CBD Legal and Regulatory Factors
Written by: Hunter Podell, Subject Matter Expert and Website Founder
Published: March 15, 2024; Last updated: April 6, 2024
As the popularity of CBD continues to grow, so do questions about its legality. Our overview aims to shed light on the legal landscape surrounding CBD, while giving you the option to delve deeper into the many parts of legality. Please note, while we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, laws can vary significantly by location and may change over time. Always consult local regulations for the most current legal status.
Federal Legality in the United States
As of the last update, CBD derived from hemp (cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% THC) is legal at the federal level in the United States, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This legislation removed hemp-derived products from the Schedule I status under the Controlled Substances Act. However, CBD derived from marijuana plants is still federally illegal, though laws vary by state. Discover the federal legal status.
Full Spectrum CBD
Full Spectrum CBD contains all the natural compounds found in the hemp plant, including a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds. This includes THC, though in legal hemp products, the THC concentration must remain below 0.3% by dry weight. The presence of THC, even in such low quantities, can affect the legal status of Full Spectrum CBD in jurisdictions with strict THC laws.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad Spectrum CBD is similar to Full Spectrum in that it contains a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes, but it undergoes an additional process to remove THC entirely. This makes Broad Spectrum products a safer legal choice in areas where any THC presence is restricted, offering many of the same benefits as Full Spectrum without the legal complications of THC.
CBD Isolate
CBD Isolate is the purest form of CBD, with all other hemp plant compounds removed until only CBD remains. Isolate is typically 99% pure CBD, containing no THC or other cannabinoids. This makes it the most straightforward option legality-wise, as it avoids the potential legal issues associated with THC content entirely.
State-Specific Laws
While federally legal, the state-level legality of CBD can vary. Some states have fully embraced hemp-derived CBD, incorporating it into a wide range of products. Others may have more restrictive laws, only allowing CBD for medical use, or have specific requirements for the levels of THC permitted in CBD products. It’s crucial to check your state’s laws regarding CBD. Check your state’s CBD laws.
International Legality
Globally, the legal status of CBD varies even more widely. Some countries have liberal policies similar to the U.S., allowing for the use and sale of CBD with low THC levels. Other countries may have stricter regulations, with CBD being either restricted or entirely illegal. Before purchasing or traveling with CBD internationally, it’s important to research the specific laws of your destination country. Learn about international CBD laws.
Ensuring Compliance
For consumers, ensuring that your CBD products are legal means verifying that they are hemp-derived, contain less than 0.3% THC, and meet the regulatory standards set by your state or country. For retailers, compliance involves thorough testing and certification processes to guarantee product legality and safety. The good news is at The CBD Joint, we take care to ensure that every product on our site is compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill, each having under 0.3% THC.
The Future of CBD Legality
The legal landscape for CBD is continually evolving, with new legislation and regulations developing as more is learned about its benefits and potential. Staying informed is key to navigating the changes confidently and legally. Explore the future of CBD legality.
Written by Hunter Podell - Subject Matter Expert and Website Founder
Hunter has 8+ years of experience as a content writer and digital marketer. Earning his chops marketing in the healthcare space for over 5 years, Hunter is extremely familiar with the rules and regulations required to deliver high quality content that answers the user's needs while adhering to strict guidelines.
