How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy CBD?

There have been many changes in the legality of hemp-derived and marijuana-derived CBD products during the past years. Hence, there are a lot of questions in people’s minds across the different states and territories in the United States.  

Most of these questions have to do with CBD legality, the use of CBD for recreational purposes, and CBD age restrictions. What are the CBD age limit requirements when you buy CBD from a legal dispensary? It all depends on what state is involved.

We will go through these questions in this article and put our minds to rest.

What is CBD?

Read: What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of two the most well-known compounds found in cannabis plants due to its many health benefits; the other is THC. Unlike THC, it does not cause any mind-altering psychoactive effects. Hence, it is more preferred for medical use.

CBD is the prominent cannabinoid in hemp, a variety of cannabis that contains only 0.3% THC level or less. Hemp is cultivated for the production of CBD and primarily for medicinal use. Although there have been many studies on CBD, there is still a demand for more research on the cannabinoid.

Related: Is Five CBD Legit?

CBD can be isomerized to produce many other cannabinoids. It can be processed to produce THC and other THC forms, such as Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC. Hemp-Derived Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC are technically legal on a federal level, but some state laws may prohibit their use. 

The future of CBD research will probably change the legality of other CBD-derived cannabinoids, but we still have to wait for the results. When scientific literature provides compelling evidence of the health benefits of cannabinoids, governments may soon change their stance on cannabis legality. 

Is CBD Legal?

Yes. Fortunately, it is good to tell you that CBD is legal. Our basis for its legality is the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized the use of all products derived from industrial hemp. Therefore, CBD isolate, CBD oils, CBD extracts, CBD gummies, and all other CBD products are legal as long as they are derived from hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC.

Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana. Cannabis plants can be categorized into two depending on their THC concentration. Marijuana contains more than 0.3% concentration, while hemp contains less than 0.3% concentration of THC.

Hemp varieties of cannabis contain high concentrations of CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid that offers many health benefits, including relief from muscle soreness, enhanced focus, and a sense of calm. CBD does not cause any intoxicating effects, and hence, CBD is not a prohibited substance on a federal level.

What Age Should You Be to Buy CBD?

There is no specific restriction on what age to buy CBD on the federal level. It all depends on the state where you reside. Remember that federal legality does not necessarily affect state legality.

Hence, the age restriction imposed by the state on buying CBD will determine if you can buy CBD from a store or not. In addition, the CBD store will follow the age restriction set by the state and post the minimum requirement on their locations or their website.

Federal Law Restrictions

The federal law restricts certain CBD forms, such as CBD edibles, creams, topicals, and oils. However, you must be 18 years old at the least to purchase CBD products for smoking or vaping purposes, such as CBD vaping oils, CBD flower, and other inhalable CBD products.

State Legality

Read: CBD Laws by State

If you are more than 21 years old, you can buy CBD online or at the physical store without any restrictions. Nonetheless, suppose you purchase CBD derived from marijuana with a THC concentration above 0.3%. In that case, you have to check with your state laws to determine the product’s legality, even if you are above 21 years old.

Recreational marijuana is legal in particular states such as Washington and California. You have to be at least 18 years old to buy CBD products in these states. However, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase marijuana products. All minors are not allowed to enter cannabis dispensaries.

If you reside in a state where CBD is legal, you should be 18 years old to buy CBD products. If you plan to buy CBD, make sure you prove your age by providing an ID. Reputable dispensaries and retail stores have their way of knowing your age.

In conclusion, the age restrictions on the sale of CBD depend on a variety of factors, including: 

• The state where you reside
• The store where you are purchasing
• The CBD form you are buying
• The purpose of the CBD product (medical or recreational)

Where are CBD Products Legal?

Remember that the 2018 Farm Bill is a federal law and does not automatically grant state legality. Every state has its law for hemp and CBD.

CBD is entirely legal in Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, and South Dakota.

CBD is fully legal and has no restrictions in New Jersey, New Mexico, and North Dakota.

CBD oil and other hemp products are legal in Utah, but the products need to be state-registered and third-party tested for compliance and quality.

CBD products are legal in Texas but should be THC-free. Possessing any product that contains trace amounts of THC constitutes a felony.

CBD is legal in many other states, but the law changes frequently. Therefore, it is best to perform due diligence and check your state laws from time to time. When traveling to another state and you decide to buy CBD, be sure to do a quick search on CBD legality in that state.

For example, CBD is illegal in Iowa unless you get it for medical purposes. You have to obtain a medical CBD registration card before buying CBD products in licensed cannabis dispensaries.

Georgia does not allow CBD unless they have certain medical conditions. The state calls CBD a low THC oil.

If you decide to purchase CBD, do your due diligence and check the state laws to determine the conditions that allow you to buy and use CBD products.

Certain states permit CBD sales to persons 21 years of age or older. These states include:

• Alaska
• Illinois
• Maine
• Tennessee

Some states, such as Mississippi, have local laws that dictate you have to be 21 years old or older to buy CBD. Other states require buyers to be at least 18 years old. However, some states have no minimum age limit. Again, the law may change at any time, so be sure to do your research before purchasing CBD.

There are various age restrictions on CBD, so be aware of the following:

• State laws and local laws differ between states. If you plan to buy CBD from a local dispensary, do your research first or ask a representative from the store directly.
• Buy CBD products from reputable sources. Buy from stores that provide a certificate of analysis and are transparent about their quality control measures and manufacturing practices.
• If you are buying CBD online, buy brands that are fully compliant with the law’s regulatory requirements and provide clear reports about their practices.

Again, double-check the laws in the state where you wish to buy CBD products. Make sure the information on your source is up-to-date.

Types of CBD Products You Can Buy

Now that you understand CBD age restrictions, you must know the different CBD products you can buy from local shops.  

CBD Oils and Tinctures

Hemp oil or tincture is a popular CBD product form. You can easily find it in a local dispensary or an online store. The fastest way to consume CBD oil or tincture is to drink it directly. Place a few drops on your mouth and swallow. Expect the effects to kick in around 30 minutes to an hour.

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If you want the effects of CBD oil to manifest in a few minutes, you have to take the liquid sublingually or under the tongue. Place a measured amount directly under the tongue and let it stay there for at least 30 seconds to two minutes. The membranes under the tongue will absorb the cannabinoid and transmit it directly to the bloodstream. Expect the effects to manifest as quickly as 5 minutes to 15 minutes.

CBD Edibles

You can infuse CBD oil into your foods and beverages. Place a measured amount on your coffee, tea, or juice drink. You can also infuse it into baked products, desserts, homemade candies or CBD gummies (Yum). If you do not have the time to make your edibles, you can buy them ready-made.

When you consume CBD in the form of edibles, the effects will kick in around an hour or two after consumption. CBD can make you feel relaxed, but it can make you sedated and lethargic in higher doses. Hence, never take too much CBD when performing productive tasks.

CBD Topicals

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CBD in lotions, gels, balms, and ointments can be applied directly to the skin. CBD can penetrate the skin and provide soothing pain relief to sore and tired muscles when applied topically. The cannabinoid does not penetrate the skin well enough to enter the bloodstream but deep enough to affect the cannabinoid receptors on the skin.

CBD Softgels and Capsules 

CBD oil can be placed in a soft gel capsule for easier consumption. It is also available in tablet form. If you want to ingest CBD but do not want to experience its grassy or earthy flavor, you can take in soft gel or tablet form.

What is Full-spectrum CBD?

Read: What is Full Spectrum CBD Oil?

Part of what makes CBD legal is its other components. When you buy CBD products, you will come across terms such as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Hence, you have to exercise caution when purchasing products online.

Full-spectrum CBD is an extract that contains CBD as its main compound, including other cannabinoids and terpenes derived from its source (hemp or marijuana). Broad-spectrum products contain the other cannabinoids and terpenes, except for THC. What makes full-spectrum different from broad-spectrum CBD is the presence of THC.

Keep in mind that full-spectrum products contain THC. Even hemp-derived full-spectrum products may have less than 0.3% THC if you reside in a state where THC is illegal. Never purchase full-spectrum.

Suppose you live in a state where THC for recreational use is legal. Then, you can go ahead and use any THC-containing CBD products as much as you want. If you use THC for recreational use, you may want to take a THC tolerance break once in a while.

How CBD Affects the Body

Since the 2018 Farm Bill made CBD and hemp-derived products legal, it has sparked the interest of the medical field to get into more CBD research. For instance, what is better for sleep? THC or CBD? These questions can be answered by actual scientific research.

Although we know about the effects of CBD and THC through preliminary research and anecdotal evidence, we need solid scientific literature to give us concrete and conclusive answers.

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Nevertheless, more scientists and scholars are getting their hands into more scientific studies into the effects of CBD, and other promising cannabinoids, such as CBG and THCV.

Moving forward, we know that CBD provides a sensation of relaxation and calmness based on preliminary research. So many first-hand user experiences also attest to the relaxing effect of CBD.

By providing a sense of calm, hemp-derived CBD products can help users relieve anxiety and depression. The National Institute on Drug Abuse supplies preclinical and clinical evidence on the anti-anxiety and anti-stress properties of CBD.

CBD also delivers relief from inflammation and pain. Many studies show that the cannabinoid interacts with the neurotransmitters in the brain to help give relief from pain. It may also be effective in treating arthritic pain.

A recent study in April 2021 shows that CBD has pain-relieving effects. The experimental pain study was conducted on humans, and the researchers concluded that psychological placebo effects and pharmacological action drove the cannabinoid’s ability to relieve the pain.

Studies also show that CBD reduces nausea, increases appetite, improves sleep, and enhances skin texture. CBD has other benefits and effects, but it may take more research to make them conclusive.

If you want to learn more or have questions about CBD, feel free to reach out to us or read our articles on the site.

Should You Give CBD to Children?

You have to be at least 18 or 21 years old in many states to buy CBD. However, many parents wonder if it is legal for children to consume CBD. Some parents have experienced the medical benefits of the cannabinoid and want their kids to share in the same experience, especially in alleviating physical discomfort or relieving some anxiety issues.

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Based on the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD does not provide any age restrictions on CBD use, except for inhalable products. Therefore, children can consume CBD on a federal level, as long as the product is derived from federally compliant hemp and does not have more than 0.3% delta 9 THC.

Before you give your children CBD, talk to your health care professional to determine if it is necessary or even helpful. The facts provided in this article or any other article should not substitute the data or advice you get from health care practitioners.

Suppose you plan to give your children marijuana-derived CBD. In that case, you have to be sure that your child has a qualifying medical condition and is registered in your state’s medical marijuana program (provided that your state allows medical marijuana use). Also, a parent or a guardian should be in charge of controlling the CBD consumption of the minor.

Your sworn duty and responsibility as parents is to monitor your children’s CBD consumption. We have limited scientific literature on chronic CBD use in children. For the children’s safety, always consult your doctor before making them CBD users.

Summary – What Age Can You Buy CBD At?

CBD and other hemp derivatives were illegal until 2018 when the Farm Bill legalized hemp cultivation. It made it possible to sell CBD and other hemp-derived products. Nevertheless, federal laws do not rule out state laws. Every state has its CBD laws, and they may not be in line with the legalization on a federal level.

Therefore, some states provide age restrictions on CBD, while others do not. You have to be at least 18 years old and adequately identify when buying from stores in some states. Before buying from legal dispensaries in other states, you must be 21 years of age.

It is also possible to give your children CBD as long as the state allows it. Some states permit children to use cannabis for medical use. However, you have to consult your doctor and get a professional opinion before putting any minor on CBD use.

The age restriction depends on your state, the store you are buying from, the CBD product you want to purchase, and whether the product is for medical or recreational use. As long as you are qualified and of legal age, you can buy and use any CBD product in your state and enjoy its benefits.