A father uses CBD to help her daughter get relief from epileptic seizures. An old man takes it every night to alleviate pain. A young girl hopes to treat acne with the latest collection. And things do not end here because thousands of Americans use cannabidiol and its counterparts (CBG, CBN) to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Sometimes with the help of a 420 doctor, and other times they simply walk up to a store to purchase CBD oil.

Whatever the case, according to a survey, 64% of the users consume CBD for pain, and a total of 33% already use it for a wide range of conditions. If that’s not enough, look at brands like Sephora. They have already entered the cannabis space with a special line of products dedicated to CBD skincare.

Amidst all the popularity, praise, and flourishment, there’s only one thing that irks this industry at this point – CBD and its legal nature. Even though the Farm bill states that CBD is legal federally, the stipulations cannot go unheeded. In other words, only hemp-derived products containing less than or equal to 0.3% of THC are legal on the federal level.

Unfortunately, the story does not end here. So, if you decide to jump on the CBD bandwagon, here’s what you need to understand, especially when push comes to shove.

CBD Is Not Entirely Legal

Cannapreunerurs opened the floodgates for new and old consumers alike. It reached a point where CBD was once everywhere. Some were intrigued by its uniqueness, and others just followed the trend.

Despite the ambiguous presence in a market dominated by big brands, several companies continued growing. And they still do. The only exception being, its murky legal status, wherein a relatively smaller no. of states have banned the use and sale of CBD products entirely.

So, does that mean you can’t use CBD even if it’s hemp-derived? The answer is YES! If you reside in states such as Idaho and Iowa, you are liable to punishment and a legal fine for using or possessing CBD in any form. As for the remaining 47 states, hemp-derived CBD is legal for both sale and purchase.

The only difference is   that instead of focusing on the federal rule, you have to pay attention to what your state demands. For instance, South Dakota was once a red zone, but now, it has entered a grey one with CBD sales subject to FDA-approved products only.

In addition to these three exceptions, you should also watch out for gray states. In particular, states that sell CBD with stipulations. The best example is Vermont and Maine. They have legalized it for medical purposes, but the restrictions are quite predominant making them a perfect fit for federal-state conflict.

Now, you must be wondering whether CBD is actually legal or not. Well, do not get scared yet, because the green list (both recreational and medical) awaits you. And the best part is if you live in one of these states, you can sell and purchase CBD without having to worry about a possible arrest.

It’s Still Illegal to Add CBD in Food and Beverages

It is currently illegal to market CBD as a dietary supplement at the federal level. The Federal, Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act clearly states that CBD and FDA-approved drugs addition to animal and human food is illegal. And the stance has remained similar since the FDA first released a document titled “What You Need to Know About Products Containing Cannabis.”

And to be honest, the legal framework is still under construction. There is no definitive date or an answer from the regulatory bodies regarding CBD drinks and CBD food being sold online.

The agency plainly says that CBD is still in its infancy stage with no concrete scientific evidence. Once proper research data emerges, they will be able to calculate the risks and benefits.

Not only this, but the Food and Drug Administration recognizes CBD as a drug with long-term harmful effects. One of the biggest reasons why most officials do not add it under the safe food additives category.

To add insult to injury, CBD enthusiasts must remember that the FDA has already sent warning letters to companies for making health claims in 2019. And it will continue doing so until the picture is clear.

As for the legality quotient, well, it’s safe to say that everything is a big, blurry, grey area with no clarity. CBD food and drinks are everywhere, and I think you can expect one good thing out of it – The FDA might push into finishing the legal framework as the no. of CBD consumers skyrocket.

How and Where Can You Buy CBD?

As mentioned earlier, you can find several companies selling CBD-infused products in stores and online. However, just like not all fingers are the same, you might come across online stores that make health claims. More vitally, allures a customer into believing that they can sell CBD in compliance with the FDA and Federal rules.

If you come across such companies, steer away. Instead, look for products and retailers that follow good labeling practices. For example, CBD products showcasing the amount of CBD, THC, CBG, or CBN present in each dose.

Dosages expressed in grams and milligrams will allow you to measure the dose you need on a daily basis. Furthermore, patients who have genuine medical needs must not rush into using CBD without an expert’s advice. Talk to an expert or your state-registered health physician for a cannabis-related recommendation. They will most likely suggest you go slow and start with a dose as low as 10 mg.

Besides this, always keep in mind that CBD companies and retailers, be it online or in-store. All of them are required to meet certain testing standards. A genuine CBD seller will provide a third-party lab report or a certificate of analysis (COA). The document will show you what the product contains – the total amount of CBD, cannabinoids per serving, terpenes concentration, and whether it contains chemicals or not.

If your product has it all, you’re good to go. On the other hand, if it fails to meet the criteria, we suggest that you look for an Online CBD Store that meets your expectations meticulously.