The legal landscape of CBD in the United States is extremely diverse. From full legalization to complete prohibition and everything in between, it’s essential to be aware of your state’s laws.
Although the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp and hemp-derived products legal, it did not remove them from Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substance Act. This leaves CBD-based items in a legal gray area and the Food and Drug Administration has yet to clarify its stance regarding CBD-derived dietary supplements.
What Is CBD?
CBD, a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis, has been scientifically proven to treat several symptoms such as pain, anxiety, insomnia, and inflammation.
CBD, unlike THC, does not cause a psychoactive effect. This makes it an appealing option for those who don’t want the euphoric high associated with marijuana.
Additionally, CBD has anti-inflammatory effects which may help alleviate painful arthritic symptoms. This works by interacting with the body’s own endocannabinoid system to block pain signals.
However, it’s essential to remember that CBD may interact with certain medications commonly used for arthritis treatment. So if you’re taking corticosteroids, naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), tramadol (Ultram), or certain antidepressants, speak with your doctor before using CBD.
It is wise to purchase only high-quality legitimate CBD products, such as NuLeaf Naturals or Bluebird Botanicals. These brands undergo third-party quality testing and post batch reports on their websites for your convenience.
Legality in The United States
In the United States, CBD legality varies by state. To ensure you know which laws apply to you, it’s essential to know which ones.
CBD derived from hemp is legal in most states as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC, which cannot make you high nor cause a drug test to fail.
However, there are other legal considerations to take into account. In addition to the federal law on hemp cultivation, various state regulations also apply.
Some states have outlawed the sale of CBD products without a doctor’s prescription or medical-use permit, making traveling across different states an especially challenging challenge.
Legality in Canada
Due to the cannabis act passed last year, the legal landscape for CBD remains somewhat opaque. While its primary objective was to legalize recreational marijuana use, it left numerous important regulations undefined.
Regulations in Canada have left cultivation, production, and sales facilities with more restrictions than they had hoped for. This presents an especially frustrating challenge to CBD businesses that are already struggling to stay afloat in an increasingly crowded market.
However, CBD can be purchased in Canada for medical use if you are a registered patient under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations. Licensed producers are allowed to produce and sell CBD products directly to registered patients.
Many people turn to CBD for health benefits, yet the government prohibits product packaging from making specific health claims. For instance, some CBD manufacturers are touting CBD as a natural cure for various ailments such as anxiety, depression, and even acne.
Legality in Europe
In most of Europe, CBD is legal as long as it’s extracted from hemp plants with a low level of THC (the intoxicating compound found in cannabis). Some countries like Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Poland, Romania, and Spain allow CBD products with a THC percentage of less than 0.2%.
In some European countries, CBD is allowed as a food supplement. However, companies must receive EU approval before bringing such products onto the market.
The EU’s legal landscape for CBD is complex and rapidly evolving. It’s essential to comprehend how these regulations affect your business operations as well as those of your supply chain partners.
The legality of CBD is a complex issue that involves both EU and national regulations. Recently, the European Court of Justice ruled that cannabis-derived compound CBD should not be classified as a narcotic drug due to its lack of psychotropic effect or detrimental effects on human health.
