What Are The Laws About CBD in the United States? Find Out Here

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CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is a chemical compound that comes from cannabis. It interacts with endocannabinoid receptors to produce a number of effects on the body. Here is what the laws say about CBD.

What is CBD?

CBD is a chemical compound that comes from cannabis. It interacts with endocannabinoid receptors to produce a number of effects on the body. CBD does not have any psychoactive effects, so it will not get you high. Marijuana and hemp are different varieties of the Cannabis Sativa L plant and both possess compounds called cannabinoids which interact with cells inside our bodies called cannabinoid receptor sites. There are over 60 cannabinoids identified and at least 15 found in marijuana that interacts with those receptor sites in various ways. The most common ones people talk about as having healing properties are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

What is the truth?

Although CBD is a chemical compound that comes from cannabis, it does not have any psychoactive effects, so it will not get you high. Marijuana and hemp are different varieties of the Cannabis Sativa L plant and both possess compounds called cannabinoids which interact with cells inside our bodies called cannabinoid receptor sites. 

Has there been controversy?

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the question “is CBD legal” because it is derived from a type of cannabis plant. That’s why some states have passed legislation to allow only certain CBD products derived from the hemp plant, which is specifically bred to contain low amounts of THC and higher amounts of CBD. But a lot of people do not understand that there are actually two types of compounds found in cannabis plants: psychoactive THC and non-psychoactive CBD. The law has recently started changing in numerous states to allow for more public access to CBD as research has shown it may help treat a wider variety of conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, chronic pain, several types of cancer including breast cancer and lung cancer just to name a few.

So, is it 100% legal?

It is, as long as it comes from hemp and contains less than 0.3% of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD is legal in most states and countries. However, marijuana laws are changing all over the world (including Canada) to allow for medicinal usage, but that does not mean that recreational use will be legalized anytime soon.

What Can CBD Be Used For?

There are a number of conditions that have been shown to be alleviated with the use of CBD. These include chronic pain, cancer, arthritis, epilepsy, and other seizure disorders, nausea, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. CBD is said to help people sleep better by easing anxiety and improving mood (which is great for insomnia). It can also help ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) sufferers focus their thoughts and stay on task. One recent study discovered that CBD might even reduce social anxiety in autistic adults, who often experience difficulty when speaking in social settings.

Where should I buy it?

There are a number of companies selling CBD products online, which you can easily find using Google search. Make sure you research each company first before making a purchase by checking their social media sites and online reviews by consumers. Also, make sure they provide third-party lab testing on their products to ensure they are not trying to scam anyone.

Do your own research.

As more scientific evidence continues to emerge on the therapeutic effects of CBD through extensive research studies, many states have taken action to pass bills that remove barriers for CBD to be legally sold. But again, the law varies greatly from state to state. For example in Alabama, there is no definition or laws concerning Cannabis oil or CBD, but you can still be prosecuted for possession of marijuana in an amount greater than three grams, so until the state’s legal system catches up with the states that have embraced this product, it is best to stay away from any products containing hemp byproducts including hemp oil if you are located in Alabama.

CBD has been found to be a very helpful substance for a number of health issues, but you should always make sure it is derived from a legal source before purchasing. If possible, try to purchase from companies that can provide lab results from testing their products, and check with your local authorities to see what the laws are in your state regarding CBD.

Written by Megan Taylor
Megan is a beauty expert who is passionate about all things makeup and glam! Her love for makeup has brought her to become a beauty pro at Glamour Garden Cosmetics.