Over the past few years, CBD and CBD extracts have become increasingly popular as more and more people turn to all-natural remedies for common health issues. However, the legal status of CBD has been a source of confusion for many. There is a lot of confusion about whether or not CBD is actually legal, and we hope to clear things up. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the legality of CBD together with a shortlist of the five best CBD brands that adhere to all applicable laws.
Here are some examples to help clarify the situation:
In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC. However, CBD derived from marijuana is still illegal under federal law, although some states have legalized it for medicinal or recreational use.
In Canada, CBD is legal for both medicinal and recreational use. However, the legal status of CBD products can vary depending on the province or territory.
In the United Kingdom, CBD is legal as long as it meets certain criteria, such as being derived from an EU-approved industrial hemp strain and containing less than 0.2% THC.
In Australia, CBD is only legal for medicinal use with a prescription. However, some over-the-counter CBD products are available, but they must contain less than 0.005% THC.
It’s important to note that the legal status of CBD products can vary widely depending on the country, state, or province you’re in. If you’re unsure about the legality of CBD in your area, it’s always best to consult with a legal expert or healthcare professional before purchasing or using any CBD products.
Marijuana vs. Hemp: What You Need to Know
People’s failure to differentiate between hemp and marijuana is a major source of misinformation. As a result, chemicals generated from each plant have quite distinct applications in manufacturing.
Both hemp and marijuana come from the cannabis sativa plant, yet they are very different. CBD and other cannabinoids are produced naturally by both. Hemp and marijuana are virtually identical in appearance. The concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary distinction.
The psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is called THC. Although exhilaration is a common side effect, so are confusion and worry. THC levels in hemp are extremely low, typically falling below 0.3%. However, the THC content in marijuana plants is far higher, reaching as high as 30%.
Marijuana is prohibited by law in the United States and a growing number of other nations due to its high THC concentration, which has psychoactive effects.
CBD Derived From Hemp May Be Sold Legally
The legality of CBD products depends on knowing the difference between hemp and marijuana. The 2018 Farm Bill makes it legal to sell CBD products made from hemp in the United States. Hemp was previously classed as a Schedule I substance, but this bill reclassifies it as an “agricultural commodity.”
One of the more widespread misunderstandings about this measure is that it makes it legal to sell CBD products made from either hemp or marijuana. This, however, is not the case. CBD has been classified as a Schedule I controlled drug by the DEA.
However, CBD is no longer a Schedule I substance and is lawful if it is derived from hemp and meets all of the requirements outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill. CBD must not only come from hemp but also meet the following requirements before it can be sold legally:
- Reduce the amount of THC to less than 0.3%
- Comply with joint state and federal rules
- Grown by a registered grower only
The legislation also made it legal to buy, sell, transport, and possess CBD products derived from hemp. Assuming the goods fit the aforementioned requirements, they can be transferred beyond state lines.
Although federally legal, state legality is not guaranteed.
Even while CBD has federal approval, it doesn’t mean it’s accepted everywhere. Different states have different legislation that can either further regulate CBD products or outright ban them.
It’s vital to research CBD product rules in your state before making a purchase. For instance, in the state of Iowa, CBD oil and similar products are banned. However, states like Illinois and Minnesota to the north allow them.
How to Ensure the Authenticity?
Companies can claim that their CBD product complies with all applicable laws, but this does not guarantee that this is the case. A product’s legality can only be established after careful examination of its certificate of analysis (COA).
When a product passes muster in a third-party lab, a report like this is generated. Among the many pieces of information that can be found on a certificate of analysis are:
- Synthetic cannabinoids
- Microorganisms (such as yeasts, molds, and the like)
- Solutive residues
- The Dangers of Heavy Metals
- Use of Pesticides
A COA not only measures the concentration of these substances but also verifies their presence. You should check the research on THC to see if a CBD product is legitimate before using it. If the proportion is less than 0.3%, the product is in compliance with all applicable laws.
Now that you understand CBD’s legal status and how to distinguish legitimate products, it’s essential to find reliable brands that you can trust. The market is flooded with various CBD brands, and it can be overwhelming to select one that is legal, safe, and effective. Here are some examples of reputable CBD brands that source their CBD from the most reputable hemp farms and put their products through extensive testing:
Charlotte’s Web – One of the most well-known brands in the industry, Charlotte’s Web offers a variety of high-quality CBD products made from hemp grown in Colorado. They use a proprietary strain of hemp to produce their extracts, which are rigorously tested for potency and purity.
Joy Organics – This family-owned company is committed to providing the purest and most effective CBD products on the market. They source their hemp from organic farms in the US and use a proprietary extraction process to ensure their products contain no THC.
Green Roads – With a focus on quality and transparency, Green Roads offers a range of CBD products made from hemp grown in the US. They use third-party testing to verify the purity and potency of their products, and they provide detailed lab reports for each batch.
Medterra – This company offers a range of high-quality CBD products made from hemp grown in Kentucky. They use CO2 extraction to produce their extracts, which are then tested by third-party labs for purity and potency.
Lazarus Naturals – A leader in the CBD industry, Lazarus Naturals offers a range of affordable, high-quality CBD products made from hemp grown in Oregon. They use ethanol extraction to produce their extracts, which are then tested for purity and potency by third-party labs.
By choosing a reputable brand like one of these, you can be confident that you are getting a legal, high-quality CBD product that can provide potential health benefits without any negative side effects.
