The CBD market has grown much faster and larger than anyone expected. Grocers, drug stores, and salons are stocking up on the products by the case load. The reason for the sudden growth is the wide legalization of cannabis across the nation. The question is whether or not CBD (cannabidiol) is legal in every state, and the short answer is yes — but not without some caveats. So, before you decide to try the product yourself, there are some important things you need to know about how the laws apply.
The 2018 farm bill
The newest legislation to address marijuana is the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill loosens the regulations on the plants, freeing the USDA to establish a hemp production program. It essentially removes hemp from the controlled substance list. While there are still final rulings to be made, this decision primarily allows farmers to grow hemp as a means of research for medical use. Along with it comes more lenient laws for how it’s used.
The bill specifically legalizes the “extracts, cannabinoids, and derivatives” of the plant, making CBD products federally legal. But in order for it to fit the criteria, it must contain less than 0.3 percent THC —the chemical that gets you “high.”
State laws
The Federal government gives each state the authority to establish its own laws regarding CBD products, so it’s important to know yours. The first thing you need to know is that even though the ban on hemp has been lifted, marijuana itself is still considered a controlled substance. This can be confusing, especially as laws start to shift from state to state. While CBD should have no THC, it’s important to make sure you are in the clear.
The best way to make sure you know what you’re getting is to purchase a product that you have researched well. Read up on reviews of different items and companies, such as CBDistillery. CBD experts from such sites will include a thorough and detailed review, helping you to find the best products for the uses you need.
Currently, 33 states have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes, but only a few allow its citizens to use it recreationally. Those states are California, Colorado, Washington, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Alaska. In other words, in these states, medical marijuana is legal to use.
Many businesses, dispensaries, and growers often elect to work with a qualified and experienced cannabis lawyer to ensure they are operating within the parameters of their state laws. Because of the gray area and mismatch between state and federal laws, this is often best practice for anyone working with CBD or marijuana.
CBD and drug testing
You need to know that even if you live in a state where any form of CBD or marijuana is legal, there are certain professions that prohibit the use of anything that alters performance. This means that even if you are allowed to use CBD and THC legally, you oftentimes shouldn’t if your occupation requires heavy machinery operation, driving, or other physical activities. Drug tests often look for traces of THC, not CBD. So using CBD with the required limit of THC (less than 0.3 percent) will not show up on a drug test, and it’s perfectly fine to use.
CBD and driving
Even in states where every form of marijuana is legal, driving while impaired will still get you arrested. This shouldn’t be surprising when you consider that alcohol is legal, but driving after you’ve consumed too much of it is not. The difference is that with alcohol, there’s a set legal limit which you can’t exceed while driving. But with marijuana, the limit isn’t as clear. Most courts say that having less than five nanograms is acceptable, but it’s actually up to the officer and the courts to decide.
As long as you’re using CBD with no THC, there’s usually no reason to worry. Even having minute amounts of THC in your system will likely not get you arrested, even in stricter states.
CBD is a powerful natural product that can alleviate pain and help people find relief. If you’re interested in trying CBD, be sure to conduct thorough research and read expert reviews to ensure your product will work with the symptoms you are experiencing.
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