Florida, sometimes called the “Sunshine State,” is one US state that adjusted its CBD legislation following the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act. So, if you are visiting Florida and want to enjoy some hemp-produced goods, then you have nothing to worry about.
This post will tell you why and how.
Yes, You Can Buy CBD in Florida
Thankfully, CBD is not only legal in Florida but also thriving!
Since 2019, when Florida decided to make hemp products legal (Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill), CBD shops of all shapes and sizes have flourished. Because hemp-derived cannabinoids are no longer identified as “controlled substances,” possession and sales of CBD products have become abundant in the mentioned state.
Although some requirements are needed for CBD sellers to advertise their products, making CBD legal at the federal status helped make CBD products available to the Florida populace.
CBD Laws in Florida: Some Basic Information for You
The 2018 Farm Bill is responsible for allowing the state of Florida to legalize cannabis. The CBD laws of Florida have undergone significant changes since 2019. These updates paved the way to usher in a new era of regulations and accessibility to the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol (CBD).
Getting the Lowdown on CBD Laws in Florida
2019 is a significant year for CBD consumers in Florida. It was in this year that the state embraced federal legalization of CBD, provided hemp products contain THC concentrations less than 0.3%.
This legal move is consistent with a CBD-empowering legislation known as the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (AKA 2018 Farm Bill). Under Senate Bill 1020, otherwise called the “State Hemp Program,” hemp’s legal status in Florida has changed because it was recognized as an agricultural commodity.
The legalization of CBD in Florida allowed medical marijuana patients to experience the health benefits they seek from legal hemp extracts. Legalized hemp products have also given marijuana users another means to enjoy the effect of their beloved cannabis plant without getting high.
Who’s Calling the Shots
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services oversees the regulatory landscape for CBD and other cannabinoids. Its main task is to ensure that CBD products within the state comply with its established rules.
There are two key regulations that serve as the legal framework for the lawful production, distribution, and consumption of CBD products. These are Rule 5B-57.01 F.A.C. and Rule 581.217 (7), F.S.
The Scoop for Growing and Selling CBD
Rule 5B-57.01 F.A.C. outlines rigid guidelines for cultivating and distributing industrial hemp products:
- Only licensed producers are allowed to cultivate hemp. They should do this only within designated lots.
- Home cultivation of industrial hemp is considered illegal, except for a limited number of registered nurseries within specific conditions.
- Producers of industrial hemp products should adhere to qualified testing regulations. FDACS representatives collect samples to identify THC content before harvest.
Hitting the Road: How Hemp Products Move Around
Transporting CBD products across state lines is subject to stringent protocols. Hemp consumers and sellers must carry with them a Certificate of Analysis that indicates THC content and a detailed bill of sale.
More requirements apply if the transported materials are nursery stock and live plants. Those transported via postal services are included.
CBD in Your Fingertips: How Much is Allowed?
Cannabinoids derived from hemp may be disseminated and sold lawfully in Florida if certain conditions are met, according to Rule 5821.217 (7) F.S. Although age limitations exist, consumers may possess cannabis for personal use without a license.
While inhalants require users to be 21 years of age or older, hemp products can be purchased or used by anyone over the age of 18.
What CBD Products are legally sold in Florida?
CBD Oils
This type of CBD product refers to a specific hemp extract typically taken sublingually (under the tongue) for a faster absorption rate. CBD oil is a versatile liquid that consumers can add to their foods and drinks. CBD oils are available in varying concentrations and strengths.
CBD Edibles
These are food products infused with the cannabidiol cannabinoid. The most popular among them are hemp-based gummies. One strength of the mentioned edibles is that they provide a convenient and discreet way to consume hemp-derived products.
CBD Topicals
Topicals are CBD creams, CBD lotions, balms, and patches enriched with the cannabidiol substance. Designed to be applied directly to the skin, these hemp-based products provide fast and localized relief from soreness, inflammation, and other skin conditions.
CBD Inhalants
Aside from ingesting and applying directly to the skin, you can also inhale hemp cannabinoids. These products may come as THC vape oils that turn into vapor and involve inhaling it to reach the lungs. This method provides fast absorption into the bloodstream, with effects felt quickly.
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules or pills contain hemp-derived extracts that deliver potential therapeutic effects. Thanks to their precise dosage, capsules are becoming increasingly popular. Capsules are favored by consumers who want a consistent and tasteless way to enjoy hemp effects with less THC.
CBD Isolates
CBD Isolates are perfect for individuals who want to enjoy pure cannabidiol or other hemp cannabinoids. Isolates come in crystalline or powder form and contain no detectable THC.
CBD for Pets
CBD for Pets can support pet health and wellness by offering relief from various types of discomforts. Pet-friendly hemp products may include relief from anxiety, pain, inflammation, or other conditions.
Who Can Buy CBD in Florida?
If you’re looking to grab some CBD goodies in the Sunshine State, here’s what you need to know:
First, you must be of legal age, typically 18, for most CBD products. However, if you’re eyeing those smokable treats, you might need to be a bit older, maybe 21.
Secondly, make sure what you’re buying is the real deal – CBD products derived from industrial hemp. Why? Because these products keep their THC levels under 0.3%, which keeps them totally legal.
By adhering to these rules, you’re not just playing by the book—you’re also making sure your CBD purchases are top-notch and meet all the safety and quality standards set by the state.
What to Look for When Buying CBD in Florida
When it comes to buying CBD in Florida, safety and effectiveness should be your top priorities. Here’s what to look out for:
Safety first
Check for a barcode or QR code on every bottle of CBD oil you purchase—it’s a direct link to the product’s third-party lab analysis conducted by an independent lab. This ensures that unsafe products stay off Florida’s shelves. Since hemp plants can soak up toxins from the soil, reading these lab results is crucial.
To steer clear of harmful toxins, simplify your shopping by opting for USDA Organic CBD oil sourced from organically grown hemp plants.
Avoid fakes
Be vigilant against fake CBD products. Some companies may try to pass off cannabinoid-free hempseed oil as CBD oil or make misleading health claims. Keep in mind that the FDA strictly regulates health claims made by dietary supplements or food additives, so any CBD oil boasting miraculous health benefits should raise a red flag.
Seek effectiveness
For maximum benefits, opt for full-spectrum hemp CBD oil. It’s the only type shown to produce an “entourage effect,” where all cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC, work together synergistically. Thanks to Florida’s CBD laws, you can legally enjoy full-spectrum hemp oil without worrying about legal repercussions.
Go for non-GMO and vegan-friendly.
Buying vegan and non-GMO CBD products is crucial for health, environmental, and ethical considerations. When you go for vegan options, such as pectin-based hemp gummies, over those that use gelatin, you ensure the exclusion of animal-derived ingredients. Also, consumers support all-natural and environmentally friendly approaches in the industry by opting for non-GMO hemp goods.
Where Can I Buy CBD in Florida?
There are tons of options to buy CBD in Florida since this state has decided to expand its medical marijuana program by recognizing the legal status of CBD products. Here are the sure ways of purchasing CBD in Florida:
Online
Buying CBD products offers convenience and a wide selection of products. Consumers are empowered to easily compare prices, read customer reviews, and access different hemp brands and formulations. Moreover, reputable online retailers such as Stirling CBD often provide detailed product information such as the following:
- Scannable barcode
- Expiration date
- Ingredients
- Preferred dosage
- Website address
However, the absence of physical interaction may make it difficult for some consumers to ask questions or seek assistance. It is a good thing that Stirling CBD has very responsive customer support.
Dispensaries
CBD dispensaries are retail outlets that sell CBD products. They need a Hemp Food Establishment Permit to operate legally. Consumers who buy from these dispensaries receive personalized guidance from knowledgeable staff members. Generally, these retailers offer a curated selection of high-quality products, each with a clear, scannable barcode in its original packaging.
Dispensaries may also have some downsides. For one, some areas have limited access to top CBD dispensaries. Also, hemp-derived products from local stores might be higher than online products, considering the overhead costs associated with operating a physical storefront.
Other distributors or sellers
Here, we are referring to pharmacies and wellness stores. A pharmacy is typically a regulated establishment with trained pharmacists who can provide expert advice. On the other hand, wellness stores offer natural and alternative health solutions where CBD products qualify.
Now, these distributors or sellers offer fewer CBD products than dispensaries and online resellers. And, of course, the prices of CBD products from pharmacies and wellness stores might be higher since they have to maintain a brick-and-mortar store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal law for CBD?
The 2018 Farm Bill updated the legal status of CBD in the USA, provided the products have less than 0.3% THC. Due to the legislation’s provisions, several states adjusted their hemp product treatment. In other regions, hemp’s legal status continues to evolve.
Is CBD oil legal in Florida?
CBD oil is legal in the state of Florida. The legalization process was marked by Florida voters approving the use of medical marijuana and eventually paving the way for state-recognized dispensaries to provide cannabis products, cannabidiol products included.
Can you buy medical marijuana in Florida?
Additional legislation was passed that makes Florida’s CBD laws consistent with the 2018 Farm Bill. As a result, it is now legal for consumers in Florida to purchase, possess, and consume medical marijuana products. Floridians can freely take their CBD oil to popular destinations like Disney World or anywhere else in the state.
What is CBD oil?
This is a hemp extract that contains one or several kinds of cannabinoids, with cannabidiol as its primary ingredient. Cannabidiol is a known non-psychoactive substance that may offer potential therapeutic benefits such as reducing inflammation and relieving discomfort.
Conclusion
Is CBD legal in Florida? The answer is a resounding “Yes.” This fact enables a local or a visitor to confidently buy and use CBD products they deem beneficial to them. However, to ensure that you are buying safe and effective products, ensure that they have clear labels where all the vital information is indicated.
