Is CBD Legal in Ohio?
Ohio is the 25th state to legalize medical marijuana in 2016. Governor John Kasich passed House Bill 523 allowing Ohio residents to manage certain health conditions along with a doctor’s recommendation. Thus, leading to the establishment of the state’s medical-marijuana program.
This bill authorizes local dispensaries to sell CBD oil derived from hemp as well as other CBD products. Meanwhile, the Ohio General Assembly established measures allowing farmers and researchers in Ohio to cultivate industrial hemp and legalized the sale of CBD hemp products.
The federal law removed hemp from the list of controlled substances with low THC levels and treated it as an agricultural crop. Hence, CBD is grown for research purposed in the universities. CBD derived from hemp can be legally used in Ohio whether for recreational or medicinal purposes.
Is CBD Oil Legal in Ohio?
CBD hemp oil is legal in the state of Ohio as long as it does not have more than 0.3% THC levels. THC is a compound that gives you a high effect. Buyers can buy CBD products online or from a retail seller. There are numerous CBD stores across the state that sell oils, edibles, tinctures, and other forms of CBD products.
The Ohio Board of Pharmacy clarified that any type of cannabis product whether from hemp or marijuana must be sold in licensed marijuana dispensaries across the state. Buyers can purchase a wide range of CBD products online from a number of reputable brands and manufacturers that legally sell and ship to Ohio residents.
Is it Legal to Buy CBD Products in Ohio?
Residents can legally buy CBD products in state-licensed dispensaries. CBD oil derived from hemp is legal in all 50 US states on the federal level given that it has less than 0.3% THC levels. Residents and consumers who want to relieve their symptoms will find CBD oil as an alternative option.
Ohio retailers have been selling CBD products for many years. To clarify, consumers can legally buy CBD for sale in Ohio as long as its THC content does not go over 0.3%. Meanwhile, those who want to purchase marijuana and its derivatives should present an MMJ card to be granted access. Therefore, qualified patients can apply for a Medical Marijuana Card.
What Do the Laws and Regulations about CBD in Ohio Specifically Say?
According to an article from Marijuana Break, Ohio’s medical cannabis program is fully operational and is only one of nine state-approved dispensaries. Most dispensaries are located in northeast Ohio. Reports show that less than 30% of qualified medical marijuana patients bought from an Ohio dispensary.
In Ohio, marijuana products including CBD oil are sold in licensed dispensaries. While hemp was legalized at the federal level under the 2018 Farm Bill, Ohio’s Board of Pharmacy is regulating the sale of CBD in the state. Meanwhile, several companies that sell CBD oil online can ship to Ohio even without a medical marijuana card.
Other Important Considerations When Buying CBD in Ohio
It’s important for people to know the difference between hemp and marijuana to understand the CBD laws. CBD may be sourced from marijuana or hemp. Marijuana contains high amounts of THC, a psychoactive compound that results in an intoxicating effect while hemp is now defined as having less than 0.3% THC and does not produce any high effect.
Walter Haverfield explains that hemp products are excluded from the definition of drug and are no longer included in the state’s list of Schedule I controlled substances. With recent amendments, residents do not have to present an MMJ identification card when buying hemp products including CBD oil.
What are the 2019 News About CBD in Ohio?
In an article from WOSU Radio, Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 57 allowing the cultivation of hemp in Ohio and legalizing the sale of CBD products. The state Department of Agriculture is responsible for setting up rules for a hemp program before Ohio farmers can start planting the crop. According to the department, they need $12 million in order to build a testing facility.
According to DeWine \”This is a decision that farmers have to make based on what their particular needs are and what\’s in their best interest, so this crop is just an additional crop that they can now legally grow. They\’re gonna have to see if there\’s a market for that.\”
Ohio lawmakers approved the use and sale of hemp-derived products after the federal government legalized hemp cultivation. This step also allows farmers to create a new revenue stream. Meanwhile, Gary Pierzynski, an associate dean in Ohio State agrees that farmers will benefit from this move.
\”We always like the producers, the farmers to have choices in terms of what crops they have at their disposal to grow. So, if the prices are low in one area, perhaps they could go to something like this to keep their income at an acceptable level.\” Pierzynski says. At the same time, Ohio State is purchasing 2,000 hemp plants for research.
The SB 57 also means that school districts will likely encounter more requests for the administration of cannabidiol (CBD) oil. Hence, they should be fully aware of the legalization of hemp and hemp products in Ohio and how it can be used including its derivatives such as CBD oil. Since a lot of people associate CBD oil and its uses with marijuana, the bill clearly defines the difference between hemp and marijuana.
Conclusion
The rules and regulations in the state of Ohio were amended to favor hemp crop and hemp-derived products. The legalization of hemp cultivation in the state will open up new doors and opportunities for the local hemp industry. Hence, Ohio is expected to rake in more revenues with the SB 57 in place.
This comes as good news for Ohio residents and consumers who want to maximize the use of hemp-derived CBD products and its benefits. Farmers are also celebrating the approval of SB 57 which will help create new ways to boost Ohio’s economy.