How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy CBD?
Identifying the necessary age for buying CBD can pose challenges due to the varying regulations among US states. These regulations, reflecting the nation’s diversity, render it difficult to offer a definitive answer to the question, “What age do you need to be to purchase CBD?”
Your eligibility hinges on two key factors: the regulations in your state and the specific CBD product you seek. While some states require a minimum age of 18, others mandate 21. Interestingly, certain states have no age restrictions whatsoever.
This blog post aims to dissect the diverse age restrictions for purchasing CBD legally across all 50 states, clarify the various requirements, and offer guidance on navigating them.
CBD Products and Age Restrictions
When it comes to purchasing CBD products, pegging the appropriate age restrictions can be pretty challenging. It is like solving a jigsaw puzzle, where every piece has its size, which forms the most significant piece.
In the United States, the existing rules surrounding age restrictions for purchasing hemp-derived CBD products are as diverse as the country itself. This suggests that there is no direct answer to the question, “How old do you have to be to buy CBD?”
The appropriate age at which you can buy legal hemp products hinges on two factors:
- The state you currently live in.
- The specific CBD product you want to buy
Generally speaking, US states fall into three categories regarding age restrictions on CBD. Some require buyers to be 18 or older, others set the minimum age at 21, and some states do not have age restrictions.
Regardless of which category your state falls into, having a valid form of identification is practical. Most retailers will ask for proof of age before completing your purchase.
Do You Have to be 18 to Buy CBD?: Looking at All 50 States
With the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill, it is federally legal to buy and ship CBD products nationwide. But actually, receiving CBD products via mail may not be legal in some states.
Below is a quick overview of hemp-derived CBD product restrictions per state:
States with 21 years and older restriction
- Alaska
- Maine
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Tennessee
- Idaho
States with 18 years and older restriction
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
States with no age restrictions
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Under federal law in the United States, we’ll discover that the legal age restrictions for purchasing CBD products are not explicitly stated in the 2018 Farm Bill. This specific bill is famous because it legalized all industrial hemp-derived CBD products containing no more than 0.3% THC.
The Farm Bill’s main concern was to remove industrial hemp from the list of controlled substances. It was also instrumental in enabling the cultivation and sale of hemp and its derivatives. Some of the CBD products Americans can access are CBD oils, CBD topicals, CBD gummies, CBD inhalants, and CBD isolates.
Despite legalizing hemp-based products on the federal level, the bill does not provide specific age restrictions. This means that individual states have the discretion to determine their preferred age to buy CBD legally in their jurisdiction. As a result, age requirements are patchworked across the country.
Consequently, the legal minimum age to purchase hemp-derived products varies depending on local regulations, and these may be subject to change. Prospective consumers who want to access CBD products should familiarize themselves with their state’s laws about purchasing and consuming different CBD forms.
Generally, individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 are the ones commonly purchasing CBD products. Certain states can impose stricter age verification requirements to show proof of age from CBD consumers.
Why Do Age Restrictions Matter in Buying CBD?
Age restrictions play a crucial role when you want to purchase CBD products. This is because the plant-based products under consideration may pose some potential risks.
While CBD itself is not inherently psychoactive, it is typically derived from a cannabis plant that contains high concentrations of THC (above the 0.3% THC threshold). THC means tetrahydrocannabinol, and it is the plant compound responsible for the high we associate with marijuana use.
Research conducted in 2020, published in BMC Public Health, emphasizes the increased susceptibility of people under the age of 19 to the adverse effects related to marijuana consumption. These effects may include the following:
- Impaired cognitive abilities
- Aggravation of emotional conditions
- Diminished impulse control
- Possible harm to physical health
Several regulatory bodies aim to lessen the occurrence of the mentioned risks by implementing age restrictions on CBD purchases. This protective measure aligns with more comprehensive public health initiatives aimed at promoting the well-being of individuals using CBD products from different companies.
Our CBD Magnesium Cream offers a safe, soothing solution for adults seeking relief from muscle soreness or fatigue — perfect for stress-free, responsible CBD use.
Is It Legal to Give Kids CBD?
When we enter the realm of legality and child health, the question of whether it’s permissible to give kids CBD is not answerable by a simple yes or no. There are some legal considerations coupled with evolving medical understanding that need to be taken into account.
First, let’s have THC. At the federal level, giving children with THC is unequivocally illegal beyond a state’s medical marijuana program. Federal laws often view THC as a controlled substance, and any distribution to minors may result in legal repercussions.
Now, the legality becomes murkier when you include full-spectrum CBD products in the equation. Such products contain a broad spectrum of hemp cannabinoids, including up to 0.3% THC. This level is deemed permissible under the federal law.
Today, many parents who want to help their children’s health issues have increasingly turned to non-prescription CBD products that they can buy either online or at CBD dispensaries. The products are often marketed as natural remedies that offer potential relief with less of the psychoactive effects coming from THC.
However, CBD’s long-term effects on children are still subject to more in-depth research studies. Research concerning CBD’s efficacy and safety among children is still limited.
While preliminary studies suggest potential benefits for specific health conditions, more extensive research is needed to establish definitive guidelines for CBD use in children.
What are the Risks of Giving CBD to Kids?
Giving CBD to kids may lead to certain risks. Below are the factors that come into play:
A crucial consideration would be the THC content of the products you want to give to kids. The current federal law allows CBD products with less than 0.3% THC, but giving THC to kids is still unlawful. To address this risk, parents should only administer CBD products that are either THC-free or contain trace amounts of THC (e.g., CBD isolate or THC-free broad spectrum CBD products).
Dosage control is also a possible risk when giving CBD to kids. This factor is especially true with certain CBD edibles like oils and gummies. Ascertaining proper dosages for children can be very difficult because the mentioned CBD products are typically dosed based on weight. Parents must exercise extra caution and carefully follow dosing guidelines to prevent CBD overconsumption.
Additionally, the quality of CBD products differs across several CBD companies. Low-quality or contaminated CBD products may pose health risks to children, emphasizing the importance of sourcing from reputable and transparent companies. Stirling CBD is a leading CBD brand that only sells safe and pure CBD products. Everything we sell on our website has COAs from our constant third-party lab tests.
The best course of action for parents who desire to give CBD to their kids would be to consult with a healthcare professional. By so doing, they are given medical guidance on what the safest and most effective approach is.
What Are Hemp-Derived CBD Products?
Hemp-derived CBD products are items made from cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from hemp plants. Hemp is a variety of cannabis plants that contains low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana. CBD extracted from hemp contains negligible levels of THC, typically below 0.3%, making it non-intoxicating.
Is CBD Legal?
CBD’s legality hinges on variables like its origin (hemp or marijuana) and the jurisdiction’s statutes. Many nations permit CBD from hemp with minimal THC content, thanks to federal laws like the 2018 Farm Bill in the U.S., legalizing hemp and compliant products.
Nevertheless, CBD from marijuana, typically with higher THC concentrations, faces stricter regulations. Some locales permit medical CBD with elevated THC for therapeutic use, while others prohibit recreational use of marijuana-based CBD.
Consumers must grasp local CBD laws to adhere to them. Additionally, CBD regulations evolve, underscoring the necessity to stay abreast of legislative changes.
How to Identify if a CBD Product is Worth It?
Today, you’ll find hundreds of CBD sellers, but within the mix, there are those that sell bad stuff. The latter are selling CBD products that might be ineffective or illegal because the THC content is beyond the allowed threshold.
So, how can you buy CBD products that are worth the money? Below are some considerations.
It must be sourced from US-grown industrial hemp plants.
You are also guaranteed certain benefits when you buy CBD products obtained from US-grown hemp plants. These may include assured quality and safety because of the stringent regulations and compliance with legal THC limits.
Choosing domestically sourced CBD promotes transparency, accountability, and support for local economies. The best benefit of CBD products sourced from USA hemp is the environmental sustainability they bring through reduced carbon emissions and eco-friendly farming practices.
Stirling CBD believes in all the benefits mentioned, so our CBD products only come from American-farmed hemp plant materials.
It must have a Certificate of Analysis.
CBD products with certificates of analysis (COA) will always get thumbs up. Such documents are crucial for ensuring product safety, potency, and transparency. COAs give detailed information on the following:
- The cannabinoid content of the product.
- The weight percentage of each cannabinoid.
- The concentration of each cannabinoid as part of the whole.
- Heavy metal analysis
- Pesticide analysis
By reviewing COAs, consumers can verify the accuracy of product labeling, confirm compliance with legal THC limits, and assess the purity of the CBD extract.
Stirling CBD offers COAs on its websites and through the QR codes printed on its labels. When you buy CBD online from our store, you are assured that all of our products meet federal guidelines.
It must be manufactured using organic ingredients.
Organic farming practices do not allow synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. This minimizes the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and residues.
When you shop for CBD products containing organic ingredients, you support sustainable agriculture and a reduced environmental footprint. Overall, opting for CBD products with organic ingredients promotes health, environmental stewardship, and ethical sourcing practices.
It was extracted using a solventless approach.
Naturally occurring hemp cannabinoids may be extracted using several approaches. However, the most preferred method is solventless extraction. In this method, chemical solvents such as butane or ethanol are not used because they may leave harmful residues in the final CBD product.
Now, Stirling CBD exclusively utilizes a unique and innovative solventless extraction method, the “cavitation method.” In this extraction method, the hemp biomass undergoes a unique process where it is immersed in 33-degree distilled ice water. The trichomes then begin to freeze and crystallize. Along the way, the process leaves behind only pure cannabinoids, devoid of unwanted impurities, to yield the final extract.
The hemp company has a responsive customer support system.
Whenever you need to clarify anything regarding your choice of CBD products, you want to experience a responsive customer support system. This factor serves as a direct line of communication between the customer and business, offering timely assistance and even resolving some product issues that could arise.
A responsive customer support system involves knowledgeable and sensitive staff that can immediately detect your needs. One of the things that our customers love about us is how we promptly respond to their inquiries.
Through Stirling’s multiple channels, we can provide fast and accurate help. You are also guaranteed to speak to a human who can empathize with your situation or concern.
What CBD Products are Out There?
When exploring CBD options, it’s essential to find products that prioritize quality, purity, and safety. Stirling CBD exemplifies this commitment with its premium range of CBD products crafted using a solventless extraction method, ensuring they are pure, proven, tested, and filled with premium cannabinoids to meet the highest standards.
CBD Oils
These CBD extracts are among the most popular hemp-derived CBD products available today. When you buy CBD oil, you are actually purchasing a very versatile plant oil because of the many ways you can use it to your advantage.
Withdrawn from an industrial hemp plant, CBD oil may be administered sublingually (placed under the tongue), which could lead to rapid absorption into the bloodstream. When you buy CBD oil, you’ll discover that it comes in various concentrations (either with THC or without THC) to accommodate assorted dosage preferences.
Additionally, CBD extracts may be added to someone’s foods and drinks to mask the apparent bitter taste of the product. With their versatility, potency, and ease of use, CBD oils have become a staple in the wellness routines of many individuals.
CBD Gummies
Like your typical gummy, CBD gummies are sweet treats infused with hemp-derived cannabinoids. They are bite-sized and offer tasty and discreet CBD consumption. If you want to enjoy CBD’s potential benefits but avoid the taste of CBD oil, then CBD gummies would be your perfect form of consumption.
CBD gummies may be THC-free or contain either Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC. Stirling’s innovative mind enabled us to produce a CBD gummy containing Delta 8 and Delta 9.
CBD Topicals
These products include CBD-infused creams, lotions, and salves. CBD topicals have caught the attention of many in the growing CBD industry. One reasonable explanation is their ability to provide targeted relief to affected body areas.
CBD users report that CBD lotions or creams are effective in providing targeted pain relief. Stirling has a rich lineup of CBD topicals that will help your body attain relaxation and relief after a demanding day.
We expertly combine lavender, menthol, and magnesium to enhance CBD’s ability to help deal with various discomforts.
CBD Capsules
Typically seen as an alternative to CBD gummies, CBD capsules also offer a convenient and discreet way to incorporate cannabidiol into one’s daily routine. These pills contain CBD oil or CBD isolate in a pre-measured dosage. CBD capsules are typically favored by individuals who are looking for a tasteless and odorless alternative to CBD oils or edibles.
Stirling sells vegan CBD capsules that can help you sleep, relieve muscle and joint discomforts, and even become your post-workout supplement.
CBD Isolates
CBD isolates represent pure, crystalline versions of cannabidiol (CBD), extracted from hemp plants and separated from all other plant components like cannabinoids and terpenes. This yields a product that is nearly 100% CBD, devoid of THC or other substances. CBD isolates typically come in powder or crystalline forms and can be ingested in various manners, such as sublingually or mixed with food or beverages or employed in crafting homemade CBD items.
Stirling CBD sells a variety of CBD isolates that are known to produce specific health benefits. We have isolates for CBGA, CBDA, and pure CBD.
CBD for Pets
CBD for pets has become increasingly popular as a holistic health promotion method. CBD pet products are sourced from hemp plants and contain cannabidiol (CBD) and other helpful substances formulated with animals’ requirements and sensitivities in mind. These items are available in diverse formats like oils, treats, capsules, and topicals, simplifying the process for owners to provide CBD to their pets. Typically originating from hemp plants, CBD pet products have negligible THC levels, guaranteeing they are safe and non-psychoactive for animals.
How is CBD Different from THC?
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are both compounds found in cannabis, but they have distinct effects. While THC is psychoactive and responsible for the “high” sensation associated with marijuana use, CBD is non-intoxicating and primarily valued for its potential therapeutic benefits. CBD interacts with different receptors in the body, promoting relaxation and relief without altering perception or cognition. Additionally, products with CBD derived from hemp typically contain less than 0.3% THC, making them federally legal in the United States.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants, including hemp and marijuana. They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various physiological processes such as mood, sleep, appetite, and discomfort. The most well-known cannabinoids are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), though there are over 100 others, each with unique effects and potential benefits. These compounds can be used individually or in combination to create different wellness products tailored to specific needs.
Conclusion
Determining the CBD age limit requirements to purchase CBD products across the United States proves challenging due to the varying state regulations. This diversity highlights the absence of a singular response to the question, “How old to buy marijuana-derived CBD products or to buy hemp-derived CBD as well as smoking CBD?” The eligibility criteria vary based on state regulations and the specific CBD item desired, with certain states stipulating the age at 18, others at 21, and some without any restrictions.
Understanding the importance of legal age requirements in CBD sales is vital. These regulations protect minors from potential CBD-related risks and ensure conformity with federal and state statutes. They aim to mitigate possible adverse effects on minors and promote responsible CBD consumption among all consumers.
As the CBD market expands, staying informed about federal government policies is essential, and one must seek legal counsel when necessary. It’s also important to source CBD products from reputable vendors that adhere to quality standards and offer transparency through certificates of analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to show ID to buy CBD?
Many stores will ask for your ID to confirm your age when buying CBD, just like they do for other age-restricted items such as alcohol or tobacco. Make sure to have a government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport, ready when purchasing CBD.
Why do age restrictions matter when buying CBD?
Limitations based on age aim to safeguard minors from potential hazards linked to CBD use and to adhere to federal and state laws. Minors could be more vulnerable to the negative impacts of CBD, and imposing restrictions assists in lessening these dangers. Moreover, age limits support public health campaigns advocating for responsible CBD usage.
What are the different types of CBD oil?
CBD oil is available in diverse varieties, each with distinct attributes and potential benefits. Full-spectrum CBD oil encompasses all the inherent cannabinoids, terpenes, and other advantageous compounds found in hemp, including trace THC (less than 0.3%), believed to induce an “entourage effect.” Broad-spectrum CBD oil, akin to full spectrum but lacking THC, preserves additional cannabinoids and terpenes. CBD isolate, the most refined CBD variant, lacks all other compounds, catering to individuals seeking THC-free alternatives. Nano CBD oil employs nanotechnology to heighten bioavailability and absorption rates, leading to faster onset and intensified effects. Water-soluble CBD oil dissolves readily in water, simplifying absorption and offering convenience when mixed with beverages or food. Each type serves different preferences and objectives, empowering users to select the most suitable option. Each variant caters to diverse preferences and desired outcomes, empowering users to choose the most fitting choice for their requirements.