CBD Education

How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy CBD in the US?

Amid a world buzzing with the allure of enhanced well-being, the promise of CBD stands out, offering support and balance. With such enticing potential benefits, it’s no wonder more and more folks are eager to include CBD in their daily wellness routines. But here comes the critical question — just how old do you have to be to legally embrace the wonders of CBD?

We’re here to shed light on the pivotal questions surrounding CBD, including the age restrictions in place for purchasing it. Let’s break it down.

What Is CBD?

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CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC — another well-known cannabinoid — CBD is not psychoactive. This means that it does not cause the high associated with cannabis use. Instead, it has more subtle wellness effects.

While CBD is found in all cannabis strains, it is most abundant in the hemp variety of the plant. This hardy plant has intertwined with human history for thousands of years, providing not just potential medicinal benefits but also crucial culinary and textile needs.

More recently, an influx of research into the effects of CBD has garnered considerable attention for its potential to help ease tension and encourage feelings of relaxation.

How Does CBD Work?

So, how does this plant-based cannabinoid engage with the body? It comes down to the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex internal messaging network that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes.

Remarkably, CBD holds a molecular structure closely similar to our body's own endocannabinoids, the internal chemical messengers of the ECS. This structural similarity allows CBD to interact seamlessly with the many cannabinoid receptors dispersed throughout our body, supporting the ECS as it maintains homeostasis.

What Are the Benefits of CBD?

CBD interplays with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to offer a wealth of potential benefits. Since ECS is pivotal in regulating a plethora of functions in the body — including mood, stress levels, appetite, and sleep — CBD can help support balance and homeostasis across these varied systems.

When introduced to the body, CBD can aid the ECS in supporting equilibrium, helping to encourage feelings of relaxation by supporting the endocannabinoid anandamide, also aptly referred to as the "bliss molecule.”

CBD also stands as a supportive ally in helping the ECS adapt to feelings of stress, as cannabinoid receptors trigger tailored biological responses in the presence of heightened cortisol levels. Beyond this, it can help nurture healthy sleep patterns by calming the mind, providing a gentle embrace of tranquility as you drift into restfulness.

For those facing physical tension and discomfort, CBD can work right at the source, interacting with cannabinoid receptors on the surface of muscles and tissues, offering a soothing touch to the areas where you apply it.

CBD vs THC: What's the Difference?

CBD and THC, both prominent cannabinoids found in cannabis, differ substantially in how they interact with the body. This difference is rooted in their molecular structure, impacting their effects and legal status. While both engage with the body's endocannabinoid system, they do so quite differently.

THC binds directly with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, leading to the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis use. This direct interaction alters perception, mood, and physical sensations, offering recreational and potential medicinal benefits for some individuals. However, it can also lead to heightened dissociative feelings or paranoia, especially when taken in large doses.

On the contrary, CBD does not produce these psychoactive effects. Instead, it is believed to work indirectly with the ECS by supporting the effects of our endocannabinoids without binding directly to cannabinoid receptors. Even when taken in large doses, CBD won’t produce a high.

Understanding these fundamental differences between CBD and THC is crucial for making informed decisions regarding their use. It enables individuals to select products that align with their wellness goals, legal standards, and personal preferences, fostering a satisfying and supportive CBD experience.

Does CBD Contain THC?

One question many folks have is, does CBD contain THC? The answer is not a straightforward yes or no, but rather depends on the type of CBD product you use.

CBD comes in three main types:

Full-Spectrum CBD

This type contains all the naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, including a maximum of 0.3% THC, the legal limit. This minute amount is not enough to produce psychoactive effects, but it's believed to contribute to an "entourage effect," where the plant compounds work together to enhance each other’s benefits.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

This type contains a broad range of the plant’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids — but all of the THC content is filtered out, offering a middle-ground choice for those wanting the benefits of the entourage effect without THC.

CBD Isolate

This is the purest form of CBD, containing no other cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant, including THC. With no other plant parts included, CBD isolate does not produce the entourage effect.

Here at Muscle MX, we offer both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products, allowing you to customize your CBD experience without losing out on the benefits of the hemp plant’s terpenes and minor cannabinoids.

Is CBD Legal?

Navigating the legal landscape of CBD in the United States can be a multifaceted endeavor, given the patchwork of federal and state laws that govern its production and sale and its complex legal history.

While hemp and cannabis were both used medicinally and recreationally for thousands of years, their presence in the US took a tumultuous turn in the 1930s, fueled by political motives and fraught anti-immigration sentiments. This ushered in an era of misinformation and criminalization, entangling CBD in legal constraints and societal misgivings.

Transitioning into contemporary times, the winds of change began to carry the seeds of transformation. Advocacy and robust research propelled a paradigm shift, compelling states to embark on the journey of legalizing hemp and cannabis in the embrace of the 2000s. This burgeoning tide culminated in the historic passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill.

This bill effectively legalized the production of hemp and allows for the purchase of hemp-derived CBD, which contains a THC content of 0.3% or less. It ultimately separates hemp from cannabis at the federal level, which is still considered a Schedule I drug under federal law.

So, what does this mean for purchasers? It means that you can legally purchase hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC content. But, cannabis-derived CBD is still regulated by state laws, which can vary significantly.

Navigating State-By-State Guidelines

In the realm of CBD purchasing in the United States, laws and regulations can vary significantly from state to state, creating a landscape that might appear complicated to navigate. Generally speaking, most states allow the sale and use of hemp-derived CBD on par with federal regulations, but the specifics, such as the legal purchasing age and the type of CBD allowed, can differ.

For instance, some states are particularly strict with the THC content allowed in hemp-derived CBD, while other states that have legalized recreational cannabis use allow you to legally purchase CBD products derived from hemp or cannabis — including ones with higher levels of THC.

The journey of purchasing CBD should be an empowering and enriching one, leading to enhanced wellness and peace of mind. To facilitate this path, it’s important to remain informed and up-to-date about the laws in your state. Taking this initiative ensures you are compliant with regulations, contributing to a seamless and positive CBD experience.

How Old Do You Need To Be To Buy CBD Products?

In the vast expanse of the United States, the age requirement for purchasing CBD typically starts at 18 years. But, it’s pivotal to note that some states implement more stringent rules and may require purchasers to be at least 21.

This age variation underscores the importance of familiarizing yourself with local and state laws concerning CBD. Such knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions, ensuring your CBD use aligns with the legal framework of your location.

Are There Any Risks of CBD Use?

While CBD is generally extremely well tolerated, some individuals might experience rare and minor side effects when using certain products, like drowsiness or nausea. These side effects can occur when CBD is ingested at high doses or when using low-quality products that contain unwanted chemicals.

To minimize the potential for side effects, it’s generally recommended to start with a low dose (typically five to 0mg) before working your way up and to only use high-quality, third-party tested products.

At Muscle MX, we prioritize your well-being by ensuring our products are free of pesticides, parabens, and heavy metals. Every batch undergoes rigorous third-party testing, and the results are readily accessible online, reaffirming our commitment to quality, safety, and transparency.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to CBD use, it’s not merely about unraveling the legal tape or decoding scientific jargon. It’s about embarking on a journey towards enhanced wellness and informed choices. With this knowledge, you can navigate the various state-by-state guidelines with confidence, ensuring your path within the world of CBD is both empowered and conscientious.

Immerse yourself in the exploration, learning more about this fantastic compound. With high-quality Muscle MX CBD products, your vibrant adventure to well-being eagerly awaits.

Sources:

Industrial Hemp | Agricultural Marketing Resource Center

The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious | Harvard Health

Brain activity of anandamide: a rewarding bliss? | PMC

Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol | PMC

The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain | Frontiers

The Link Between U.S. Marijuana Law and Mexican Immigration | Time

Farm Bill | USDA