In terms of natural medicine, there’s really nothing like CBD. Users of all ages and backgrounds can attest to its healing, calming properties. But just who can legally buy it?
According to federal law, you must be over 18 to purchase smokeable products like CBD flower or CBD vaping oils. But all other forms of CBD, like gummies, topicals, oils, or creams, have no age restriction due to their medicinal benefits. With that being said, not all states follow the federal law, and some states may require you to be older than 21.
Because the restrictions between state and federal laws can be so complicated, we’ve dedicated this article to sussing out exactly how old you have to be to buy CBD, and how to make sure you get it from a reputable source without getting ripped off.
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Is there a federal age limit for buying CBD?
There is no federal age limit for purchasing CBD products in the United States. The 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived CBD containing no more than 0.3% THC, does not specify a minimum age requirement for CBD purchases.
However, the FDA recommends that smokable flower or vaping oils should only be sold to adults 18 and older. This recommendation is based on concerns about the potential harm associated with smoke inhalation.
While there is no federal age restriction, it’s important to note that:
- Individual states have the authority to set their own age requirements for CBD purchases.
- Many retailers and online stores implement their own age verification processes.
- For marijuana-derived CBD products, the age requirement is typically 21 in states with recreational cannabis programs.
Consumers should always check their local state laws and individual retailer policies, as these may impose stricter age requirements than federal regulations.
How old do you have to be to buy CBD oil in each state?
Based on the most recent information available as of February 2025, here’s a list of age restrictions for buying CBD in all 50 states:
- Alabama: 18 and older
- Alaska: 21 and older
- Arizona: No age limit
- Arkansas: No age limit
- California: 21 and older
- Colorado: No age limit
- Connecticut: 18 and older
- Delaware: No age limit
- Florida: 21 and older
- Georgia: 21 and older
- Hawaii: 18 and older
- Idaho: 18 and older (only for 0% THC CBD)
- Illinois: No age limit
- Indiana: No age limit
- Iowa: No age limit
- Kansas: No age limit (only for 0% THC CBD)
- Kentucky: No age limit
- Louisiana: 21 and older
- Maine: 21 and older
- Maryland: No age limit
- Massachusetts: 18 and older
- Michigan: 21 and older
- Minnesota: 21 and older
- Mississippi: 18 and older
- Missouri: No age limit
- Montana: No age limit
- Nebraska: No age limit
- Nevada: 18 and older
- New Hampshire: 18 and older
- New Jersey: No age limit
- New Mexico: 18 and older
- New York: 18 and older
- North Carolina: 18 and older
- North Dakota: 18 and older
- Ohio: No age limit
- Oklahoma: 18 and older
- Oregon: No age limit
- Pennsylvania: 18 and older
- Rhode Island: 21 and older
- South Carolina: 21 and older
- South Dakota: 18 and older
- Tennessee: 21 and older
- Texas: No age limit
- Utah: No age limit
- Vermont: No age limit
- Virginia: No age limit
- Washington: No age limit
- West Virginia: No age limit
- Wisconsin: No age limit
- Wyoming: 21 and older
Please note that these restrictions apply to hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC. Regulations for marijuana-derived CBD or products with higher THC content may differ. Additionally, local laws and individual retailer policies may impose stricter age requirements
How do age restrictions for CBD impact online purchases?
Age restrictions for CBD significantly impact online purchases in several ways:
Age Verification Systems
Online retailers of CBD products typically implement age verification systems to comply with legal requirements. These systems may include:
- Self-reported age verification: Many websites use simple age gates where customers are asked to confirm their age by entering a birthdate or clicking a checkbox. This method is easily circumvented and not very effective.
- Age verification at checkout: Some retailers require customers to verify their age during the purchase process, either by entering a birthdate or confirming they are of legal age.
Challenges for Retailers
The lack of uniform state guidelines creates challenges for online CBD retailers:
- Implementing age verification processes that comply with varying state regulations is complex.
- Retailers must navigate different legal landscapes to avoid violating state laws while selling products online.
- Some retailers may opt to follow the strictest state regulations to ensure compliance across all jurisdictions.
Impact on Consumers
Age restrictions affect consumers in the following ways:
- Adults must be prepared to provide proof of age when making online purchases.
- In some cases, the age requirement may be 21 instead of 18, depending on the companies policy.
Enforcement Challenges
Despite age restrictions, there are challenges in enforcing them for online purchases:
- Some online vendors may have weak age verification processes, potentially allowing minors to access CBD products.
- The ease of clicking “Yes” when asked about age makes it possible for underage individuals to circumvent restrictions.
In conclusion, while age restrictions for CBD are intended to protect minors and ensure responsible use, their implementation and enforcement in the online space present ongoing challenges for both retailers and consumers.
Conclusion
The landscape of CBD age restrictions in the United States is complex and varied, reflecting the patchwork of state regulations governing cannabis-derived products.
While federal law does not impose age limits on CBD purchases, individual states have implemented a range of restrictions, creating a challenging environment for both consumers and retailers.
Online sales further complicate matters, with age verification systems of varying effectiveness. As the CBD market continues to evolve, it is crucial for consumers to stay informed about local laws and for retailers to navigate the complex regulatory environment carefully.
The ongoing debate surrounding CBD regulation suggests that these policies may continue to change, potentially leading to more standardized approaches in the future.
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