THE LEGAL STATUS OF CBD
As CBD infused products gain in popularity many individuals are left wondering if CBD products are legal. Laws vary globally, by country and on a state level so it is quite difficult to keep up with ever-changing regulations. In order for CBD to be legal, it must be derived from the hemp plant as opposed to the cannabis sativa plant.
Hemp CBD vs. Cannabis CBD
There are two different plants that CBD can be extracted from: the hemp plant and the cannabis sativa plant. Hemp is defined as any plant containing less than .3% THC. Therefore, CBD extracted from the hemp plant contains only trace amounts of THC while CBD extracted from the cannabis sativa plant contains higher amounts of THC up to 30%.
In other words, CBD extracted from hemp plants will not leave you feeling “high” after consumption.
Industrial hemp is currently used around the world in paper products, clothing, automotive parts and cleaning products, and is fully legal.
CBD produced from hemp plants is legal in the UK, Canada, United States and several other countries around the world. The thinking is that because hemp CBD does not get the user “high” it is considered a health and wellness product similar to vitamins.
Benefits of CBD
CBD has been shown to be effective on a wide array of symptomology. CBD provides relief from pain, inflammation, nausea, stress and anxiety.
It may also help in the management of more severe disorders such as Tourette’s Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Epilepsy and Schizophrenia. CBD has also been shown to slow or reduce the growth of new cancer cells.
The Legality of Cannabis Derived CBD
CBD derived from the cannabis sativa plant is not legal in most countries, although it is legal in several U.S. states, including Oregon, California and Colorado. Due to high THC levels in CBD produced from the cannabis sativa plant, its use falls under medical laws.
Generally speaking, retailers who offer CBD infused products derive the CBD from the hemp plant. Licensed Producers (LP’s) are the only people licensed to sell CBD from the cannabis sativa plant.
It’s always a good idea to confirm where your CBD is sourced from to make sure that you are operating within the law.
CBD Living currently offers a wide selection of hemp based CBD products, including: water, lozenges, tinctures, capsules, topical cream, bath bombs, soap and pet capsules.
CBD Legal Countries
The following is a list of countries where hemp-based CBD is legal:
- Argentina
- Austria
- Belgium
- Belize
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- England
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guam
- Guatemala
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Netherlands Antilles
- Northern Ireland
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Romania
- Russia
- Scotland
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- US Virgin Islands
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Wales