Is CBD Legal in Tennessee?
As the buzz around CBD grows, so does the curiosity and confusion surrounding it. CBD, or cannabidiol, has taken center stage in wellness discussions, with more and more people turning to it for its various benefits.
However, CBD's legality can feel hazy, with laws shifting over and varying from state to state. If you’re wondering if CBD is legal in Tennessee, the good news is that it is — however, it has some stipulations. We’ll break it down.
What Is CBD?
At its core, CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants. It’s one of over a hundred known cannabinoids and is the most abundant cannabinoid found in the hemp plant — a type of cannabis plant with naturally low levels of THC.
CBD is extracted from the plant and typically paired with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. This helps boost CBD’s bioavailability, allowing the body to absorb it more easily.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD’s wellness abilities lie in the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex system that plays a role in maintaining bodily homeostasis — the body's internal balance.
The ECS is composed of endocannabinoids, which are molecules similar to cannabinoids but made by your body, and cannabinoid receptors scattered throughout your body.
When your body's balance is off due to stress, poor sleep, or other factors, your ECS kicks into gear, producing endocannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors. This triggers biological functions and signals that it's time to regain balance.
This is where CBD comes in. CBD is molecularly similar to your body's endocannabinoids, which means it can work with the ECS to help maintain balance. By interacting with your cannabinoid receptors, CBD can help to support overall wellness.
A range of CBD products, including topicals, gummies, and oils, offer various ways to incorporate CBD into your wellness routine. Whether applying topical CBD, enjoying the convenience of a CBD gummy, or using an easy-to-measure CBD tincture, you're utilizing the power of CBD and your body's own ECS to help maintain balance and support your well-being.
Can CBD Get You High?
There's a common misconception that CBD can get you high, much like THC, but that's not the case. CBD and THC are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but they interact with the body very differently.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It's the one responsible for the mind-altering high that many people associate with cannabis use. THC achieves this high by binding directly with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, influencing emotional wellness and behavior.
On the other hand, CBD, or cannabidiol, is not psychoactive. Instead of causing a high, CBD supports the body's endocannabinoids in maintaining balance and well-being. Instead of binding directly with receptors in the brain, CBD acts more subtly, helping to support the endocannabinoid system's function without altering your mental state.
While some forms of CBD do contain low levels of THC, the small amount found in federally legal CBD is not enough to cause psychoactive effects. Therefore, rest assured, CBD won't get you high.
Is CBD Legal in Tennessee?
Regarding the legal status of CBD, the landscape has been changing rapidly. Historically, laws around cannabis and hemp have fluctuated, but today, CBD is legal in Tennessee as long as it aligns with regulations set out in the 2018 Farm Bill.
The 2018 Farm Bill changed the hemp industry. It removed hemp, defined as cannabis with less than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight, from the Controlled Substances Act, effectively legalizing it on a federal level. However, the bill also set out specific regulations for the growth, production, and sale of hemp-derived products.
While the Farm Bill applies federally, state laws can vary. Some states have adopted the federal regulations, while others have implemented their own, sometimes more stringent, rules. In Tennessee, the state laws align with the federal regulations — CBD must be derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight.
What Other States Have Legalized CBD?
Since the 2018 Farm Bill, most states have legalized CBD, with only a few exceptions. For instance, Idaho has stricter laws and does not allow any trace of THC in CBD products. On the other hand, some states have less restrictive laws, allowing for cannabis-derived CBD products with higher levels of THC.
It's important to note that the legal landscape is changing quickly. As research into CBD continues and public perception shifts, more states are likely to adjust their laws. To stay safe, it's wise to check your state's specific regulations if you consider incorporating CBD into your wellness routine. Just remember, while CBD laws may vary, the goal remains the same: To utilize the potential of this natural compound for overall well-being.
What Are the Benefits of CBD?
CBD is more than just a wellness buzzword. Its potential benefits are the reason behind its growing popularity. As we continue to learn more about it, we're finding that the benefits of CBD may extend in many directions.
Let's discuss some of these benefits:
Supports Relaxation
CBD is known for its ability to support relaxation. It can help to soothe your senses and bring about a sense of calm. CBD can be a great addition to your relaxation routine, whether you're winding down after a long day, looking to decompress during a busy week, or simply seeking tranquility in your hectic schedule.
Helps Support Healthy Stress Levels
While experiencing some stress every so often is unavoidable, longer-lasting stress can negatively affect our overall health, making it important to find ways to manage stress.
CBD can lend a helping hand here. By supporting our endocannabinoid system, CBD can help the ECS encourage balance throughout the ups and downs of daily life and help ease feelings of stress.
Can Ease Feelings of Discomfort
Day-to-day stressors, physical activities, or even a rigorous workout can sometimes make you uncomfortable. CBD can be a game-changer in such situations. By supporting cannabinoid receptors in muscles and throughout the nervous system, CBD can help ease feelings of tension and discomfort, making it a natural choice for those seeking comfort.
Bolsters Emotional Wellness
Endocannabinoids, like anandamide, significantly support emotional wellness. CBD, with its similarity to these endocannabinoids, can support their role. It's a natural way to keep your mood balanced and energy balanced.
Supports Healthy Sleep Patterns
A good night's sleep is key to overall wellness. CBD can support healthy sleep patterns by supporting relaxation and helping your body maintain balance. CBD could help you transition into sleep more smoothly with its soothing properties.
If you're looking to support the quality of your sleep or simply aiming for a more restful night, CBD might just be the natural solution you need.
Is CBD Safe?
When it comes to CBD, safety is important. Thankfully, side effects are generally rare and minor, and you can take steps to avoid them. Using high-quality products and adhering to recommended doses is a good start. It's also a good idea to start low and slow, working your way up five mg at a time until you find the dose that works for you.
At Muscle MX, safety is our top priority. We're committed to using only clean ingredients and rigorously third-party testing our products to ensure their quality. We only use hemp-derived CBD and adhere to all regulations from the 2018 Farm Bill. This commitment to safety and quality means you can trust our products to support your wellness journey effectively and safely.
The Bottom Line
As a natural compound extracted from the hemp plant, CBD has a variety of benefits. Whether your body is craving a little extra THC or you’re looking to up your self-care game and find natural ways to destress, CBD can help. While it's derived from cannabis, CBD won't get you high like THC, thanks to its different interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system.
The legal landscape of CBD can seem a bit convoluted, with laws varying from state to state. In Tennessee, CBD is legal if it adheres to the regulations in the 2018 Farm Bill. Remember to stay informed about the laws in your area, always choose quality, third-party-tested CBD products, and start with a low dose, working your way up as needed.
Ready to explore the world of CBD? Discover our full range of CBD wellness products at Muscle MX.
Sources:
The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious | Harvard Health
Farm Bill | USDA
Stress won’t go away? Maybe you are suffering from chronic stress | APA
Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol | PMC
Brain activity of anandamide: a rewarding bliss? | PMC