How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy CBD?

Published 12:17 pm Wednesday, June 12, 2024

CBD, or cannabidiol, has become quite famous in recent years for its natural health-improving properties. From anxiety-relieving properties to sleep improvement, there are many enticing benefits to CBD oil

Its extensive range of health-boosting properties and non-intoxicating nature make it a lucrative option for both younger and older generations. But since it has become legal recently, there’s quite some confusion around what’s the appropriate age to buy it. 

From one state to another, the appropriate age to buy CBD can differ because of the changing legal landscape. In the US, the age range is mostly between 18 and 21 years old, and in some states, there’s no age limit at all. 

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Is It Legal To Buy CBD In The US?

Yes, it’s completely legal to buy CBD in the US. It’s a fairly recent development, and the first foundation was laid in 2014. Back then, the government legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp for research purposes in several institutes as long as the plants contained less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

 THC is a cannabinoid that is intoxicating in nature, unlike CBD, and can make you high or stoned in higher doses. It’s the main reason people get high after they smoke marijuana. But this 2014 farm bill didn’t specifically distinguish between hemp and marijuana-derived CBD, so CBD remained in a legal gray area. 

Legal Age To Buy Hemp-Derived CBD In US States

States with no age limit: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia

States where you must be 18 years old: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 

States where you must be 21 years old: Alaska, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Utah.

What Kind Of CBD Products Are Available In The Market?

You can choose from a variety of CBD products. Each has its unique aspect. Let’s start with the most common ones, known as Oils and Tinctures. 

CBD Oils and Tinctures

These are made by mixing hemp extract with a carrier oil (usually cotton). Tinctures offer convenient dosing methods and get absorbed in your body very quickly. The best way to consume them is by placing a few drops under your tongue, where CBD gets absorbed and mixed in the bloodstream right away. 

CBD Gummies

The edible form of CBD products is quickly gaining market share due to its increasing demand among youngsters. CBD gummies are just like candies, which allows you to carry them anywhere easily.

Each gummy is precisely dosed, which takes away the hassle of manually measuring the dosage with a dropper. They usually come in different unique and fruity flavors, which makes them an interesting and fun way of getting a daily dose of cannabidiol. 

CBD Vapes

These CBDs are also available in the form of vapes. This is the fastest method to feel the relaxing effects of this compound. CBD-carrying vapors get absorbed by your lungs when you take a puff, and the effects can be felt within 10–20 seconds of taking the drag. 

CBD topicals

Got a leg sprain or back pain? CBD topicals have your back. These products quickly gained traction among athletes and older people who constantly have to deal with muscle or joint pain. 

How Does CBD Work? Are There Any Side Effects?

CBD mainly works by improving the efficiency of our body’s endocannabinoid system. All mammals have this system in their bodies, and it’s essential to create balance in our bodies. The endocannabinoid system controls a variety of physiological processes, including our anxiety, sleep, pain, appetite, memory, stress, and more. 

CBD, by influencing the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, makes us feel more relaxed, focused, pain-free, and in control of our bodies. When it comes to side effects, CBD hardly has any. 

Key Takeaways

To sum it up, to buy CBD legally in the USA, you must be between the ages of 18 and 21. Some states ask you to be 18; some ask you to be 21; and some don’t have any age limits. 

The federal 2018 farm bill has left it for states to decide what age limit they want to set for their citizens. 

That’s why, from one state to another, you’ll notice that age limits are different. Some places are more conservative, while others are quite open, but gradually, over time, CBD acceptance has increased drastically.