CBD, short for cannabidiol, has taken the wellness industry by storm. CBD products are everywhere you turn, from oils to gummies, creams to tinctures. But amidst the growing popularity, a crucial question remains: How old must you buy CBD? The answer might not be as straightforward as you think, considering the complex legal landscape and varying regulations across different states in the USA.
Is CBD Legal In the USA?
Before delving into age restrictions, let’s understand the legal status of CBD in the United States. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD at the federal level, provided it contains no more than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. (1) This distinction is crucial because CBD can be derived from hemp and marijuana plants.
What Is Marijuana-Derived CBD vs Hemp-Derived CBD?
Marijuana-derived CBD comes from cannabis plants that have higher THC levels. Due to the psychoactive nature of THC, products with high THC content are regulated differently and might be subject to stricter age restrictions. On the other hand, hemp-derived CBD contains minimal THC and is federally legal, paving the way for a broader range of CBD products.
Federal Regulations Regarding CBD and Age Restrictions
At the federal level, no specific age restrictions exist for purchasing hemp-derived CBD products. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) retains the authority to regulate the marketing and labeling of these products, ensuring they are safe for consumption. (2)
Legal Age to Buy CBD – A Breakdown for All 50 States
While there are no federal age restrictions, individual states can set rules for purchasing CBD. Age requirements vary significantly, from 18 to 21 years old. It’s essential to be aware of your state’s regulations before purchasing.
Legal Age to Buy CBD: State-by-State Guide
The world of CBD is expanding rapidly, offering many wellness benefits for consumers. Yet, before diving into CBD products, you must know your state’s legal age requirements. While the federal regulations provide a broad framework, each state has the authority to set rules for purchasing CBD. Let’s explore the legal age to buy CBD in each of the 50 states. (3)
Alabama: The legal age to buy CBD in Alabama is 18.
Alaska: Alaska has no specific age restrictions on purchasing CBD products.
Arizona: You must be at least 18 to buy CBD in Arizona.
Arkansas: The legal age to purchase CBD in Arkansas is 18.
California: In California, the legal age to buy CBD is 21.
Colorado: Colorado permits individuals aged 18 and above to buy CBD products.
Connecticut: The minimum age to purchase CBD in Connecticut is 18.
Delaware: Delaware follows the exact age requirement as Connecticut, allowing those 18 and older to buy CBD.
Florida: The legal age to buy CBD in Florida is 18.
Georgia: Georgia also requires buyers to be at least 18 to purchase CBD.
Hawaii: The minimum age to buy CBD in Hawaii is 18.
Idaho: Idaho has strict regulations requiring buyers to be at least 21 years old to purchase CBD products.
Illinois: The legal age to purchase CBD in Illinois is 21.
Indiana: Indiana has a lower age requirement, allowing those 18 and older to buy CBD.
Iowa: You must be at least 18 to buy CBD in Iowa.
Kansas: Kansas follows the exact age requirement as Iowa, allowing those 18 and older to purchase CBD.
Kentucky: The legal age to buy CBD in Kentucky is 18.
Louisiana: Louisiana has no specific age restrictions on purchasing CBD products.
Maine: The legal age to purchase CBD in Maine is 21.
Maryland: Maryland requires buyers to be at least 18 years old to purchase CBD products.
Massachusetts: The legal age to buy CBD in Massachusetts is 21.
Michigan: Michigan permits individuals aged 18 and above to buy CBD products.
Minnesota: The minimum age to purchase CBD in Minnesota is 18.
Mississippi: Mississippi has no specific age restrictions on purchasing CBD products.
Missouri: The legal age to buy CBD in Missouri is 18.
Montana: Montana follows the exact age requirement as Missouri, allowing those 18 and older to purchase CBD.
Nebraska: Nebraska requires buyers to be at least 18 to purchase CBD products.
Nevada: The legal age to buy CBD in Nevada is 18.
New Hampshire: New Hampshire permits individuals aged 18 and above to buy CBD products.
New Jersey: The minimum age to purchase CBD in New Jersey is 18.
New Mexico: New Mexico has no specific age restrictions on purchasing CBD products.
New York: The legal age to buy CBD in New York is 21.
North Carolina: You must be at least 18 to buy CBD in North Carolina.
North Dakota: North Dakota follows the exact age requirement as North Carolina, allowing those 18 and older to purchase CBD.
Ohio: Ohio requires buyers to be at least 18 years old to purchase CBD products.
Oklahoma: The legal age to buy CBD in Oklahoma is 18.
Oregon: Oregon permits individuals aged 18 and above to buy CBD products.
Pennsylvania: The minimum age to purchase CBD in Pennsylvania is 18.
Rhode Island: Rhode Island has no specific age restrictions on purchasing CBD products.
South Carolina: The legal age to buy CBD in South Carolina is 18.
South Dakota: South Dakota permits individuals aged 18 and above to buy CBD products.
Tennessee: The minimum age to purchase CBD in Tennessee is 18.
Texas: Texas has no specific age restrictions on purchasing CBD products.
Utah: You must be at least 21 to buy CBD in Utah.
Vermont: Vermont follows the exact age requirement as Utah, allowing those 21 and older to purchase CBD.
Virginia: Virginia requires buyers to be at least 18 years old to purchase CBD products.
Washington: The legal age to buy CBD in Washington is 21.
West Virginia: West Virginia permits individuals aged 18 and above to buy CBD products.
Wisconsin: The minimum age to purchase CBD in Wisconsin is 18.
Wyoming: Wyoming has no specific age restrictions on purchasing CBD products.
Remember that these regulations might change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check with local authorities or trusted sources before purchasing. Knowing the legal age to buy CBD in your state ensures a safe and responsible experience with these products.
States That Have No Age Restrictions on CBD Purchases
Some states, like Alaska, have not imposed any age restrictions on purchasing CBD. Consumers of any age can legally buy CBD products, provided they meet the retailer’s other criteria.
How to Verify Your Age When Purchasing CBD
Most retailers follow a stringent age verification process for states with age restrictions. Online sellers, for instance, often use third-party verification systems to confirm the buyer’s age before completing a sale. This process helps ensure that only eligible individuals can access CBD products. (4)
Legal Implications for Underage Purchase
Purchasing CBD products under the legal age can have serious legal consequences. Retailers can face hefty fines or even lose their licenses for selling to underage customers. Parents or guardians could also be held responsible for providing CBD products to minors.
Age Restrictions for Different CBD Products
It’s important to note that age restrictions might vary depending on the type of CBD product. For example, CBD-infused foods and beverages might have different age limits than CBD oils or topicals in some states. Research into your specific state’s laws is crucial to avoid legal issues.
Takeaway
Navigating the age restrictions surrounding CBD purchases can be complex, with federal regulations, state laws, and various product types all coming into play. While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD nationally, individual states have taken diverse approaches to age restrictions. Understanding your state’s rules, verifying your age when necessary, and respecting the regulations are essential to ensure a legal and responsible CBD purchase. Whether you’re a consumer or a retailer, staying informed about the evolving legal landscape of CBD is crucial to avoid any unwanted legal consequences.
