Is CBD Legal in Virginia?
CBD derived from hemp is legal in Virginia whether for medicinal or recreational purposes. One important thing to clarify is the differentiation of marijuana and hemp. CBD comes from either marijuana or hemp. Marijuana-derived hemp is allowed for qualified patients who are certified and registered with the state.
In 2019, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services sent out a letter to all hemp processors across the state. The letter indicated that Governor Ralph Northam instructed their department to treat hemp products including its derivatives as approved food additives with safety inspections of processors. While the federal law has more conditions on this issue, the state of Virginia allows it.
Is CBD Oil Legal in Virginia?
CBD for sale in Virginia is legally allowed following the guidelines that it should have low concentrations of THC. The state has also developed a system to allow the cultivation and processing of hemp-based CBD. According to a report from Daily Press, the FDA issued a statement that consumers and residents who are interested in trying CBD oil are advised to discuss this first with a pharmacist to help them get the right dosage.
With the growing awareness of CBD in the health and wellness industry, a lot of Virginia residents look at CBD oils as an effective natural therapy that helps relieve various types of health concerns. Hence, CBD oils are becoming a popular alternative to traditional medicines. CBD products derived from hemp such as edibles, tinctures, concentrates, oils, liquids, ointments, creams, lotions, and wax are legal in Virginia.
The 2014 Farm Bill also states that cultivation and study of CBD oil are allowed in all US states. Hemp-derived CBD oil does not contain any psychoactive ingredients, unlike marijuana. Therefore, users won’t have to worry about getting high since it contains THC levels below 0.3%.
Is it Legal to Buy CBD Products in Virginia?
A variety of CBD products are available for purchase in various retail and online shops across the state of Virginia. CBD has captured the attention of medical and health practitioners all over the country particularly the production of CBD oils for commercial use. With the growing popularity of CBD and its derivatives, many consider this natural therapy as a game-changer.
CBD from hemp was legalized following the approval of the 2018 Farm Bill which was adopted by the US Congress. The FDA defined cannabis and sees hemp as a safe ingredient as long as it does not exceed 0.3% THC levels. Hence, the Bill finally removed hemp from the list of controlled substances.
What Do the Laws and Regulations about CBD in Virginia Specifically Say?
In 2017, the state of Virginia passed a bill allowing patients who are diagnosed with epilepsy to have access to CBD and THC-A oil. It was eventually expanded into HB 1251 which took effect in 2018 as reported by the Marijuana Policy Project. More amendments were made in 2019.
The production of processed extracts from parts of the cannabis plant is now allowed. The allowed amount of marijuana extract is up to 15% of CBD or THC-A and must not go over 5% THC. To clarify, THC-A is a naturally occurring substance in marijuana which is converted to THC once heated.
Other Important Considerations When Buying CBD in Virginia
A lot of Virginia residents have discovered the joys of buying CBD products online. Its convenient, fast, and easy. Since there are plenty of online retailers selling a variety of CBD products, consumers are urged to do a background check first before they click on the pay button.
Consumers should see to it that the company they are purchasing from is legit and manufactures high-quality CBD oils. They can check third-party lab test results and read customer reviews. Buyers will also find discounted rates for bulk orders online. However, in order to maximize the potency and health benefits of CBD oils, consumers should get high-quality CBD-infused products.
What are the 2019 News About CBD in Virginia?
Lawmakers across all states are coming up with plans on how to regulate, use, and sell CBD from both hemp and marijuana. The FDA has not come up with complete guidelines yet and has given states the authority to regulate CBD in their jurisdictions. However, the FDA reminds consumers that some CBD products may not contain the right amount of CBD the manufacturers claim.
In an article from The Virginia Pilot, Rita Woods, who owns a hemp business in Virginia, says that “You find it (CBD) everywhere, and not all CBD is the same. That\’s the part where the awareness has to come through.” Meanwhile, oils with 5% THC and 15% CBD are allowed in the state while residents can only use part of the cannabis plant.
When it comes to the regulations of using medical marijuana, patients must present a written certification from their physician for protection. The certification can be accessed online. Patients are also required to register as well as their legal guardians through the state Board of Pharmacy.
Any licensed doctor may issue a certification as well as a physician’s assistant or nurse who has a license from the Board of Medicine or Board of Nursing. The certificates are good for one year. Patients ate allowed a 90-day supply of CBD oil and must not exceed 10 mg. of THC.
Conclusion
Similar to other states in the US, Virginia is starting to grow its CBD market and is becoming one of the most exciting states to look out for in terms of accessing CBD products. Even though CBD retailers in Virginia are a bit limited compared to other states like California or Florida, more and more shops are now starting to open across the state.
Virginia residents can expect the trend in CBD products to continue to thrive in the next couple of years. Currently, most of the retail shops in Virginia are located in Richmond and northern parts of the state. Residents and consumers should always check the updated laws on CBD in their state, especially since the rules may change any time.