Is CBD Legal in Massachusetts?
CBD is making noise in the state of Massachusetts. Cannabidiol or CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical derived from the cannabis plant which means that it doesn’t have any intoxicating effect. This chemical plays an important role in the body and is used to manage various medical disorders.
The state of Massachusetts became the first state on the east coast to legalize the use of marijuana for recreation. Before using any of the cannabis products, you should understand the difference. Both marijuana and hemp are derived from the cannabis plant. Marijuana contains high levels of THC while hemp only has tiny traces of THC in it. The use and possession of cannabis oil were legalized by the state after marijuana was decriminalized is 2008.
According to Guide to CBD, in 2012, the residents of Massachusetts voted to support the use of medical marijuana. Hence, Massachusetts residents are allowed to possess two months of supply of cannabis to be used for medical purposes.
Is CBD Oil Legal in Massachusetts?
CBD oil is legal in the state of Massachusetts including CBD cannabis oil, CBD hemp oil, and its variants. CBD hemp oil was legalized on the federal state level since it is derived from industrial hemp. Meanwhile, the 2014 Farm Bill permits farmers to grow hemp either for industrial or academic use. This bill also allowed hemp-derived CBD products to become legal across all states in the US.
However, since the law follows state jurisdiction, it means that the state still has the final say on the rules and regulations on CBD. CBD oil derived from hemp contains tiny amounts of THC which is less than 0.3%. Since it doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects, CBD oil is available in various shops across the state as well as online retailers.
Is it Legal to Buy CBD Products in Massachusetts?
The state law on hemp and marijuana for recreational and medical use allows consumers to buy and choose from different options. There are numerous retail shops that sell a variety of CBD products derived from hemp. The most common forms of CBD oil for sale in Massachusetts are vapes, e-pens, edibles, creams, and oral drops. With the growing demand and popularity of CBD products, it is easy for Massachusetts residents to access CBD.
CBD is commonly available in most vape shops and retail food stores. Consumers can easily buy CBD products even without a medical marijuana card.
Consumers can also purchase CBD legally online. There are several advantages when buying CBD products online. You can get discounts if you buy in bulk and have the convenience of having the products delivered to your home.
There are several online retailers that sell high-quality CBD products. Consumers just need to do some research first to ensure that the brand is reputable. Meanwhile, even though there are numerous medical dispensaries across the state, they do not carry cannabis oils.
What Do the Laws and Regulations about CBD in Massachusetts Specifically Say?
Currently, there are several shops in Massachusetts that sell CBD products. The cultivation of hemp is allowed in the state under the marijuana law. Meanwhile, the production of hemp was legalized at the federal level after passing the 2018 Farm Bill.
CBD-infused supplements are growing popular by the minute thanks to its health benefits. This product is known to ease pain and reduce anxiety to name a few. The CBD market is expected to grow by $20 billion by 2024 as reported by Forbes.
Other Important Considerations When Buying CBD in Massachusetts
Researchers have discovered the health benefits of CBD, especially when used to manage a variety of medical conditions. Some of the health conditions that can be treated with CBD include nausea, psychosis, anxiety, inflammation, seizures, and tumors. A patient is allowed to possess up to 10 ounces of medical cannabis for two months and is allowed to grow a specific number of plants at home.
When buying CBD in Massachusetts, there are a number of retail stores that carry various CBD products as mentioned in an article by CBD Oil Geek. The Old Colony State is one of the fastest-growing markets in the state while the Greater Boston Are probably has the highest number of CBD shops. Other places where consumers can easily find a shop include Franklin, Salem, and Brookline among many others.
What are the 2019 News About CBD in Massachusetts?
According to an article by WBUR, a bill was filed by a couple of Massachusetts lawmakers that will legalize food and other products made with hemp-derived CBD including dietary supplements. The new legislation will also allow these products to be manufactured and sold in the state of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Senator Adam Hinds who co-sponsored the bill said that hemp farmers should be able to have access to the growing CBD market. \”A number of farmers come to me directly and say we want to diversify our crops and this is a very valuable way of doing it,\” Hinds said.
Based on the latest state guideline, hemp-derived CBD should be treated differently from marijuana-derived CBD. The bill’s objective is to classify edibles with hemp-derived CBD and CBD products as foods and remove them from the list of controlled substances. This would also allow hemp-infused CBD in cosmetics and personal care products.
Conclusion
The hemp movement in Massachusetts only began in 2011 after the passing of House Bill 2758 and continued to grow after the House Bill 3818 was introduced. The objective of House Bill 2758 is to be able to regulate the cultivation of hemp across the state while House Bill 3818.
Currently, the state of Massachusetts has a full-scale program on medical marijuana which now serves over 50,000 patients that are registered with the state. The legalization of marijuana use has paved the way for the opening of more retail shops.
Massachusetts is one of the cannabis-friendly states and continues to lead the legalization of marijuana on the east coast. Lawmakers also continue to come up with progressive laws on cannabis indicating that the CBD industry is expected to grow in the next couple of years.