Is CBD Legal in Connecticut?
As the popularity of CBD continues to rise in the US, there has also been a growth in the CBD industry which has led to more dispensaries, stores, and online sellers. In Connecticut, marijuana-derived oils are allowed as long as they are qualified under the medical marijuana program and possess a medical marijuana (MMJ) card. Meanwhile, residents can always buy and use hemp-derived CBD products which are legal at the federal level and do not require an MMJ card.
The legalization of medical marijuana was implemented in 2012 following the passing of House Bill 5389. The bill indicates that qualified individuals can possess a reasonable amount of cannabis within one month. To qualify for the program, individuals must be a resident of Connecticut with a valid ID as proof and must not be under the supervision of the state’s Department of Corrections.
Those who qualify can possess, use, and cultivate medical cannabis. The cultivation of medical cannabis only became legal in 2015 through House Bill 5780. With the passing of the 2014 Farm Bill, residents have the option to buy CBD oil derived from hemp.
Is CBD Oil Legal in Connecticut?
Yes. CBD oil is legal in the state of Connecticut. There are various types of CBD products available in retail shops and online stores across Connecticut. The most common type of CBD products includes vape oils for smoking, edibles used as food additives, drops which are taken under the tongue, and topicals applied directly on the skin.
CBD for sale in Connecticut including oils contain high CBD and low THC levels. They are safe to consume even with high dosages since it does not have any psychoactive effects and will not get you high.
Is it Legal to Buy CBD Products in Connecticut?
The state of Connecticut has dozens of CBD stores located in the most populous cities including Newtown, Bethel, Milford, Danbury, Hartford, New Haven, and Bristol. Residents who are not in any of these areas have the option to purchase CBD products online. Meanwhile, patients who have medical marijuana cards can buy from various state-licensed dispensaries in key cities. In an article published by Fox 61, Emmet White who is a patent liaison for the Compassion Care Center of Connecticut, a medical marijuana facility, said that “Ours are tested for heavy metals, molds, toxins, and pesticides.”
What Do the Laws and Regulations about CBD in Connecticut Specifically Say?
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) clearly states that cultivators are permitted to grow hemp with a grower’s license issued by the Department of Agriculture (DOAG). The production of hemp is regulated by the DCP and DOAG. Growers who plan on using hemp for ingestion, absorption, inhalation, and internal consumption are required to apply and have a manufacturer license from the DCP.
Meanwhile, products that are classified Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not need a manufacturer’s license provided they follow the standard guidelines. Some of the products that can be used as a food additive are hulled hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, and hemp seed protein. These hemp products are do not need any manufacturer of hemp license.
CBD products may be sold without a license as long as they are legally obtained. However, buyers should be aware that CBD products produced outside the state may not have been tested. Therefore, they should be aware and do their research first.
Other Important Considerations When Buying CBD in Connecticut
Since CBD products do not contain any psychoactive compound and will not give users a high effect, a lot of doctors in Connecticut recommend it to their patients as an alternative treatment to various medical conditions. It is often used to treat severe and chronic problems. However, they can only recommend and not prescribe it.
On the other hand, consumers who want to purchase hemp-derived CBD oils do not require any recommendation or prescription from a doctor. CBD oils and other CBD products are often used to treat a number of medical conditions including migraines, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, depression, multiple sclerosis, seizures, epilepsy, arthritis, inflammation, and glaucoma.
At the same time, it is used to manage diseases such as Crohn’s, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Type 1 diabetes. A lot of people have grown to understand the positive effects of CBD oil on patients who suffer from the health conditions mentioned.
What are the 2019 News About CBD in Connecticut?
The Canna Law Blog reported that the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 legalized hemp by taking it off the list of the Controlled Substances Act. At the same time, the bill provided a framework for hemp cultivation. According to the bill, the state has the option to regulate the cultivation of hemp within their borders.
Most states have introduced their own bills authorizing the commercial manufacturing of hemp. Some are also developing regulations on the selling of CBD hemp products.
Recently, Connecticut passed the SSB No. 893 wherein the DOAG must implement an agricultural pilot program that allows the cultivation and processing of hemp.
Once approved, the DOAG will start regulating the commercial production of hemp. Hemp contains THC levels of less than 0.3%. Hemp growers and processors that are not intended for consumption, ingestion, absorption or inhalation are still required to get a DOAG license.
Those who want to manufacture and sell hemp for consumption are required to get a license from the DCP, pass the testing procedure, and comply with the state regulations without claiming and marketing the medical values of their products.
Conclusion
The state of Connecticut continues to push for better laws on CBD including legalizing the use of marijuana for recreation someday. Currently, Connecticut developed a bill to address the issue. Meanwhile, the state already has a strong medical marijuana program but still has room for improvement. Residents should always check the state laws every now and then to see if there are any updates since the laws on CBD are expected to change from time to time.
Consumers are encouraged by the legislators to ensure that the products they are buying are made from high-quality CBD and that the company selling it is highly reputable.