All you need to know about CBD legislation in the USA
Discovered in the 1940s, CBD is a cannabinoid that is increasingly being studied by scientists, not least for its potential health benefits. While in France and Europe more generally, discussions are dragging on about the total legalization of this type of product, in other countries, such as the United States, the subject was quickly dispatched... The country has even gone much further in terms of legislation. In the rest of this article, we return to the question of CBD legislation in the USA.
A reminder about CBD
What US law says about CBD
USA and cannabis
The effects of CBD and cannabis legalization in the USA
CBD Wholesale, European products only
A reminder about CBD
A molecule derived from the hemp plant, CBD is a cannabinoid. It was discovered in the 1940s by chemist Roger Adams. It is a non-psychoactive molecule with particularly interesting effects on the body:
- Stress and anxiety: CBD is believed to reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, making it easier to deal with complicated situations;
- Pain and inflammation: CBD is particularly effective in reducing pain. Like THC, it is an analgesic;
- Addictions: some studies show that CBD is particularly effective in combating addictions, especially to tobacco and nicotine.
What about harmful effects? CBD has no side effects (unlike tetrahydrocannabinol). That's why it's legal, provided the THC content is less than 0.3% (at least in Europe).
Be careful, however. In fact, over-consumption of CBD can lead to undesirable effects. CBD retailers, insist on light, gradual consumption!
What American law says about CBD
Since 2018, the United States has authorized, at federal level, the sale of industrial cannabis with very low THC content (less than 0.3%). A decree signed at the time by President DonaldTrump.
In 2020, a new law reinforced the first. This text proposes to reinvest part of the profits made from this market and above all, from a social point of view, proposes to erase the criminal records of people found guilty of a crime related to CBD and cannabis.
Surprisingly, however, the USA has a much longer history with CBD and cannabis. Indeed, as early as 1996, the state of California, known for always being ahead of its time, legalized the medical use of marijuana. Since then? Several states have followed suit, including :
- Oregon, Alaska and Washington, in 1998;
- Maine, 1999;
- Hawaii, Nevada and Colorado, in 2000.
On-site access to THC-rich products (oils, Flowers or others) is available only on presentation of a prescription issued by the attending physician.
USA and cannabis
But the United States didn't stop there, far from it. After the legalization of medical cannabis in some states and the legalization of CBD products at federal level, the question of recreational cannabis quickly arose.
CBD in California
In 2016, following a referendum, California authorized the legalization of cannabis for recreational use. In the Golden State, individuals can therefore find CBD and THC-rich products, completely legally. In 2018, a law was passed even authorizing large-scale cannabis production, making this state one of the world's most important for the production and sale of THC products.
CBD in Nevada
Like California, Nevada has authorized the legalization of cannabis for recreational use, following a referendum. Consumption is prohibited on the street, however, and industry professionals are not allowed to resell their products to minors! These are two particularly strict conditions, which, if not respected, could have serious penal repercussions (fines, imprisonment and closure of business).
CBD in Florida
Also in 2016, Florida authorized cannabis for... Therapeutic use. Consumption of recreational cannabis remains prohibited in the state. A person may, however, possess up to 20 grams. Beyond that, it's a misdemeanor and the penalties can be quite significant (imprisonment, fine, driver's license suspension, etc...).
In all, 16 states have legalized cannabis, whether for therapeutic or recreational use. These include New Mexico, Virginia, Alaska, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Colorado!
The effects of CBD and cannabis legalization in the USA
Naturally, the full legalization of CBD at federal level and cannabis at state level has had an incredible effect on marijuana use.
It is estimated that in 2000, 33% of Americans used cannabis on a fairly regular basis (regardless of the product), compared with more than 65% today... even though therapeutic or recreational use of this same plant remains prohibited in some states.
What about CBD products? Legalized at the federal level (i.e. nationwide), these products circulate freely within the United States, and are therefore not controlled by law enforcement agencies. They are considered an agricultural product.
In short, the cultivation and possession of CBD-rich substances are not considered reprehensible by the law (CBD is not a drug), although this may vary from state to state, especially if we're talking about THC. Naturally, there are bills in the pipeline to move this forward. Finally, this is only possible for adults!
The CBD Wholesaler, exclusively European products
Although the USA is a real locomotive for players in the global CBD market, it is forbidden in Europe to offer for sale products whose hemp has not been cultivated within our borders.
In fact, at Le Grossiste Du CBD, we only sell CBD products that comply with current legislation. Flowers CBD, oils CBD, hash CBD and other types of products we make available to all our customers are from controlled and certified origins.