Is it just us, or does CBD seem to be everywhere all of a sudden? Not too long ago, the cannabis industry was largely operating in legal gray areas. CBD, often associated with marijuana, has both helped promote its popularity and led new users to ask anxious questions like, “Is it legal?” and “Is there an age limit for purchasing it?” Today, we’ll address both of these questions. The cannabis industry is complex and rapidly evolving, so the minimum age for buying CBD can vary depending on your state’s regulations.
Understanding the Age Limit for Buying CBD in California
Since CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, its legality varies by state. In California, CBD is legal for both medical and recreational use. However, age restrictions are in place to ensure responsible use of CBD products, in line with state laws and regulations regarding cannabis consumption.
The Legal Age to Purchase CBD in California
In California, the legal age to purchase CBD products depends on the type of CBD and its source:
- Hemp-Derived CBD: For CBD derived from hemp, which contains less than 0.3% THC, the legal age is 18. This includes products like CBD oils, tinctures, capsules, and topicals made from hemp.
- Cannabis-Derived CBD: For CBD products derived from cannabis, which may contain higher levels of THC, the legal age is 21. However, individuals aged 18 and above can purchase cannabis for medicinal use with a physician’s recommendation.
What Exactly is the Legality of CBD Oil?
So, what’s the legality of CBD oil? Well, before we get into the actual legal status of CBD, it’s necessary to understand what it is and why it’s become so increasingly popular.
In short, CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the plants that are part of the cannabis family. CBD is probably the second most prevalent cannabinoid––amongst over a hundred other types––right after THC. Unlike THC, CBD does not contain any psychoactive properties. Therefore, CBD won’t get you high.
Its non-psychoactive properties make CBD more appealing than marijuana for a lot of people interested in its beneficial effects. CBD triggers homeostasis in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which creates balance in the overall wellness of people. It’s known to promote calmness, decrease nerves, lessen swelling, reduce physical discomfort, and aid in healthy digestion.
With all these positive benefits, you’d think no one would be asking whether or not CBD is legal.
Still, the close link to THC, makes the legalities around CBD tricky to navigate. The confusion stems from a handful of federal and state laws, the use of medical marijuana and recreational marijuana, and the confusion in differentiating hemp from marijuana plants.
From a federal standpoint, CBD is legal, as long as it comes from hemp containing 0.3% THC or less. However, since states can determine their regulations towards CBD, this doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. The legality around CBD varies from state to state. To determine whether or not it’s legal where you reside, you should check online for the status of CBD legalities in your state.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy CBD?
Since there are so many potential benefits to CBD, you might be wondering: how old do you have to be to buy CBD? Many people might compare the legal drinking age of 21 to CBD, and also wonder whether you have to be 21 to purchase CBD products. The truth is, there is no one-answer-fits-all to this question.
The age requirements to buy CBD changes state to state. In many places, you can purchase and use CBD if over the age of eighteen. However, there are select jurisdictions that do not allow anyone under the age of twenty-one to purchase CBD.
Another thing to consider is the online presence of CBD products. The internet comes with its own set of rules when it comes to CBD. There is less age enforcement online, making it easier for anyone to buy CBD from an e-commerce site. Still, the majority of websites have age restrictions for their customers, of either eighteen or twenty-one.
If CBD is legal in your state, you will have to make sure you are of age to purchase it. Because there are so many resources online surrounding the cannabis space, it can be hard to find a reliable source of information.
The best places to find out the legalities of CBD in your jurisdiction are local police departments, the District Attorney’s office, the state representative’s office, the Governor’s office, and the federal or state Senator’s office.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Minors?
When it comes to whether or not CBD products are safe for kids and minors, the short answer is yes. But there is more that goes into giving minors CBD, and doing extensive research or consulting with a doctor, if you’re confused, is advised.
Studies suggest that taking an unsafe amount of CBD is not possible for anyone and there are very few minor side effects reported.
What to Look for
If you are considering using CBD products, the best thing to do is to purchase products from a reputable CBD brand. Preferably one that is widely reviewed and recommended by countless users.
Also, opting for products that are high-quality, organic, vegan, ethically sourced, and contain natural ingredients can ensure the CBD product is safe and effective. A few things to look out for when selecting a reputable CBD oil product is:
- The net weight of the CBD oil
- The manufacturer or distributor
- The recommended dosage guidelines
- The amount of active CBD in each serving
- The distinction: Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate
- The Supplement Fact Panel, and all the ingredients in the product
Is the CBD Oil Dosage the Same for All Ages?
Because of the evolving nature of knowledge and cannabinoids, recommended dosages should be considered, always. The way cannabinoids interact with the body is still being studied, making it challenging to have a one-dose-fits-all approach. This means CBD oil dosage is not the same for everyone. CBD doses will vary between adults, seniors, children, and even men and women.
There are a lot of variables that come into play when trying to find the optimal CBD dose. Finding out the optimal dosage for CBD oil is based on a few key things, like body weight, body chemistry, the individual goal, and the concentration of CBD in each capsule, gummy, or drop.
With that said, just because you know your optimal dose doesn’t mean it’ll be the same for your child. For example, your dose might leave a minor feeling overly sleepy when the goal was to achieve a state of calmness and balance.
All in all, CBD is downright non-toxic, and overdosing on CBD is nearly impossible. The World Health Organization acknowledged CBD as “generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.” Taking CBD as recommended will only ensure you reap all its incredible benefits.
Most products will tell you how much is in a single serving, as well as how many servings you should take. Most of these recommendations have been introduced to the public after much thought and research.
Take a look at our easy-to-use dosing chart for more information about CBD dosage recommendations.
Conclusion
Depending on your state laws, CBD cannot be purchased by minors under eighteen, and at times, twenty-one. CBD’s legality allows minors to use it, but only when an adult accurately monitors it.
CBD absorption varies from person to person, so the best thing to do is follow any recommended dosage guidelines found on each package. CBD consumption is considered safe for all who use it. However, if you’re still wary about giving CBD to a minor, consult with your child’s pediatrician for additional advice. Visit Cheef Botanicals page.
