What’s the Age Requirement for CBD?

You’ve likely read about it in the newspaper or seen it on TV. You’ve probably scrolled across it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or heard about it from friends and family. Whatever the case may be, chances are, you know at least a little about CBD oil.

We get asked about CBD a lot. That makes sense. As a relatively new substance on the global scene, and with so much attention, people are bound to have questions.

One of the questions we hear a lot is “Is there an age requirement for CBD?”

The answer depends on a few different things.

But first…

What is CBD Oil?

CBD is the non-intoxicating cousin of THC. It comes from the cannabis plant, either from cannabis or hemp.

CBD from hemp has naturally lower THC than cannabis. In fact, for it to be legal, it needs to have a concentration of less than 0.3%.

CBD is extracted from the hemp plant in a variety of ways, some better than others. The typical methods are:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extraction
• Solvent Extraction
• Steam Distillation
• Olive Oil Extraction

The type of extraction used determines the quality and cleanliness of the oil, as well as the control over the cannabinoid concentration. 

CBD works by interacting with the various receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ES), causing some sort of change. 

The endocannabinoid system is one of the most important systems in the body when it comes to building and maintaining health. It’s a key player in keeping everything balanced.

Your body has two types of cannabinoid receptors:

• CB1 receptors – found mostly in the brain and central nervous system (CNS)
• CB2 receptors – live throughout the rest of the body: the organs, the glands, and probably most important, the immune system

Your body produces endocannabinoids and these interact with the cannabinoid receptors throughout your body. You can increase the cannabinoids in your body with CBD oil.

Is There an Age Requirement for CBD?

In theory, hemp-based CBD oil should be available to anyone, given that the 2018 Farm Bill made it legal across the country. In reality, though, the answer to this question realistically depends on how you use it. As usual, there are certain caveats, so there’s no yes or no that covers it across the board.

For example, take the prescription drug Epidiolex. This drug was developed and approved to treat children suffering from seizures associated with Lennox-Gestalt syndrome or Dravet syndrome. It is given to children over the age of 2.

But what about CBD that doesn’t require a prescription? You know, the stuff you buy online, at a local health food market, or even your corner convenience store? Does that CBD have an age limit?

According to the FDA, that depends on what type of product you’re buying.

In 2019, the FDA released a statement addressing some of the various products available: “If any category of CBD is to be age-restricted, only smokable flower or vaping oils should be sold only to legal adults (18+). However, other forms of CBD (cremes, oils, topicals, edibles, etc.), considering its medical benefit, should not be age-restricted.”

This statement comes direct from Yaël Ossowski, the deputy director of the FDA’s Consumer Choice Center.

So, technically, you don’t have to be a certain age to buy a hemp-derived CBD tincture or salve, as long as it meets your state’s policies. A vape though? You might need to show some ID.

That being said, it’s still not quite so simple…

USA-Wide?

The question of an age requirement for CBD and who can legally use CBD products actually varies throughout the country.

Some brick-and-mortar stores may ask you to show ID – and will only sell to those over 18. Many online CBD retailers will also sell to those only above a certain age.

In most states, you’ll need to be 21 to purchase CBD from recreational dispensaries. Medical marijuana dispensaries may have additional age requirements. And if the CBD isn’t hemp-derived, or if THC levels are higher, state age requirements are likely in place.

What’s the best way to find out the age limits in your area? Or how can you find out more about using CBD, at any age? Speak with your doctor. Contact your local pharmacy or dispensary. These places will be able to give you the information you need to use CBD to the greatest benefit.