Understanding the legal status of the rapidly growing CBD industry is not simple. Buying CBD and related products is legal in almost every US state, but is there an age limit? Who can use them for everyday or therapeutic purposes?
America's 2018 Farm Bill allowed farmers to grow hemp, manufacturers to process it and consumers to purchase it. Hemp-derived CBD consequently became legal, creating the industry's first steps toward growth. Although CBD and THC are closely related cannabinoids, their laws differ considerably, beginning with the article's description of CBD as legal in every state. Who, then, can legally buy it?
The answer depends partly on the application. For example, the only FDA-approved prescription medicine containing CBD, Epidiolex, is used for children with seizures associated with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome. What age limit applies to everyday CBD oils and other nonprescription products?
According to a document published in May 2019, the article describes differing age-purchase policies for gummies, topical creams, oils and other CBD products. Although regulation of CBD-infused energy drinks and cocktails remained unclear, it attributed the following statement to the FDA:
“If any CBD product category is age-restricted, smokable hemp flower or vaping liquids should be sold only to adults of legal age, 18 and over. However, considering their medical benefits, other forms such as creams, oils, topicals and edibles should not have an age restriction.”
In a press release after November 2019, the FDA said it was still conducting extensive research into the CBD industry but provided no update on age restrictions.
There is no simple or clear answer to who can legally use CBD products because policies vary worldwide and between states. The article argues that hemp-based CBD oil should theoretically be suitable for consumers of any age because it is nonpsychoactive and lacks toxic materials requiring restrictions like those on cigarettes and cigars.
Most legal CBD outlets are shops or markets accessible to people under 21. However, most online stores ask new users whether they are over 18 before purchasing, indicating that online retailers at least prioritize age checks. The article considers adults aged 21 and over to be within the safer legal audience for CBD products. Anyone younger should examine the laws applying in their country or state.
