THE LEGALITY OF MARIJUANA (CANNABIS) AND CANNABIDIOL (CBD)
because of the stunning growth of the cannabis industry, many people would love to learn more about the legality of CBD and marijuana. The lack of adequate answers to these questions has made many people skeptical about using any marijuana or CBD product.
Many people assume that the possession or use of both CBD and marijuana is illegal because of their association with the cannabis sativa plant. However, this assumption is not completely accurate.
In this post, we will explore the legality of marijuana and cannabidiol.
IS HEMP OR CANNABIDIOL (CBD) LEGAL?
The legal status of cannabidiol has been a mystery to many since CBD products began penetrating the market in 2012. Most people know the legality of medical marijuana, however, when it comes to CBD, they are often left confused This is as a result of the inconsistent modifications made by the federal government of the United States to the legality of CBD.
However, the recent legislation from the US federal government has attempted to put an end to this confusion. Hence, CBD, as long as it is hemp-derived, is considered legal by the US federal government. However, the answer is not as straightforward as it sounds. Let’s take a deeper look into the legality of both CBD and marijuana.
A QUICK LOOK INTO THE 2018 FARM BILL
According to the legalization of the US federal government passed in 2018, hemp-derived products are considered to be legal on a federal level. This implies that CBD-related products are also considered to be legal. This was made possible as a result of the legalization of the hemp industry that took place in the same year. You can get more information on the Berkshirecbd website.
This legislation removed CBD or hemp from the CSA (Controlled Substance Act) and classed it under agricultural products. Furthermore, the legislation permitted the use of hemp in manufacturing commercial products — as long as they are hemp-derived. This implies that you can go through airport checkpoints with the possession of hemp-derived CBD products without the fear of breaking federal laws.
However, you should know that the 2018 Farm Bill did not legalize marijuana or CBD products that are derived from marijuana.
CLEARING THE BLURRY LINES BETWEEN THE LEGALITY OF MARIJUANA AND CANNABIDIOL (CBD)
It is commonly known that both hemp/CBD and marijuana are extracts of the cannabis plant. However, the difference in their chemical composition makes their effects on the human body different. This is turn, affects their legal status.
To the federal and state government in the US, the chemical compound that determines the legality of both substances is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This psychoactive substance is responsible for the high feeling many people associate with the use of marijuana.
CBD or hemp contains a THC concentration as little as 0.3% or less, while marijuana can contain as high as a 20% THC concentration; making marijuana a psychoactive substance.
For any of these products to be considered legal, they must contain a maximum of 0.3% THC concentration. The upshot of all this is that cannabidiol is legal and marijuana illegal.