How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy CBD?

Is CBD Legal in the U.S.?

First of all, the popularity of CBD products such as CBD gummies, CBD oils, CBD rubs, and so on is soaring. So, it’s natural to feel the urge to know whether CBD is fully legal in the United States or not.  
 
Simply put, CBD products are legal in the U.S. But the legality depends on its source. 
 
1. Hemp-Derived CBD: CBD derived from the hemp plant is federally legal in the U.S. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp and its constituents. Hemp is defined as the cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) in the U.S. [1]. CBD Products derived from hemp and compliant with federal laws are generally legal for sale in all 50 states. 
 
2. Marijuana-Derived CBD: Marijuana remains a federally illicit substance and is classified as a Schedule I drug [2]. However, some states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use. In states where marijuana is legal, CBD products derived from marijuana may also be legal, or subject to state regulation. Note that the age restriction for purchasing CBD with more than 0.3% THC (typically found in marijuana-derived products) is often 21. 
 
⇒ Check out the state laws of CBD: CBD laws by State  

How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy CBD?

The federal government has not placed any age restriction on buying CBD products. Age limits are set by the state themselves. 

As we have mentioned earlier when it comes to purchasing CBD products within legal compliance, the age restriction law may vary depending on three factors. First of all, the state you’re living in generally determines the age limit. The age limit is decided based on the form of CBD you want to buy. Sometimes, CBD retailers also implement an age limit on purchasing CBD products.  

The general information you should keep in mind regarding the CBD age limit is that almost every state allows you to buy CBD if you’re 18 or 21 years of age or older. 

The age limit factors are described in detail in the following sections:   

States Level Determination: Age Restriction Vary

Despite federal guidelines, states have the authority to set age restrictions for CBD purchases. There is no uniform age requirement nationwide. Some states set the minimum age at 18, while others mandate 21 as the legal age for purchasing CBD.  
 
Note that certain states impose no age restrictions when it comes to buying CBD or cannabidiol products. These are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Lowa, Ohio, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia [3].    
 
On the other hand, to buy CBD from the following states, you must be 18 years of age:  
•    California 
•    Colorado  
•    Connecticut  
•    Delaware  
•    Florida  
•    Georgia 
•    Hawaii  
•    Idaho  
•    Kansas  
•    Kentucky 
•    Louisiana 
•    Massachusetts 
•    Michigan  
•    Minnesota  
•    Mississippi 
•    Montana  
•    Nevada  
•    New Hampshire  
•    New Mexico  
•    New York  
•    North Carolina  
•    North Dakota  
•    Vermont  
•    Washington  
•    Wisconsin 
•    Wyoming  

Lastly, For the following states, you must be 21 years of age to buy CBD: 

•    Alaska  
•    Illinois 
•    Indiana 
•    Maine 
•    Rhode Island 
•    Tennessee 
•    Utah 

⇒  Read More: Is CBD Legal in Michigan? 

The Form of CBD You Want to Buy

The form of CBD products and their intended use further influences age restrictions. Smokable CBD products, such as combustible CBD flowers, often face heightened regulations. Due to some health risks, these products may be subject to age restrictions of 21 and older. 
 
Similarly, vape CBD products or products that are designed for inhalation including oils, and cartridges may have restrictions imposed by states, often set at 21. 
 
Besides, in some states, it is legally allowed to take marijuana for medical or recreational purposes use. In states permitting marijuana-derived products, the age restriction for CBD with THC content exceeding 0.3% is commonly set at 21. Also, the verification process typically involves presenting a valid driver’s license or state ID. 

Type of CBD Shop

CBD users may also need to verify their age while purchasing CBD products depending on the type of CBD shop. In states where CBD sales are legal, physical stores may ask you to verify that you’re 18 or older. Reputable CBD online store also have their own way of asking your age and verifying it. 
 
Besides, If you intend to buy CBD from recreational dispensaries, you’ll have to be 21 years old. Medical marijuana dispensaries might have additional requirements as well. For instance, they may ask you to show you a prescription or anything associated with marijuana use and medical conditions. 

Do You Need a Prescription for CBD Even If You’re 18 or Older?

No. Most CBD products are available over the counter, and you don’t require any prescription regardless of your age. However, Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil, is an exception which requires a prescription [4]. 

Epidiolex is approved by the FDA and is prescribed to treat specific seizure disorders such as epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Dravet syndrome. [3]. Amidst the broader accessibility of over-the-counter options, Epidiolex stands as the only regulated CBD product. 

Note that consumers should be aware of state regulations and choose products from reputable sources due to variations in quality, potency, purity, and safety within the evolving CBD industry. 

Purchasing CBD at 18: Legal or Not? 

Can you buy CBD at 18? The answer is you can legally buy CBD products at 18. But unfortunately, not in all states of the U.S.A. The good news is the majority of the states lawfully permit you to purchase CBD if you’re 18 and as long as they don’t contain more than 0.3% THC.  
 
7 states that we’ve mentioned earlier require you to be 21 years of age or older to be able to buy CBD legally. Still, they have some other conditions as well along with age restriction. For instance, in Indiana, there is no medical marijuana program and CBD must be used only for medicinal purposes [3]. 

Why Does Age Matter in Buying CBD?

CBD age requirement serves several purposes. CBD age restriction by state reflects both health and regulatory considerations. For instance, CBD products may contain an exceeding amount of THC, a psychoactive compound that causes high and psychotic symptoms [5]. 

Here's why age does matter with regard to buying CBD: 

1. Mitigating Substance Abuse Risk: By imposing a CBD legal age limit, states try to mitigate the potential risk of substance abuse. Although CBD edibles and topical products are considered safe, setting an age limit intends to ensure responsible usage, particularly for people who are more vulnerable to misuse. 

2. Consumer Safety and Understanding: CBD products are widely available, and FDA does not regulate these products. Besides, there are certain medication interaction risks associated with CBD. That’s why age restrictions help to ensure consumers’ safety. It aims to allow customers to purchase CBD who have a level of maturity and understanding of how to use CBD safely. 

3. Product-Specific Risk: Certain forms of CBD, such as smokable or vape products might carry certain health risks. Limitation in CBD buying age is imposed due to the health hazards associated with these forms of CBD which can be more noticeable in younger people. 

4. Emerging Industry Concern: The CBD industry is fairly new and lacks broad regulation. CBD legal age limit helps address concerns about the sale of CBD to minors. Besides, it encourages the practice of responsible CBD usage within the industry.  

Additional Considerations for CBD Purchase

Here is a list of key considerations a CBD purchaser should bear in mind regardless of age:  

1. Purchase CBD products from reputable sources with transparent lab testing. 

2. CBD legal age can vary from state to state. Be aware of these state regulations while buying cannabidiol. 

3. Different forms of CBD have different effects. Choose a product that aligns with your intended use. 

4. Understand the CBD dosage and potency. Always make sure to start with lower doses. 

5. Whether for relaxation or pain management, clearly define your purposes for using CBD. 

6. Be mindful of CBD’s legal status when traveling. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Regarding the CBD age requirements, here are some questions that our esteemed clients often ask. In order to meet the demands of our clients, we have addressed these inquiries. 

1. Is CBD for Safe for Children?

Ans: Parents can only use CBD for children under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Research suggests CBD may be safe for certain pediatric conditions such as epilepsy. However, there is limited information on its long-term effects. If any situation arises when you feel the necessity of using CBD for your child, consult with a pediatrician. 

2. Which States Have No Age Limit for Buying CBD Products?

Ans: Certain states haven’t imposed any legal age limit for purchasing CBD products. They are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Lowa, Ohio, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

3. How Old Do I Have to Be to Buy CBD in Michigan? 

Ans: Michigan state restricts the sale and use of CBD to people under the age of 18. To verify shoppers’ age, CBD stores, and dispensaries must ask for IDs [6]. 

4. What’s the Difference Between CBD from Hemp and CBD from Cannabis? 

Ans: CBD products that are derived from hemp are considered the safest to use and contain no intoxicating or psychoactive effects due low amount (0.3%) of THC. Oppositely, CBD from cannabis or marijuana indicates that it contains a higher amount of THC, typically exceeding 0.3%.  

 

Key Takeaways 

•    The legal age to buy CBD varies based on the state laws, the form of CBD, and the type of CBD shop.  

•    Hemp-derived CBD is federally legal, and the marijuana-derived CBD legality depends on state regulations.

•    Some states have no age restriction for CBD purchases while others require consumers to be 18 or 21 years old.  

•    CBD dispensaries or online shop may implement their own age verification process.

•    Smokable or vapable CBD products have stricter age restrictions due to potential health risks.  

•    For most CBD products, you don’t need any prescription except Epidiolex.  

•    Make sure to choose quality, and potent CBD products from reputable sources while maintaining the state regulations.   

•    Age restriction regulation aims to ensure consumer safety within the evolving CBD industry.  

•    CBD should only be used for children or minors under the guidance of a qualified doctor or pediatrician. 

 

 
References: 

1.    Abernethy, A. (2019, July 25). Hemp production and the 2018 farm bill. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019

2.    Should cannabis still be a Schedule I drug? | The University of Arizona Health Sciences. (n.d.). https://healthsciences.arizona.edu/news/should-cannabis-still-be-schedule-i-drug 

3.    Leafwell. (2023, May 8). Do you have to be 18 to buy CBD? Leafwell. https://leafwell.com/blog/do-you-have-to-be-18-to-buy-cbd 

4.    UHBlog. (2023, January 31). CBD supplements: What you need to know. University Hospitals. https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2023/01/cbd-supplements-what-you-need-to-know 

5.    Seed, S. (2018, October 31). Schizophrenia and marijuana: trigger or treatment? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-marijuana-link 

6.    Is CBD oil legal in Michigan? | MichiganCannabis.org. (n.d.). Michigan Cannabis Information Portal. https://michigancannabis.org/cbd