Is CBD Legal in Washington D.C.?
In 2017, the demand for CBD oil hit the roof in Washington D.C. and is continuing to grow. The use and sale of CBD were legalized both at the federal and the state level. CBD can be obtained legally in the country’s capital under certain conditions.
CBD manufacturers can sell CBD oil in the state as per the 2014 Farm Bill. Residents can possess and consume products as long as they are derived from hemp and that it contains THC below 0.3%. Washington D.C. has also approved the recreational and medicinal use of all forms of cannabis-based on Initiative 71. Residents can possess up to one oz. of cannabis that has no more than 0.3% THC.
Is CBD Oil Legal in Washington D.C.?
CBD can be extracted from two sources of cannabis: marijuana and hemp. Marijuana-derived CBD contains high amounts of THC which produces a psychoactive effect while hemp-derived CBD has only tiny traces of THC. CBD hemp products are available in various parts of the district. Meanwhile, CBD cannabis products are available for residents enrolled in the medical marijuana program.
As of 2017, almost 5,000 patients are registered in the medical marijuana program with a majority of men. The federal law legalized the farming, cultivation, processing, and distribution of hemp for research purposes. The most common forms of CBD for sale in Washington D.C. are oils, edibles, pills, lotions, creams, ointments, and tinctures. CBD products are also available in smoke shops across the district including oils or liquids for vapes and e-pens.
Is it Legal to Buy CBD Products in Washington D.C.?
CBD products including oils are available in licensed dispensaries. Consumers are encouraged to buy CBD from dispensaries to ensure that they are getting high-quality, pure, and strong CBD content from organic hemp. Another way to purchase CBD products is online.
Buyers will find plenty of CBD products online and are available in different forms. Buying online is the easiest and most convenient way to obtain CBD. The challenge is to find a company that sells high-quality products. Hence, always check if the company offers information on third-party lab testing results which shows the product’s safety, purity, and potency.
What Do the Laws and Regulations about CBD in Washington D.C. Specifically Say?
Wikipedia explains that cannabis is legal in Washington D.C. for both recreational and medical use. Initiative 59 was introduced to legalize medical cannabis. The first customer to buy medical cannabis at a dispensary in Washington D.C. was in 2013.
In 2010, the District of Columbia passed legislation to legalize marijuana and as a result, medical cannabis was legalized in 2011. Meanwhile, Initiative 71 allowed the recreational use of cannabis which went into effect in 2015. Under the initiative, D.C. residents over the age of 21 can possess up to two oz. of marijuana, transfer up to one oz. to another person, as well as grow three mature and three immature marijuana plants.
According to Guide to CBD, residents who want to have access to CBD products in Washington D.C. should apply for a medical marijuana card. Any person who is diagnosed with the health conditions mandated by the 2015 Marijuana Legislation and Regulation Act should register un the medical marijuana program. The card will enable patients to buy CBD from state-licensed dispensaries.
Other Important Considerations When Buying CBD in Washington D.C.
A lot of people still get confused between a doctor’s recommendation and a doctor’s prescription. These terms are often used in the scope of medical marijuana and even though both terms are often used, the US legislation clarifies that there is a clear difference between the two.
Healthcare professionals are only permitted to recommend the use of cannabis to patients. Doctors can issue a written recommendation that entitles patients to use medical cannabis to treat and manage their health issues. Written recommendations from doctors are valid for up to one year and are only issued to patients with an MMJ card. Patients should also have at least three months of appointments with one approved doctor.
What are the 2019 News About CBD in Washington D.C.?
According to an article posted by Times of CBD, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has set some guidelines on how employees can use marijuana after work. The mayor expressed that employees can now use marijuana after official office hours. The memo issued updated the government’s rules on how marijuana should be consumed.
The local government continues to create efforts to inform the employees on how they can use CBD the right way. On the other hand, there are certain jobs that are excluded from this guideline particularly those operating heavy machinery. Mayor Bowser also suggests agencies to follow the new guidelines and that employees should be well-informed.
She also emphasizes that the new rules are there to provide legal guidance to adults. The memo also clarifies that patients who need to use medical cannabis during work should be allowed to file official leaves. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says, “With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill and my hemp legalization provision, it’s important to provide the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the resources necessary to get the hemp program up and running. Once enacted, this federal funding will benefit this exciting new industry.”
Conclusion
With the passing of the Initiative 71 which legalized the possession of D.C. residents up to two oz. of marijuana, residents clearly understand the laws surrounding cannabis in the state. With certain laws in place, people can also grow marijuana in their homes. They can also exchange it with others as long as the deal does not involve any monetary values.
The laws in D.C. makes it easy for residents to access and buy CBD anywhere in the district. There are several stores that offer CBD hemp products as well as dispensaries. With the popularity of CBD, many entrepreneurs are investing in CBD companies. Hence, residents can expect more CBD stores to open in D.C. in the next couple of years.
Aside from physical stores, residents can also resort to online sellers. There are plenty of choices and a wide range of CBD products available on the internet. Washington D.C. is one of the best places to access and buy various CBD products. Buyers should make sure that they are buying the right CBD product to fit their preferences and needs.