If you are using CBD or you are contemplating using one, you need to read this article so you will know whether it is legal to use the product in your state or not.
As you already know, marijuana is already legal in the United States under the federal law even though some states are yet to allow its full usage. But the case of CBD is different because it is still one of the controlled substance in the United States.
In this article, we are going to help you discover where it is legal to use CBD and where it is not. Of course, we are going to start this journey by explaining what CBD is, how it is used and the arguments surrounding it.
What Is CBD?
CBD is the short form of the word “cannabidiol”. It is a chemical compound that is extracted from cannabis. But when used alone, it doesn’t cause a high even though it is extracted from a hemp plant.
The reason pure CBD, known as isolated CBD, doesn’t make people high is that it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, which is the psychoactive element in marijuana that causes highness in people.
However, full spectrum CBD contains varying amounts of THC. So when you want to buy this product, you need to check its type and content so you can only go for what you wanted.
CBD can be sold as gummies, oils, pills, capsules, and topicals (ointments, oils, creams, and lotions). What you want to do with the product will determine the type you should opt for.
Why Is CBD controversial?
The truth is that in the United States, CBD still has the status of a controlled substance under the federal law even though marijuana does not. This means that if you have to use this substance, you need to check its status under the state law before going for it.
When we go to the section that looks at the arguments for and against CBD, you will find out more reasons for the controversies surrounding the use and purchase of this product.
What Is CBD Used for?
CBD is used for several purposes. Medically, it is used to relieve pains, treat sleep disorders, manage anxiety and other mental health challenges, and treat epilepsy. It is also being researched as the treatment for cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and high blood pressure.
In cosmetics, CBD is used to reduce ageing, inflammation and dryness of the skin. It can also be one of the ingredients in products for treating acne and hair loss.
Arguments FOR and AGAINST CBD
While CBD is considered essential by some persons, others believe it should never be used or extracted. We are using this section to show why people have different opinions about CBD.
What Are the Arguments FOR CBD?
The people that support the legalization of CBD and its free usage in the United States present the following reasons as their argument:
- CBD has health benefits (we mentioned some of them above).
- CBD can help in managing addictions (such as tobacco addictions) and the abuse of other substances because it helps with reducing cravings.
- CBD is safe to use.
- People can never be addicted to CBD.
- There is a low risk of its abuse.
What Are the Arguments AGAINST CBD?
The people that kick against CBD argue that it can be harmful to its users. Well, here is a summary of their arguments.
- CBD is toxic to the liver when used for a long time.
- It can affect the male reproductive system and also be harmful to an unborn child when it is consumed during pregnancy.
- When taken with other drugs or medications, it can have a harmful drug interaction effect.
- It can affect the users’ mood by making them irritable and violent.
- Its effect on the nervous system can lead to drowsiness and lack of alertness.
- It can cause diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
CBD Legal States
CBD has different legal statuses in different states. While some out rightly illegalized it, others legalized it with some conditions. However, there are some states that gives its use a fully legal status.
We will start this section by showing you the list of states that fully legalized CBD and then move over to those that partially legalized it.
States that Fully Legalized CBD
There are the states that give a full legal. Below are the CBD legal states:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
So, in these 25 states, you are free to use CBD. If you are living or planning to visit any of them, you are free to carry, purchase, and use CBD.
States that Conditionally Legalized CBD
If you are in any of the following parts of the United States, you can only use CBD for the approved purpose:
- Alabama (only for medical use)
- Arkansas (only for medical use)
- Florida (only for medical use)
- Georgia (CBD isolate and CBD with low THC)
- Hawaii (only for medical use)
- Indiana (CBD isolate and CBD with low THC)
- Iowa (CBD isolate and CBD with low THC)
- Kentucky (CBD isolate and CBD with low THC)
- Louisiana (only for medical use)
- Mississippi (only for medical use)
- New Hampshire (only for medical use)
- North Dakota (only for medical use)
- Oklahoma (only for medical use)
- Pennsylvania (only for medical use)
- South Dakota (only for medical use)
- Tennessee (CBD isolate and CBD with low THC)
- Texas (CBD isolate and CBD with low THC)
- Utah (only for medical use)
- West Virginia (only for medical use)
- Wisconsin (CBD isolate and CBD with low THC)
CBD Illegal States
Of course, it will not be fair to tell you the parts of the United States where you can purchase and use CBD legally without mentioning where it is illegal to do so.
So, if you are or you’re planning to visit any of the following states, you should know that CBD is not allowed in them:
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Wyoming
Wrapping It Up
CBD is still a controlled substance in the United States but about 45 states have legalized its use in one way or the other. Before you purchase the product from any vendor, you should check its legal status in your state to avoid having a problem with the law. But if it’s fully legal in your state, you should go ahead to purchase and use it if you want.