The numerous health benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD) and its promising potential has fascinated the health-minded community. Belonging to a group of compounds known as Phytocannabinoids, it is commonly associated with marijuana and hemp, where it is commonly found. Although for this same reason, concerns of legality arise. As a responsible user, you must be wary of many aspects of purchasing and consuming; what we consider legal and illegal.

CBD oil is one of the most widely used CBD products in the market. Typically extracted from cannabis, it is then diluted with its carrier oil, commonly made from hemp seed. It is endorsed by many celebrities because aside from the health benefits it bestows upon its users, it can also be infused with your favorite scent. All the more, the product’s popularity and benefits must not let your guard down.

What You Need to Know About CBD

Be assured that CBD is safe to use and non-addictive. You must not confuse it with the compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which often goes along with CBD, but differs in drastic effects on the body and mind. To cut it short, CBD is non-psychoactive and THC is psychoactive, meaning that CBD will only slightly alter your neurological processes more than its counterpart, and often in insignificant ways. This is exactly the reason why CBD is considered legal.

It has to be mentioned that only THC can intoxicate a person to give him/her a sense of euphoria, or that feeling of “getting high.” Because of this, THC can have some serious consequences to the behavior of a person, often causing increased aggressiveness, paranoia, and personality changes. Found in marijuana, the behavioral effects of THC renders it illegal, at least in most places.

But because CBD and THC are almost inseparable, the ratio in which they come together is the criteria that determine its legality. Include in your critical eye the classification of the cannabis plant, whether it is technically hemp or marijuana. Take note that we only consider 0.3% of THC as hemp, and anything beyond that passes as illegal.

Marijuana and hemp look almost identical, and so people confuse and misuse the two. Remember that marijuana has a higher amount of THC while hemp has higher amounts of CBD. Evidence from multiple studies even claimed that the two could drown the effects of each other. As a result, products are tweaked with precision in order to achieve the desired effect, either leaning towards euphoria (for stoners) or health benefits for most people.

Health Benefits of CBD:

– Alleviates anxiety
– Soothes inflammation and pain
– Relief for epilepsy and depression

CBD as Potential Treatment to:

– Psoriasis
– Multiple sclerosis
– ADHD
– PTSD
– Dermatitis
– Diabetes
– Rheumatoid Arthritis
– Alzheimer’s

How to Determine if Your CBD Oil is Legal

Anything that goes against the guidelines imposed by the FDA, if it puts the safety of the consumer at risk, is illegal and must not be taken lightly. Violate these and you will end up behind bars. The FDA, so far, has approved of only one CBD product, Epidiolex, a prescription drug that treats a rare form of epilepsy. Thus, it is illegal to claim any health benefits from any CBD product.

Aside from that, FDA emphasizes that unregulated CBD products can cause more harm than good. Products incorporate CBD in many ways: in CBD oil for sale, CBD gummies, and CBD pills. Unless those products are reliable, murky origins and unverified claims still pose danger to users. The FDA notes the following:

Potential Side Effects of CBD

– fatigue
– can cause liver injury
– slow down brain activity
– increased risk of sedation and drowsiness
– gastrointestinal distress
– changes in mood (irritability and agitation)

Although you don’t have to worry so much, because the DEA is primarily concerned with drug traffickers and larger scales of illegal operations. They’re not that keen on monitoring hobbyists and health enthusiasts. You can indulge in CBD oil with ease, and still enjoy its benefits.

Benefits of CBD Oil

– relieves pain
– reduces anxiety
– manages sleep
– reduces acne
– enhances heart

Where is CBD Legal?

The legal status of CBD varies depending on your residence. Say you’re from Virginia, then to purchase CBD would require a prescription from your doctor. In 2018, when the Farm Bill rolled into place, industrial hemp was allowed to grow in certain states. From this point on, the strict measures started becoming looser.

In 2019, Washington D.C., along with 11 states, were the only places where marijuana is legal for recreational purposes. Marijuana still has a dirty reputation and remains heavily banned. And because legal status is very specific, consider the following: federal law, state law, THC content, and source of hemp.

Overall, the legal status of CBD is relative, and in constant flux. Even though all 50 states have laws that legalize CBD, the degree to which they restrict the drug varies. It seems as if the government is confused on the matter itself, tagging CBD in the same category as marijuana, but with more ease towards it. So if you wish to purchase any CBD product, be aware of the laws in your area, and do your research painstakingly.

Risks and Unknowns of CBD

However, as a further warning, if you’re willing to risk the legality of CBD products you use, consider the following unknowns. Because as of now, researchers still haven’t fully grasped the scope of CBD. The most practical thing to do, if you’re interested in taking CBD as a health supplement, is to consult your doctor or a CBD expert.

The effects of taking CBD daily, and for sustained periods of time, remain unclear. Furthermore, the level of intake necessary to trigger the side effects isn’t fully gauged either. It is considered risky, not knowing to the fullest extent the way CBD interacts with other plant materials. And finally, the methods of consumption (topical, oral, vaping) might vary the dosage and cause irregularities.

The opinion regarding CBD is still debatable and due for refinement. Don’t be persuaded quickly; don’t fall for baseless claims. CBD, as wonderful and enthralling as it may be to your health, still remains obscure and scarcely researched. If you really want to try CBD for yourself, proceed with caution and heed the timeless advice: Consult your doctor first.