How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy CBD? Any Age Restriction?

Unless you have been living under a rock, you might have come across at least one of CBD (cannabidiol) products. There is still a common misconception going around about CBD products denying public access which might have led to confusion about at what age it is legal to buy CBD. The simple answer to the question of how old do you have to be to buy CBD depends on the rules regulated by different states. 

Although CBD has a number of therapeutic effects in humans, the use of cannabidiols is prohibited in most countries. While most states allow you to consume CBD at the age of 18 or older, a selected number of states require a minimum age of 21. 

This article will provide you with all the vital information regarding the age restrictions in different states involved with purchasing CBD. 

What Do We Know About CBD?

Cannabinoids are a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the cannabis sativa plant which is the major source of hemp and marijuana. The main cannabinoids are THC which is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD).

CBD or Cannabidiol is one of the active chemicals derived from the hemp plant. CBD does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which makes you high. CBD is a popular remedy for treating anxiety, depression, and pain along with other ailments. 

Types of CBD 

The following are the 3 main types of CBD products: 

 

What are the most common types of CBD?

CBD can be consumed in different formats. The most common CBD formats are listed below:

• CBD oils: CBD oils can be consumed by placing them under the tongue. CBD oils are the most common and widely used CBD formats. 

• CBD capsules and gummies: CBD capsules and soft gummies are easy-to-swallow methods and the dosage can be tracked easily as well. 

•  CBD tinctures: despite their resemblance to CBD oils, CBD tinctures are alcohol-based. 

• CBD topicals: CBD topicals are infused with CBD extract that comes in the form of cream, lotion, or salve that can be directly applied to the skin. 

• CBD smokables: smoking or vaping CBD is highly discouraged as its effects are quickly absorbed by the lungs and can negatively impact the bloodstream.    

CBD effects and its uses

CBD enters the body by attaching the receptors in the endocannabinoid system. If you ingest CBD as gummies, capsules, or any other edibles, it is broken down by your digestive system and then circulated throughout your bloodstream. If you take CBD orally by placing it under the tongue as oils or tinctures, then CBD is absorbed into your bloodstream through your mouth.

CBD is likely effective in treating chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and sleep deprivation. CBD may also help to reduce cancer by inhibiting the growth and multiplication of cancer-causing cells and reducing the symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. 

Is CBD legal?

Despite its popularity, many people still wonder if it is legal or not. This depends on 2 factors: the first one is the state you live in and the second factor is whether it is hemp-derived CBD or marijuana-derived CBD.

The use of CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC is limited to a minimum age of 18 in some states and 20 years of age in some states. 

Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 THC is considered to be legal at the federal but are still illegal under some state laws. There is no restriction on kids for taking CBD oils and gummies as it does not contain little to no THC. 

Cannabis or marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level but are legal based on age under some state laws. 

Is CBD legal in the USA?

Purchasing CBD is federally legal in the USA as long as it doesn’t contain more than 0.03% of THC. In 2018, the U.S. Congress passed the farm bill. This law removed hemp from the federal Controlled Substances Act legalizing CBD if it comes from hemp. 

What state limits CBD usage?

As we have already mentioned above, some states have specific laws that restrict the usage of CBD products. 

The following are the various restrictions according to different categories: 

What state doesn’t restrict on using CBD?

1. No restrictions: The states that have legalized the purchase and consumption of CBD products include Washington, the District of Columbia, Oregon, Alaska, California, Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts. Although, there might be age restrictions depending on the state. 

2. Medical restrictions: Marijuana-derived CBD products can be purchased in some states under medical prescriptions from licensed authorities. The states where marijuana-derived CBD products can be purchased with medical prescriptions include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Montana,  Ohio, New Hampshire, New Jersey,  Rhode Island, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

How old do you have to be to buy CBD?

Some states allow the consumption of CBD-infused products in those who are the age of 18 while for some states it’s 21. The age restrictions are concerned with the presence of THC(tetrahydrocannabinol). 

Age restrictions according to different variants of CBD are as follows:

• Smokable CBD products: smokeable CBD products are sold widely in many states while restricted in the form of oils, tablets, or topicals. 

• Vapable CBD products: CBD oils that can be vaporized and inhaled are highly restricted in some states. Vaping is restricted to those who are 21 and older. 

• Marijuana-derived CBD: States that have legalized the use of marijuana-derived CBD products with more than 0/3% THC have an age restriction of 21. 

Is It Legal to Give CBD to Children?

The 2018 farm bill states that CBD products can be purchased and used by children. The World Health Organization has also stated that hemp-derived CBD products are generally safe for kids as long as it in the form of gummies, capsules, tinctures, etc (except the smokeable forms) and as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.

Marijuana-Derived CBD vs Hemp-Derived CBD

CBD can be derived from hemp plants or non-hemp plants. The federal government has legalized industrial hemp while other forms of cannabis are federally illegal. Some states have also legalized the use of marijuana-derived CBD for medical or recreational use. 

Marijuana-derived CBD contains a higher level of THC than hemp-derived CBD. THC is a psychoactive ingredient that is primarily responsible for its psychoactive effects. Although some states allow the purchase and consumption of marijuana-derived CBD products, it is considered federally illegal and is restricted to be transported across state borders. The minimum age to purchase and consume marijuana-derived CBD products is 18 to 21 based on different states. 

What to Know When Buying CBD Oil Online?

In this section, we have listed some of the important things you need to keep in your mind before buying CBD online. 

1. Do a quick research on CBD

Before starting to use CBD, it is important to cover the grey area regarding CBD. It includes getting to know more about the source of CBD, its types, and its uses. 

2. Learn the different methods to consume CBD

Contrary to popular belief, CBD can be consumed without smoking or vaping. It can be used as oils, capsules, gummies, tinctures, and topicals. 

3. Understanding the content of THC in your CBD products

Before using CBD, it is highly important to make sure the amount of THC is present in the CBD product.  Whilst many states have legalized the use of CBD products, most of the states only allow the use of CBD products with less than 0.3% THC.

4. Make sure the use of CBD is legal

Before purchasing CBD, make sure your residing state allows the use of CBD products and its age restrictions. 

5. Learn about its dosages

Before consuming CBD, it is highly important to learn the respective dosages according to the different forms of CBD. 

6. Choose full-spectrum CBD instead of CBD isolate 

Make sure the CBD product you are planning to use contains full-spectrum CBD instead of CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains beneficial compounds that create an entourage effect that helps to maximize the effects of CBD.

Summarizing CBD age limits 

CBD or cannabidiol has taken the wellness industry by storm. Due to their ever-increasing popularity for their therapeutic effects, it might have also led to confusion on who can use them or not. The legalities of CBD might be partly confusing based on hemp-derived CBD products and marijuana-based CBD products.

Purchasing and use of CBD derived from industrial hemp are considered federally legal as long as it does not contain more than 0.3 percent THC while some states have different restrictions on CBD. Based on different states, the minimum age for consuming CBD is 18 years or older while for some states the required age is 21. State laws might also limit the use of CBD based on the format it is to be consumed.