Among the most often asked inquiries by new CBD users in the rapidly developing market is, “how old do you have to be to purchase CBD?” This is due in part to the product’s high concentration of minors and under-21 purchasers. Despite the enthusiasm, it appears as though there is a significant shortage of clear information regarding the legal age requirements for purchasing CBD products and smoking CBD in the United States.
The reality is that this question does not have a simple, straightforward answer. Rather than that, the minimum age to purchase and smoke products such as CBD Vape Oil differs substantially across the country. Not only must prospective buyers of CBD ascertain the age limitations imposed by their regulating bodies, but they must also ascertain the restrictions imposed by specific retailers and smoke shops on who is permitted to purchase from them.
IS CBD SUBJECT TO AGE RESTRICTIONS?
If you’re over 18, you’re probably aware that most items have an age restriction. For instance, you cannot obtain a driver’s license until you reach the age of sixteen. Additionally, enlisting in the military, visiting a casino, and drinking at a bar are age-restricted activities.
CBD is no exception. So, is it necessary to be 21 years old to purchase CBD? To be honest, it relies on a variety of various things, including the following:
- The state in which you reside.
- Which CBD product you’re purchasing.
- Where you purchase your CBD.
- Whether CBD is used for recreational or medicinal purposes.
CBD’s benefits for children and adolescents
If you’re considering CBD to help treat a child, you’ll be relieved to learn that it’s a very low-risk chemical and that many parents opt to give their children CBD to aid in sleep or to alleviate anxiety. CBD poses no unique risk to vulnerable populations like youngsters or the elderly, as studies indicate (albeit the field is still relatively new). CBD is used especially in Epidiolex, a pediatric epilepsy medicine. Additionally, there is encouraging research on CBD’s usefulness in treating a variety of illnesses, including the following:
- Epilepsy
- Autism
- Anxiety
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Additionally, CBD has been shown to provide long-term health benefits, such as improving heart and brain function.
CBD will not cause your child to become intoxicated, as long as the THC concentration of whichever CBD product you choose is low (less than 0.3 percent), so there is no risk of experiencing the anxiety associated with marijuana.
Is CBD Purchase Legal?
Legally purchasing CBD is entirely dependent on your area. This varies by state, as each state has its CBD-related legislation.
CBD is theoretically legal in the vast majority of states. The 2018 Farm Bill also legalized hemp-derived products on a federal level. However, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, and Virginia limit certain products. Access to CBD for medical purposes is also primarily determined by state and county laws.
We recommend that, regardless of your age, you contact your local government agency. This will assist you in determining whether CBD is legal to purchase and consume in your area.
Consider the following when purchasing CBD for minors:
Consult knowledgeable professionals first. While your child’s pediatrician may not be up to date on the latest research on CBD’s potential advantages, it’s critical to include them in any new treatment choices you examine. An increasing number of pediatric neurologists are aware of CBD’s potential benefits, and you may even locate a cannabis consultant who can advise you on dosage and procedures.
Once you begin your search, you will have difficulty finding a retailer that does not stock CBD products. CBD is available in various locations, from health food shops and dispensaries to stylish boutiques and internet dealers. Bear in mind that most dispensaries and smoke shops will not admit children, and some will require clients to be at least 21 years old. However, just because a product is available in handy locations does not necessarily indicate it is the best source.
Final Thoughts – CBD Use Restriction by Age
CBD use is subject to some restrictions. You may consume any type of hemp or marijuana-derived CBD if you are 21 years or older and live in a state that has allowed adult-use marijuana.
Minors who require CBD derived from marijuana must be enrolled in their state’s medicinal marijuana program by a legal guardian. If you live in a state where hemp-derived CBD is illegal, your only alternative is hemp-derived CBD.
Minors may also consume any form of hemp-derived CBD, except inhalable CBD (flowers and vapes), available only to individuals over the age of 21. We recommend talking with your child’s physician before providing CBD to minors.