CBD is perhaps the most misunderstood ingredient in products flooding the market. Their abundant availability in stores perplexes many of us. However, this is only due to our ignorance about CBD flower that makes us not derive the potential health benefits we could get from this plant-based compound. 

It is important to know the constituents of CBD to be aware of its benefits and functions. You should also know which CBD products you can freely buy without the fear of them being illegal or not approved by the FDA. There are certain laws and regulations concerning the legal status of CBD and other hemp-based products.  Knowing them before buying these doubtful products is essential.

In this article, you will get to know everything there is to know about CBD.

What is CBD?

It stands for cannabidiol. This compound is taken from the hemp plant, belonging to the family of the marijuana plant. Although CBD is an ingredient in marijuana, it does not get the consumer ‘high’ and is quite beneficial. Research reveals it to be the effective cure for many diseases like epilepsy, arthritis, insomnia, depression, etc. 

CBD in the light of the Federal Law

There are two types of Cannabis Sativa. One of them is hemp, while the other is marijuana. The hemp plant contains cannabidiol or CBD, which is a compound known for its medicinal properties. The 2018 Act of Agricultural Improvement has legal status to CBD that has been taken from the hemp plant. However, CBD that is derived from the marijuana plant stays illegal. Marijuana has no potential medical benefit and is an abused drug according to this act. 

The act further states that CBD derived from hemp will be legal only if it is produced in a certain manner, consistent with the Agricultural Improvement Act. In addition, it can only be grown by a licensed farmer abiding by all the regulations in its cultivation. So even if CBD has the legal amount of THC but is not grown according to Federal regulations, it would be considered illegal. 

Moreover, any product having CBD or cannabis-derived compounds has to be FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved under the Federal Food and Drug Act, section 351 of Public Health Service. The FDA doesn’t consider CBD as a dietary supplement, and therefore it cannot be sold as a supplement. 

CBD in the light of the State Laws

Even if State laws declared CBD derived from hemp under Federal regulations legal, some states do not agree with the Federal laws regarding the legal status of CBD. However, Colorado state declared hemp plant products legal to be used as an ingredient in recipes whereas Texas does not treat it as legal and all products with the slightest trace of THC are given illegal status. 

Therefore, knowing local laws regarding cannabis is important. Many platforms provide detailed information regarding the local marijuana policy, such as NCSL ( National Conference of State Legislatures), the National Organization of Reform of Marijuana Laws, or the State’s Criminal Code or Agricultural Laws. These organizations can familiarize you with the legal status of cannabis.

Legally Approved CBD Products

To find legally approved CBD products, you should check the labels of CBD products carefully. You can also find detailed information regarding the ingredients of any CBD product from the manufacturer’s website. 

The following labels are necessary on CBD products to make them risk-free and legal.

They are:

Hemp Origin

CBD products that are originated from the hemp plant are safe and legal. However, it should be hemp grown inside the United States of America as overseas hemp cultivation does not follow the Federal Regulations, which are mandatory for their legalization.

COA

COA is a necessary document for the legalization of hemp products. COA stands for Certificate of Analysis. This Certificate shows the lab test results for CBD products. It is necessary for the number on the packaging to match the batch number on the certificate of analysis. In the state of Indiana, all products from hemp plants require a QR code, and the COA can be downloaded to consumers’ smartphones enabling them to check the QR Label.

Testing Standards

The COA on the labels of CBD products should have a lab testing certification, preferably the ISO 17025. These testing certifications are mandatory for the legalization of hemp-based products. The certification is administered by the Association of Official Chemists (AOC). 

THC Content

The COA must also mention the percentage of THC inside the CBD product. The amount mentioned on the label must match the amount of THC present.

If the above-mentioned certifications and requirements are not mentioned on the labels of CBD products, you must avoid buying them as not only are they illegal, but they can be possibly harmful to you.