled substances, making the products made from this plant available for purchase to a much wider audience. As all Schedule I drugs require a prescription for sale, it also helped expand the CBD market, and as a result, CBD sales soared through the roof.
With this being said, the 2018 Farm Bill allows you to grow, sell, and purchase industrial hemp unless your state laws say otherwise. All states have passed their own laws regarding CBD use and production. And while some allow you to sell and purchase CBD regardless of its source, others have put in place strict age restrictions or banned any form of CBD.
State regulations may address things like:
- CBD possession limits,
- age limit for buying CBD,
- special requirements for using CBD products (e.g., a medical card),
- types of smoke shops, health stores, dispensaries, and other places that are allowed to sell CBD.
The only way to ensure your CBD oil is legal is by checking your local laws. By doing so, you can establish how to buy CBD legally and which CBD forms are available where you live.
Marijuana-Derived vs. Hemp-Derived CBD Products
Another aspect of CBD legality is its source. As mentioned before, the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-derived CBD legal. It means that — contrary to marijuana-derived CBD products — all oils, tinctures, and other CBD products made from hemp are legal under federal laws.
Although both hemp and marijuana are cannabis plants, their compositions significantly differ from each other. Industrial hemp offers tons of CBD with scarce amounts of THC. On the other hand, the marijuana plant contains significant amounts of the latter, leading federal government officials to limit its use.
For a CBD product to be recognized as legal on the federal level, it must contain less than 0.3% THC. Otherwise, the product is considered illegal according to federal law.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy CBD?
Currently, there are no CBD age restrictions imposed by federal law. It means that you can purchase CBD even if you are not of legal age. Nevertheless, buying smokable or inhalable CBD products is restricted for people under the age of 18. So, products like CBD vaping oils are off-limits for underage users.
Furthermore, many states impose additional age restrictions on CBD. The list of states where you have to be over 21 years of age to buy CBD is seven positions long. These are:
- Alaska,
- Illinois,
- Maine,
- Mississippi,
- South Dakota,
- Texas,
- Tennessee.
There is either no age limit in other states or the minimum age for buying CBD products is 18 years of age. You can safely purchase CBD products there, provided they are made from industrial hemp with less than 0.3% THC content.
Is It Legal To Give Children CBD?
While you do not have to be of legal age to buy CBD, some parents wonder if it is okay to give CBD oil to their kids. After all, it is a substance derived from the hemp plant — a variant of the cannabis plant that has a small amount of THC.
Generally speaking, giving your children cannabidiol (for example, in the form of CBD gummies) is not a terrible idea. This way, they can reap the health benefits of this substance and alleviate some of their physical discomforts without experiencing harsh side effects.
Nonetheless, before buying CBD online and giving it to your child, you need to ensure it comes from industrial hemp. You also might want to avoid purchasing full-spectrum CBD oil, as it features all compounds present in cannabis plants — including THC. Instead, it may be best to opt for CBD isolate or THC-free hemp oil.
Can You Give Marijuana-Derived CBD to Your Children?
Marijuana-derived products usually have more than 0.3% THC, so their use is strictly regulated. If you want to give your children marijuana-derived CBD oil, you must pass some requirements first.
First and foremost, you must enroll your kids into your state’s medical marijuana program. This way, they can stay under the watchful eye of health care practitioners that can correct their dosage, prescribe suitable products, etc.
Secondly, your children must be diagnosed with one of your state’s qualifying medical conditions to enter the program. If they do not qualify, you cannot buy CBD for them.
Finally, one of the children’s parents or legal guardians is obliged to control their CBD consumption. No matter how much you trust them, your kids cannot take CBD all by themselves.
Keep in mind that CBD derived from marijuana may only be available for purchase in states that permit the use of medical and recreational marijuana. Additionally, the long-term effects of chronic CBD use on children are still being researched.
What Are the Potential Side Effects?
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) notes in its report on cannabidiol there are no ‘public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD’ to date, taking CBD may result in some side effects. And while none of them are life-threatening, they can be problematic — especially for a parent looking after their child.
Some of the most frequently observed side effects of CBD include:
- dry mouth,
- diarrhea,
- reduced appetite,
- drowsiness,
- fatigue.
The side effects your children may experience depend on the kind of product they use. For example, topical CBD may cause skin rash, hives, and itching. It usually indicates that a person is allergic to hemp or marijuana. On the other hand, the sublingual application can result in dry mouth, decreased appetite, and changes in bowel habits.
What Are the Common Forms of CBD Products?
You can buy CBD in many forms. While most CBD users opt for edibles and oils, nothing stops you from experimenting with other types of CBD products. Here are some of the most popular options.
CBD Oils
CBD oils are undoubtedly the most prevalent form of CBD extracts on the market. You can place them under your tongue or add them to your favorite dishes and drinks.
Every CBD oil comes in the form of drops inside a small, usually dark, glass bottle. They are created by mixing CBD extracts with carrier oils like medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) coconut oil.
CBD Tinctures
Like CBD oils, tinctures come in small oil bottles with droppers. The primary distinction between the two is that the former are alcohol-based while regular CBD oil is not.
Tinctures have a longer shelf life than CBD oils but have a bitter taste. Because of this, they are often mixed with sweeteners.
CBD Edibles
CBD gummies, chocolate bars, lollipops, and honey sticks are just a few examples of CBD-infused products you might want to try. All of these can be exceptional additions to your night out with friends or a movie marathon.
Even though they are far from being the fastest consumption method, edibles are a tasty alternative to get your daily dose of CBD. They allow you to relax and satiate your sweet tooth at the same time!
CBD Vapes
Vaping CBD flower allows for faster onset of effects but is harsh on the lungs. However, if you are a smoker, it is an excellent way to add more CBD to your life.
CBD Capsules
Buying CBD capsules and softgels is frequently mentioned as an attractive way to begin your CBD journey. Both allow you to adjust your dosage to reach the desired effects quickly. Besides, they are straightforward to use and discreet.
You can take your CBD capsules like any other supplement. Still, be aware to not take too many at once, as it may cause unpleasant side effects.
CBD Topicals
CBD-infused gels, lotions, and various ointments constitute this group of CBD products. They can improve certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
On top of that, many people buy CBD topicals to target a sore spot. They use them to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis, nervous system damage, and ongoing localized muscle aches.
If you want to buy CBD products, you need to check the minimum age requirement for doing so in your state. While in most cases you need to be over 18 years old to buy CBD, many state laws have specific CBD age limit requirements regarding the purchase and sale of CBD. Moreover, some of them may even ban forms of CBD other than CBD isolate.
Keep in mind that minors may consume hemp-derived CBD unless it is inhalable (such as CBD flowers and vapes). In the case of CBD derived from marijuana, you need to fulfill some requirements before you can legally obtain and give it to your children.
You might also want to contact a health care professional. It allows you to ensure CBD does not interfere with other medications you take and that you get the correct dosage.
Sources:
- https://www.usda.gov/farmbill
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/1067467/cbd-product-dollar-sales-us/
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-indication-drug-containing-active-ingredient-derived-cannabis-treat-seizures-rare
- https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/CannabidiolCriticalReview.pdf
