CBD is a unique compound that has tons of health benefits, but, like anything in life, it doesnβt come without a few stipulations. CBD isnβt always legal, and this means you need to check into the regulations very closely before you use it.
Do you live in the state of Virginia? Then keep reading to find out if you can legally use CBD while living in the state and what is and isn't legal under the Virginia CBD laws.
What is CBD?
First and foremost, letβs delve a little bit into what CBD is, and what it is not. Most importantly, CBD is not weed, rather it is a chemical, or cannabidiol, in the Cannabis plant. Sometimes people also call this plant hemp and call CBD a hemp extract. CBD is not THC, they are both cannabinoids, however, but THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is THC and the ingredient that causes the high that people who consume weed feel.
Hemp plants, which CBD comes from, contains very little THC when compared to a traditional marijuana plant. This means that CBD can give you many of the same health benefits as weed or marijuana but without the active ingredient and associated high.
Health Benefits of CBD
Over the last few years, CBD has become a big player in the medicinal world. This is because it helps alleviate the symptoms of numerous diseases, while also treating several medical conditions. Below are some of the conditions CBD can help treat.
- Pain Relief
- Reduce Mental Health Disorder Symptoms
- Treats Epilepsy (Specifically intractable epilepsy)
- Alleviates Cancer Symptoms
- May Help Protect the Brain
- May Lower Blood Pressure
- Can Be Used as an Antipsychotic
- Helps People Heal From Substance Abuse
- Assists With Sleep
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Reduces Anxiety
As you can see there are numerous benefits you can receive from taking CBD on a regular basis. However, it is important to note that CBD is not approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and that it could cause side effects.
Possible Side Effects of CBD
As mentioned above, CBD affects everyone differently. For this reason, you may want to be careful when considering whether or not you should take CBD. Here are some of the side effects you may experience:
- Upset Stomach
- Diarrhea
- Appetite Changes
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Loss of Consciousness
Your chances of experiencing these side effects increase when you take a CBD product that is of low quality. This is because they often mix CBD with other chemicals to reach a desired taste or structure that is not healthy or good for the body. Additionally, if you live somewhere where it is difficult to obtain hemp plants, there is a possibility the hemp products you are looking at are artificially made, and therefore not true hemp products.
Itβs important that you research a CBD brand and its products before you begin consuming them. This is especially true when it comes to edible products as some of these may contain other ingredients which could upset your digestive system.
Is CBD Legal in Virginia?
Ready to start experiencing the benefits of CBD yourself? Well, this is good news if you live in the state of Virginia, as CBD products are legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. Surprisingly, the government of Virginia is on board with the THC industry and has been studying its effects, and economic benefits since 1997. These studies were monumental in the legalization of industrial hemp which happened in the state in 2015.
Later on, a federal regulation, the 2018 United States Farm Bill, declared that under federal law , the growth, cultivating, and consumption of CBD is legal within the United States as long as these products do not contain more than 0.3% THC. This means that most CBD products can be enjoyed within the borders of the state of Virginia and are considered legal by the federal government. There are some stipulations, however.
What CBD Products Can be Consumed in Virginia?
CBD products which have less than 0.03% THC are able to be consumed within the borders of Virginia without penalty. This means that CBD products that come from a hemp plant are okay to consume in the state.
Some examples of CBD products you could consume in Virginia are:
- CBD Milk Chocolate Bar
- CBD Gummies
- CBD Oil
- CBD Vape Pens and Vape Oils
- CBD Lotion (Topical)
- CBD Chapstick (Topical)
- CBD + CBG Infused Sugar Scrub (Topical)
- CBD Bath Bombs
The important thing to remember as you shop for CBD products is to check the label and be sure the product doesnβt contain any THC. Or if it does, in an amount that is less than 0.03%. If you do not do this, you could be breaking the law while consuming the product, and you could experience psychoactive effects and/or dangerous side effects.
You also should be aware that different CBD products may be processed in different ways, and grown with different pesticides. They also could spend time in a third-party lab that doesn't have as high of requirements. This means you will need to investigate any CBD company thoroughly before you buy to discover this information and ensure the product is safe for you.
How Does the Government Measure How Much CBD in a Product?
The United States government, when they put the Farm Bill into effect, tasked the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) with checking to see the amount of THC when compared to the dry weight of the product. This is where the percentage is derived. The USDA in turn instructed all those who grow hemp plants to take their products to an approved DEA lavatory 15 days before harvest to find out the THC percentage.
It is in this laboratory where the hemp plant or CBD product is weighed and tested to discover the percentage of THC. This amount will appear on the label of the product.
Is it Legal to Grow CBD in Virginia?
Because the state of Virginia has such a long history with CBD, you may be wondering if it is legal to grow the plant there, or if youβll have to acquire your products somewhere else. The good news is, it is legal to grow CBD in Virginia. Under a regulation passed by Governor Terry McAuliffe in 2015 called Senate Bill 995, it is legal to grow your own hemp within the state of Virginia.
You may do this for personal use, or for the purpose of starting a company. You may not, however, create CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC as this is illegal. You also cannot create CBD products and sell them as food or as this is illegal on the federal level.
What CBD Products are Illegal in Virginia?
Most CBD products that you come across within the state will be legal, as that is why they are able to be sold there. There is a chance though that you may come across a CBD product that is illegal in Virginia. Any CBD product which contains THC is known as a marijuana product and is not legal for consumption unless you have a prescription from a doctor as Virginia follows the regulations of medical cannabis.
Products containing THC are considered to be a Schedule I substance under United States law. Any CBD product derived from marijuana that contains THC is illegal for Virginians to consume without a prescription. CBD oils that contain THC are often called Cannabis Oils. But itβs important to check all labels before you consume a product, as it isnβt always clear which contain THC and which do not based on the name alone.
Where Can You Buy CBD Products in Virginia?
There are a variety of places in the state where you can purchase the CBD products such as CBD oil, which you are legally able to consume without a prescription. You can usually do this at a local shop or gas station. In Virginia, there are many CBD companies, but it is possible that if you don't live in a big city like Richmond, that you donβt live near a store that retails CBD products. When this is the case, you can order your CBD products online.
When purchasing online, it is critical that you check the ingredients of what you are ordering. This is because different states like Colorado, have different laws, and something which may be legal in another state wonβt be legal in Virginia. Also, keep in mind that you want to only buy quality products and you will be putting these in your body.Β Therefore what is the best deal money-wise may not always be a good deal for your health.
Always check out multiple retailers, and investigate the ingredients before you buy. For those looking to buy CBD oil which contains THC, this is only available with a prescription, once you have said prescription you can head to a medical marijuana shop or dispensary and they can help you pick out the product which is best for you and for your health condition.
Where Can You Get a Prescription for THC in Virginia?
The medical marijuana program for Virginians is very strict. Under state law, you cannot get a medical marijuana prescription (allowing you to consume products with more than 0.3% THC content) without having tried other methods to treat your ailment first. Therefore you cannot just walk into a doctor's office and ask for a prescription. Under the marijuana laws, you will need to try everything else to treat your condition before resorting to taking medical marijuana.Β
This means there are very few people in Virginia with a medical marijuana prescription. Even if you find a dispensary that will sell you a marijuana product without checking for a prescription, know that the possession of marijuana is illegal within the state, and if you are caught you could be subject to fines and/or jail time.
Can You Buy CBD Products for Your Pets in Virginia?
CBD products can also be safe for pets! And in the state of Virginia, these rules must follow the exact same ones as the human CBD treats do. All products sold for dog or cat consumption must be made without THC. THC can be very dangerous for dogs, and for this reason, you should never give human CBD products to your dogs, nor should you give them any CBD product where the ingredients arenβt clearly stated. This could end in disaster if the product isn't quality, and isn't safe for dog consumption.
CBD treats for dogs are sold all over the state of Virginia and are available in many pet stores. Google to find one near you, or you can also order CBD dog treats online. Be sure to keep all human and dog CBD products out of the reach of your dog. This is because, if they were to accidentally get into either it is possible they could eat the wrong thing or too much of the treats which are meant for them.
What is the Best CBD Product?
The best CBD product for you to take will generally depend on your overall health, the reason you are taking CBD, and how you prefer to take it. Everyone is different and thus the cannabis products you prefer will differ as well. Some people prefer taking CBD as a dietary supplement, or a pill they swallow once a day and can be done with. But other people want to enjoy the experience and instead prefer something they can eat, like candy.Β
There is also a third option, known as tinctures, which is CBD oil which is placed beneath the tongue using a dropper. This allows for the THC to enter the blood faster than through the digestive system and is recommended for people who are using CBD for pain relief. It doesn't stop there, as you can also consume CBD as vapors from a CBD vape pen which you can fill with vape oils. This method is just as fast as tinctures but doesn't tend to last as long.Β
It is also worth mentioning that there are several topical CBD products, and for some people, this may be more ideal than the ones which are consumed orally. This is because a topical product allows you to apply CBD directly to your area of pain. CBD may additionally have several benefits for your skin.
For example, someone who is having knee or back pain may find that a topical lotion or salve soothes their ache just as efficiently, and faster than when they consume CBD orally. If you are wondering how you should best consume CBD it is always worth having a conversation with your doctor, or someone else who can advise you, before you shop.
Ready to Try Some CBD?
There you have it, Virginians all over the state can enjoy the benefits of hemp CBD without having to worry about the law. Although marijuana legalization hasn't happened fully within the state just yet, there are many ways to enjoy CBD legally in your home.Β
For those who are a little worried about how they can get started taking CBD, and are wondering just how much they should take, check out this article about CBD dosage to be sure you are taking the right amount for your body size. It will help guide you through the amazing world of wellness thanks to the benefits of CBD.