Is CBD Legal in All 50 U.S. States

Is CBD Legal In All 50 U.S. States?

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Technically, the United States, Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico all allow the use of cannabidiol (CBD).

Protections are limited to CBD derived from hemp plants and have a THC content of less than 0.3%. To put it another way, the legality of CBD derived from marijuana is still debatable (but we'll get to that in a minute).

The Farm Bill, a set of laws revised every five years that includes a wide variety of programs from farmer subsidies to consumer protections, was passed by the US Congress in 2018. The federal legalization of hemp cultivation, production, sale, and possession was the most important piece of legislation passed during this most recent update.

If you're seeking CBD derived from hemp plants, you can purchase and utilize the product in a lot of states. Find out where CBD is lawful in the US and whether there are any limitations on CBD products.

2018 Farm Bill

For the first time, hemp cannabis plants were included in the 2018 Farm Bill. It essentially made industrial hemp farming, manufacture, and sale federally legal and regulated. Brands that offer CBD-infused goods were thrilled when this development took place since it allowed hemp growers to legally extract CBD for ingestible purposes from their plants.

Is CBD Legal in All 50 States?

Currently, the sale and use of CBD products derived from hemp are permitted in 47 of the 50 U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia. On the other hand, several states place limitations on the CBD products that can be sold.

States with No Restrictions on CBD Sales

States with CBD Restrictions

The following states have some restrictions on CBD products:

Note that recreational CBD users are subject to the above limitations. In every state, medical marijuana cardholders might not be subject to the same limitations.

States Where CBD Is Illegal

Only a few states in the United States have laws that forbid the purchase and use of CBD hemp products.

Idaho

Any CBD product derived from hemp must satisfy two requirements to be legal in Idaho. Not simply less than 0.3% THC will do; it must contain 0% THC. Second, it must fall under the definition of "not marijuana" as defined by Idaho Code 37-2701(t). This simply implies that specific areas of the hemp plant must be used to obtain CBD.

Nebraska

Even though CBD is still technically prohibited in Nebraska, the state's legislature decriminalized hemp-derived CBD on May 30, 2019. Nebraska LB 657 took hemp and goods derived from hemp off the list of banned substances. Nebraska law stipulates that all CBD products must adhere to strict production, testing, and distribution guidelines and have a THC content of less than 0.3%.

The Legal Gray Area: Marijuana-Based CBD Products

In contrast to CBD products generated from hemp, the use of CBD products with marijuana is still illegal to buy and use.CBD generated from marijuana is not permitted in any states other than Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

The following states in the United States allow the use of CBD produced from marijuana for a variety of ailments:

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Hawaii
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Nevada
  • Oregon
  • Vermont
  • Washington

One crucial point: If in doubt, find out from your local authorities whether CBD extracted from marijuana is legal where you live.

The following states require a medical marijuana card or an exemption if you want to use any CBD products made from marijuana plants that contain more than 0.3% THC:

Always check your state's current regulations before purchasing or using any CBD products.

What Is A Marijuana Medical Card?

In jurisdictions where medicinal marijuana is permitted, you must apply for a card that authorizes you to buy and use it. For marijuana to be approved as a treatment for your ailment or its symptoms, a physician's recommendation is required.

There is a different set of qualifying conditions for each state. Depending on the disease, medical marijuana may be prescribed for several diseases :

  • Cancer
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Anxiety
  • Tourette’s syndrome
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
  • Hepatitis C
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Chronic pain

Conclusion

With a medical marijuana card, you can benefit from CBD products and the entire cannabis plant. Contact the skilled medical professionals at KIF, and we'll arrange a virtual consultation with you so that you can get started on the path to acquiring an MMJ card.

Rachel Stone
Rachel Stone is an experienced content marketer with over five years of expertise in cannabis science and culture writing. Her contributions have been showcased in renowned publications such as Forbes, Weedmaps News/Marijuana.com, the Wall Street Journal, and more.

 

Important Medical Information & Disclaimers

Medical Disclaimer

The content on this page is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical marijuana recommendations are made only by licensed U.S. healthcare providers via secure telemedicine, in accordance with state laws.

Always consult a qualified physician before making any decisions about your health or starting new therapies.

Source: FDA – Cannabis Research & Drug Approval Process

Individual Results May Vary

Medical cannabis affects every patient differently. Outcomes depend on the product chosen, dosing, medical condition, and lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and medication adherence. Effectiveness may vary widely; regular follow-ups with your provider are essential.

Source: NIH – Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects of medical marijuana include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, red eyes, impaired concentration, and increased appetite. Some may experience anxiety, rapid heartbeat, memory issues, or mild hallucinations when using high-THC products. Rare but serious effects include depression, psychosis, heart rhythm changes, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (frequent vomiting).

Source: Mayo Clinic – Marijuana: Safety and Side Effects

Legal & Regulatory Notice

Medical marijuana is regulated by state law. Marijuana remains a Schedule I substance under U.S. federal law and is not prescribed in the traditional sense; it is recommended or certified for use, not prescribed. Initial evaluations may require in-person visits in certain states; renewals are often available via telemedicine, depending on local regulations.

Sources: DEA – Controlled Substances Act & Telehealth.org – Cannabis Prescribing and Telehealth

Product Quality & Safety

Only purchase medical cannabis from dispensaries licensed and regulated in your state. Unregulated products may contain contaminants or inaccurate THC/CBD concentrations, presenting safety risks.

Source: FDA – What To Know About Cannabis Products

Reporting Side Effects

If you experience unexpected or severe side effects from medical cannabis, notify your provider immediately and report them to the FDA’s MedWatch program: MedWatch Online or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your report helps improve safety for all patients.

Source: FDA – MedWatch Safety & Adverse Event Reporting

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