It goes without saying that CBD remains to be one of the top health fads around the globe. As consumers are looking for safer, all-natural options to treat everyday conditions, CBD oil has continued to grow in demand and popularity.
While many people are well-versed in CBD’s many health benefits, including reduced anxiety, pain relief, and better sleep, there is a lot that people do not know when it comes to the legality of CBD. Because there is still some gray area in regards to the legality of CBD, there are some things you need to know.
Keep reading to learn what laws apply to CBD and how you can ensure that you are buying a safe, legal product:
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is the main ingredient in CBD oil and other products. Though found in cannabis plants, CBD is mostly harvested from hemp, as the product naturally contains low levels of THC.
CBD is a cannabinoid like THC, but the compound has very different effects on the body. Instead of causing a euphoric high, CBD calms the mind and offers a sense of ease and relaxation. When taken constantly, CBD can offer a host of health benefits, including:
- Reduced anxiety
- Better sleep
- Pain relief
- Clearer skin
Despite the popularity of CBD oil continuing to increase, there is still a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about the legality and legal regulations that apply to these products. Liferesearchco believes that the hemp plant is as important to our wellbeing as the water we drink and the air we breathe.
CBD Oil Legal Issues
In the past, there was no clear distinction between CBD and cannabis. In fact, even today, people still confuse CBD with THC, which is the active ingredient in marijuana. With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and CBD are differentiated from cannabis plants. The bill legalizes CBD at the federal level. But this does not mean that all hemp and CBD products are legal.
In order for CBD to be legal, the product must be guidelines set within the bill. To adhere to federal guidelines, a CBD product must:
- Contain hemp-derived CBD that’s cultivated by a licensed manufacturer
- Contain CBD harvested from hemp plants (opposed to cannabis)
- Contain less than 0.3% THC by weight
There are also other nuances to be aware of when buying CBD oil. While CBD is legal at the federal level, there are state and local laws that must also be considered. The legality of CBD is different from state to state, so the laws on CBD oil in Iowa may be different from those in New York or California.
Sadly, this gray area makes things very confusing for consumers. Under the Farm Bill, hemp-derived products can legally be transferred across state lines. There are also no restrictions on the sale, transport, or possession of hemp-derived products, as long as all legal requirements are met.
Do Your Research
While there is a federal law that sets guidelines for CBD oil and other products, there is no federal agency that oversees the industry as a whole. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does play a role in ensuring that CBD manufacturers are not selling products with misleading medical claims, but the agency does not oversee, test, or regulate any of the CBD products that hit the market.
This means that it is more important than ever for consumers to take the time to research brands and products before buying CBD oil. You want to have peace of mind knowing that the product you are using is safe and will offer the relief you are seeking, such as Gold Bee CBD.
But how do you know if CBD oil is safe, let alone legal? There are many factors you can look at to weed out low quality and potentially dangerous products.
Buy From Well-Known Brands
The first thing you will want to do is to only buy CBD oil from well-known CBD manufacturers. Though it may be tempting, you do not want to buy CBD products that you find at the gas station or local convenience store. These products are generally cheaper, but the money you save is not worth the risk.
Before buying CBD oil, research the brand. See if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau or if the FDA has warned the company for mislabeling products or for making medical claims.
By purchasing CBD oil from reputable companies, you are one step closer to having 100% confidence in the product you are buying. There are dozens upon dozens of CBD manufacturers to choose from. But, only those that are trusted, reliable, and authoritative actually withstand the test of time.
Read Customer Testimonials
After reading about a CBD brand, including where hemp is grown and how CBD is extracted, the next step is to see what consumers have to say. The best place to get unbiased opinions about a specific kind of CBD oil is from customers who have bought it.
See what people have to say about a brand and the product you are interested in buying. Are there mostly positive comments and reviews? Do people claim that the product works and actually gives them the relief they were seeking?
If a product has mediocre or negative reviews, you will want to choose a different CBD oil to try.
Read The Certificate Of Analysis
The last, but most important step, is to review the certificate of analysis (COA). This is a document that’s created by a third party lab that shows a product’s ingredients and the amount of those ingredients. With a COA, you can confirm that what’s advertised about a product is actually true. You can also confirm that a product meets legal guidelines.
For example, when reviewing the COA, you can determine if a product actually contains the amount of CBD that is advertised. You can also ensure that CBD oil contains less than 0.3% THC. A COA will also indicate the existence of any harmful ingredients, including solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals.
Understanding exactly what a product contains before taking it will give you peace of mind that you are using CBD oil that is safe, as well as legal.
Now that you know the legal ins and outs of CBD, do you feel more confident in buying CBD oil? Share your thoughts below!