CBD’s popularity has exploded in recent years when former president Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing hemp and hemp-derived CBD. However, this does not mean everyone can just run to any CBD store and purchase every single CBD product they want to try.
States still have different regulations when it comes to the purchasing of CBD products. These regulations may be affected by age and product type.
In this article, we break down what CBD is, its different types, and what the age you have to be before you can purchase CBD products.
What is CBD?
CBD or Cannibadiol is a natural chemical compound found in the hemp plant.
In the cannabis plant, there are two main compounds: CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is responsible for psychoactive effects leading to addiction, while CBD does not cause a person to be high.
Instead, it affects a different part of the central nervous system and is able to relieve certain neurological conditions such as:
- Neuropathic pain
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Inflammation
- Migraine
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Sleep Disorders
- PTSD
- and many more
Is CBD Legal?
Although the claims of CBD as an effective supplement for many types of conditions increase, the question remains: is it legal?
CBDs legality actually depends on which state you live in, and what type of CBD product you are looking for.
As of today, CBD products with less than 0.3% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are legal in all 50 states. Because CBD is not habit-forming and does not make you high, they are currently available over-the-counter. This means you can get them even without a doctor’s prescription.
What Are the Most Common Types of CBD Products?
CBD comes in many forms. Here are the most common types of CBD products available in the market:
CBD oils
CBD oils are the most popular type of CBD product. It is also considered to be the most potent type. They are typically consumed by placing a few drops under the tongue.
CBD tinctures
CBD tinctures are very similar to CBD oils in that they usually also come in small oil bottles with droppers, and they are also ingested by placing a few drops under the tongue. However, CBD tinctures, unlike CBD oils, are alcohol-based and have a slightly bitter taste.
CBD capsules and softgels
CBD capsules and softgels are popular among those who want the same effect of CBD without dealing with the taste. Because they’re flavorless and pre-measured, it’s also more convenient to take than your CBD oils or tinctures.
CBD edibles
Coming in forms like gummies, candies, and drinks, CBD edibles are your more enjoyable way of taking CBD. They are basically edible products infused with CBD. These are for people who hate the taste of CBD oils and tinctures, and want something more fun than flavorless capsules and softgels.
CBD topicals
As the name suggests, CBD topicals are CBD-infused products that are applied directly to the skin. These come in different forms such as lotions. Gels, and ointments. These are used particularly by people who want to use CBD on specific areas of their bodies to relieve pain, aches, and even itchiness.
CBD inhalable
Besides oral intake and topical applications, CBD can also be inhaled: either via smoking or vaping. The effects are faster with inhalable CBD because it goes directly into the bloodstream through the mouth and lungs. However, controlling your dose can be tricky because CBD absorption depends on how hard and how long you inhale the product.
CBD products and their different types are now available in various stores all over the country, and they can also be purchased online at Atmos CBD.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy CBD?
Buying CBD products is federally legal in all 50 states. By federal law, a person must be 18 years old and above to purchase inhalable CBD products such as CBD vaping oils.
While federally legal, some states may require a specific age before allowing a CBD purchase.
Factors that determine the regulations include:
- Source of the CBD (it must be from industrial hemp)
- THC content
- Age (some states allow as young as 18 years old while some states require buyer to be at least 21 years old)
- Store where the CBD products are bought
To understand what your state says about CBD purchases, refer to your state’s CBD laws.
What’s the Age Requirement for Buying CBD Vape and Cigarettes?
The minimum age for buying CBD vape and cigarettes is 21. This age requirement was raised in December 2019 from 18 years old. Now, stores or retailers are required to check buyer’s ID and sell CBD vapes and cigarettes only to customers who are 21 years old or older.
What States Require at Least 18 Years as the CBD Age Limit?
The age requirement for buying CBD products varies from state to state because of the differing CBD laws.
These are the states that require buyers of CBD products to be at least 18 years old:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- 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
Are There Specific Age Limits to Buy Different Types of CBD?
CBD oils are generally allowed and not a concern in terms of regulations. However, smokable or inhalable CBD products are more strict when it comes to age requirements. You need to be at least 21 years old to purchase CBD vape and cigarettes.
Can You Give CBD to Children Without Parental Consent?
For marijuana-based CBD, the child must be a part of their local medical marijuana program. Meanwhile, according to the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as the CBD is hemp-derived (except for inhalable or smokable CBD products) and contains no more than 0.3% THC, children can have access to CBD without parental consent.
Although allowed, parents must still consult their doctor before purchasing CBD for their child. CBD can have side effects especially when high doses are administered, and it may also decrease potency of any drug the child is also taking.
Why Does It Matter How Old You Are to Buy CBD?
Although generally safer than marijuana-based CBD, CBD is still a powerful compound. Because it is closely related to THC, which causes psychoactive effects and addiction, many states have subjected the use of CBD to strict regulations.
Tips to Consider in Buying CBD
Before buying CBD, take note of these tips for a safer and quality purchase:
1. Consider the Extract Type
CBD has three types: isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. Understanding what each type is helps you understand how much CBD and THC they contain.
- CBD isolate. CBD isolate products only contain CBD and no THC.
- CBD broad-spectrum. Like CBD isolates, CBD broad-spectrum products where traces of THC are very little to none. However, it has other compounds and cannabinoids such as CBC, CBN, and terpenes.
- CBD full-spectrum. Full-spectrum CBD products also contain compounds found in broad-spectrum products, however the THC levels are higher (but under 0.3% as mandated by federal law). Because of this, effects in full-spectrum CBD products are more effective than the other two.
2. Examine the Source of CBD
If you are living in a state where CBD regulations are more strict, you must examine the source of the CBD product you want to purchase. Make sure you only get hemp-derived CBD and the THC levels are below 0.3%.
3. Consider the Method of Administration
How you take your CBD determines its effects. Generally, CBD administered via smoking or inhaling results in faster effects. However, CBD that is ingested stays in the system longer, therefore increasing the duration of the effects.
4. Research The Manufacturer
Pick your CBD brand wisely. A good CBD supplier should be certified and tested for quality. This makes sure the CBD products are potent, pure, safe to ingest, and free from any contaminant.
If you’re unsure about where to purchase your CBD, look for a company or seller like Atmos CBD that is well-trusted and has been in the business for a long time.
How does CBD affect the body?
CBD’s popularity has exploded over the years for a reason. It addresses specific conditions without the high. However, it is important to note that its effects may vary from person to person. So if you want to be sure about your dosage or what type of CBD to take, consult your doctor before making a purchase.
Final Thoughts on CBD Age Limit
Hemp-derived CBD use, although federally legal since 2018, still has restrictions depending on your state’s CBD laws. Some states allow everyone access to CBD products regardless of their age, while some allow CBD access only to buyers above 18 or 21 years of age.
For more information about your state’s restrictions on CBD, please refer to your state’s CBD laws.
CBD use continues to be popular and heavily recommended for treating different neurological conditions. For this reason, it is important to only get CBD products from safe and trusted CBD retailers.
For safe, premium, and trusted CBD products in Texas, contact Atmos CBD. You can also visit our three store locations at Katy, Richmond, and Crosby TX.
