How old do you have to be to buy CBD?
Discover the basics of CBD legality, including whether there are age restrictions.
CBD is the most popular non-psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant, with thousands of promising studies and anecdotal support. Because CBD doesn’t produce a high and has numerous benefits for the mind and body, it’s more widely accepted in regions where tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may still be illegal.
At Sunmed, we’re on the cutting edge of CBD advocacy and product development, helping newcomers and CBD veterans find the most effective wellness regimens. But depending on where you are in the world and how old you are, CBD might not be fully accessible.
Let’s learn about how old you have to be to buy CBD and learn about the legal landscape around cannabidiol and other cannabinoids. With this knowledge, you can better understand the inner workings of the cannabis industry and see how different products are categorized for your own goals.
Is CBD legal?
CBD is legal in the United States following the passing of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill. This law states that CBD products with 0.3% THC by dry weight or less can be widely distributed, even in parts of the country where marijuana is still illegal.
The Farm Bill contained sections of interest ranging from forest management to economic initiatives for rural areas. The most significant change was the full legalization of hemp and CBD products, jumpstarting the cannabis industry on a federal level.
While it might be more difficult to find CBD in some states due to their stricter cannabis policies, you won’t face legal consequences thanks to federal laws that permit CBD access throughout the U.S.
How old do you have to be to buy CBD?
The 2018 Farm Bill did not place age restrictions on the purchase of CBD and other non-psychoactive hemp products. Many states adopted this restriction-free policy from the legislation, but others added rules to raise the age restrictions for certain product types.
Therefore, depending on where you are in the country, you may be able to buy CBD at any age, while other states raise the bar to 18 or 21. In some states, you must be a registered medicinal cannabis patient to buy CBD, so plan ahead with your doctor to avoid legal issues in these regions.
Also keep in mind that CBD products must be derived from hemp rather than marijuana, and the rule for maximum THC (0.3% by dry weight) still applies to states across the board.
Do all states have age restrictions?
A handful of states have no age restrictions for purchasing CBD products derived from hemp. Stay up to date on your local legislation, as state-specific hemp laws are an ever-changing landscape.
In most states, CBD can only be purchased by those 18 or older. Many states that have fully legalized cannabis take the stance that CBD and other marijuana products are under the same laws and often sold in the same retail environments.
Cannabis laws are frequently changing throughout the U.S., and you may find restrictions to be stricter or looser depending on dispensaries and policies. Plan ahead to get the products you want and avoid issues.
Does CBD have age restrictions in other countries?
While CBD accessibility is generally good in the United States, restrictions vary widely once you go abroad. Many countries limit THC amounts to 0.2% or less, while others CBD legislation are unclear.
When traveling with CBD or looking to buy products abroad, be sure to know the exact policies of the country or region to stay safe and smart.
Which CBD products are beginner friendly?
Since most states permit the sale of CBD, you’ve got many ways to experience the benefits of the hemp plant. From CBD oil and tinctures to gummies, topicals, edibles, and vape products, there’s no shortage of cannabis products to choose from.
This leads many CBD beginners to face the paradox of choice when getting started. Which CBD products are best for first-timers, and how should you start incorporating them into your daily routine?
While it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the range of options, we suggest keeping it simple—at least at first. CBD gummies are a great way to ease into the cannabis lifestyle while knowing exactly how much you’re ingesting at a given time.
Our best-selling Full Spectrum Anytime Gummies are a perfect entry-level product containing hemp-derived cannabinoids and a tiny amount of live resin to produce a stronger entourage effect.
As you learn how your body responds to CBD and build confidence in your routine, you can incorporate tinctures with droppers for a sublingual delivery method. This allows for an increased absorption rate, and you can personalize your serving with a milligram dropper.
Our Full Spectrum Organic Whole Plant Tincture is USDA-certifed organic, rich in plant compounds and a powerful, proprietary terpene blend. Eventually, you can learn to love CBD products of all kinds and even test the waters with small amounts of THC for more benefits.
What is a typical starting dose of CBD for a beginner?
You’ll see recommendations ranging from 10mg to 50mg for starting CBD amounts, but we suggest beginners stay on the lower end of that range to play it safe.
The good news is that our hemp gummies contain 25mg of total hemp-derived CBD per serving, meaning that you can easily cut a gummy in half to get approximately 12.5mg at one time. This is a great amount to introduce CBD to your system and take note of any sensations you might experience in the body or mind.*
After a few weeks of 12.5mg serving sizes, consider taking a half-gummy twice a day. This gives you 25mg daily and ensures your ECS remains balanced from morning to night.
From there, you’ll be accustomed to the feeling of CBD and can safely introduce other compounds after a couple of weeks. This is when you can start using purpose-driven CBD products for wakefulness in the morning or deep sleep at night.
Remember to track your response to CBD products from the moment you start and stick to a routine to unlock the most benefits long term.
What should you consider when buying CBD?
When browsing CBD products from retailers or online stores, there are a few key points to consider. Here are the most important considerations when buying CBD.
Product type
There are countless CBD products available, but they can typically be sorted into product types to guide your purchasing journey.
Oil-based CBD products are a versatile option and allow for effective sublingual delivery. Sunmed offers tinctures with high-quality cannabinoids plus other great ingredients for added benefits.
Edibles like gummies are another simple way to get your CBD on the go without worrying about precision amounts from a dropper. Gel capsules are also easy to ingest at any time. Finally, you’ll find soothing topical creams and gels, bath bombs, and other products absorbed by the skin.*
THC content and extract type
No matter what type of CBD product type you buy, always check on the THC content and extract type to know what you’re getting. Names can be misleading, but ingredient lists and COAs will give you the key info to know.
Be sure to look at the total mg of hemp-derived cannabinoids and know the differences between broad spectrum and full spectrum hemp extracts. Full spectrum products can contain up to 0.3% THC by dry weight, while broad spectrum contains closer to zero.*
Third-party testing
It’s always worth analyzing the third-party tests for the CBD products you’re browsing. This will tell you the exact breakdown of cannabinoids found in the product and clue you in on the best formulations for your needs. You’ll also see information on terpenes and other supporting compounds that add to your experience.
The bottom line
CBD products are widely available and easy to find in most states. Just be aware of any age restrictions or licensing needs that may affect the process in your state or country.
Once you have a way to consistently access high-quality CBD, enjoy the benefits of these hemp extracts to the fullest and test out a variety of unique products.
Sources:
Is CBD legal? Here’s what you need to know, according to science | PBS News Hour
FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD) | FDA
The Farm Bill, hemp legalization and the status of CBD: An explainer | Brookings