Since 2021, Kif offers a streamlined platform to get a medical marijuana card online. We have served more than 45K patients across the United States. Sign Up Now to get the right to use medical cannabis for your health condition without any delay.
In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized Cannabidiol (CBD) and other low-THC industrial hemp-derived products, which are naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. For hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC, a medical card is not required. But, specific states may have exceptions and complexities about the legality of these products.
CBD Legalization By State
Under federal law, marijuana remains classified as a controlled substance. It means that the legalization of CBD under the 2018 Farm Bill comes with certain conditions. Regardless of the type of CBD product you buy, such as CBD oil, edibles, topicals, or flower, the THC content must be less than 0.3% of the total weight.
If the THC content exceeds the 0.3% threshold, the product can no longer be legally considered as CBD. According to legal standards, higher levels of THC classify the product as cannabis.
Certain states, like Georgia and Texas, require a medical card and patient registry to purchase low-THC oil products. These products are typically defined as CBD products derived from the cannabis plant that contain less than 5% THC. However, the exact THC limit may vary by state.
In states such as Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota, CBD derived from marijuana plants has been completely banned. But, THC-free CBD products derived from hemp plants are legal in these states, while full-spectrum products are prohibited.
Furthermore, some states, including New York as an example, impose age restrictions for purchasing CBD products. Generally, individuals must be at least 18 or 21 years old to buy these products. But, in most of these locations, qualifying caregivers can buy CBD products for minor patients.
Prescription vs. Over-the-counter CBD Oil
The primary concern when buying CBD oil without a prescription is the reliability of the product. Research indicates that many CBD products available for purchase have incorrect labeling. They often contain either more or less CBD than stated, or exceeding the allowed THC levels.
If you cannot rely on the dosage information provided on the product label, it becomes even more crucial to conduct thorough research before purchasing over-the-counter CBD oil or any similar product, particularly if you intend to use CBD for medical purposes.
Although your doctor may be able to suggest specific CBD products, the only FDA-approved CBD product that doctors can prescribe is Epidiolex. Epidiolex is used to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis. Therefore, unless you experience seizures related to these conditions, it is unlikely that you will receive a prescription specifically for CBD.
If you have a qualifying medical condition under your state’s medical cannabis program, obtaining a medical marijuana card can be helpful for purchasing CBD, even when it is not mandatory.
When purchasing CBD oil or other CBD products, it is generally more reliable to buy them from a licensed medical store. If you decide to consult with a medical professional about CBD or THC, it is advisable to discuss which products would be most suitable for your specific needs.
Medical Cards and Qualifying Conditions
The requirements for receiving medical cards differ depending on the jurisdiction. Qualifying conditions include chronic pain, epilepsy, MS, cancer, anxiety disorders, and other severe or incapacitating conditions. As part of the application procedure for a medical card, a medical evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional is necessary.
Benefits of Medical Cards for CBD:
Having a medical card for CBD products can offer several advantages:
Access to a Wider Range of Products
Higher-Quality and Regulated Products
Legal Protection
Also Read: Microdosing CBD: How and When to Do It?
Conclusion
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized CBD on a federal level, so you no longer need a prescription to purchase CBD products made from hemp. However, some states have decided to exclusively permit CBD from hemp plants, banning CBD products made from cannabis plants.
Keep in mind that any CBD product with a THC content of more than 0.3% is legally categorized as cannabis, which is still illegal under federal law.
Before incorporating recreational or medicinal cannabis products into your daily routine, we urge you to use caution, do your homework, find out where any CBD products you are considering purchasing are sourced from, and consult a healthcare professional.
