Is CBD Legal in Texas? Understanding the legality of CBD (Cannabidiol) across various U.S. states is vital, with Texas having its distinct set of rules. The increasing popularity of CBD for its potential health benefits has led to varied regulations. Knowing Texas’s specific laws on CBD is crucial for residents and visitors alike.
What is CBD?
CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the more famous cannabis compound, CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect. This non-intoxicating characteristic of CBD has contributed to its growing popularity and acceptance.
The Federal Farm Bill and Texas Law
The 2018 Federal Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD products at the federal level, provided they contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. Following this, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1325 in June 2019, aligning Texas’ laws with the federal legislation. This bill legalizes hemp farming and the sale of hemp-derived CBD products in Texas.
Understanding Texas’ CBD Regulations
While the 2019 bill marks a significant step in legalizing hemp-derived CBD, it’s important to understand the nuances of Texas law. There are currently quite a few important caveats to bear in mind.
- THC Content: CBD products must contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. Products exceeding this limit are considered illegal.
- Labeling and Testing: Texas requires CBD products to be accurately labeled and tested for their Delta 9 THC content, with said test results available on a website listed on the label or via QR code. Texas also requires CBD products to clearly state the lot code (batch code), lot date, name of the manufacturer, and the telephone and email address of the manufacturer.
- Licensing: Manufacturers and sellers of CBD products must be licensed and comply with state regulations.
- Smokable CBD: Hemp products designed for smoking are not allowed to be manufactured or processed in Texas. However, products manufactured outside of Texas (provided they meet that state’s guidelines) can be distributed in Texas. This exemption doesn’t extend to ‘White Label’ products, however.
- Age: The legal age to purchase CBD products is not clearly defined in state legislation. Although there are no specific age restrictions for buying CBD oil products, at owner’s discretion they may set an age limit – usually considered 18. This is generally the age limit for purchasing hemp products throughout the USA, though specific localities will vary.
CBD for Medicinal Use
In addition to the general legality of CBD, Texas has a medical cannabis program, the Compassionate Use Program, which was expanded in 2019. Under this program, low-THC cannabis (No more than 1% total THC) can be prescribed by registered physicians to patients with certain medical conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and terminal cancer.
What This Means for Consumers
For consumers in Texas, this means access to a wide range of hemp-derived CBD products, from oils and tinctures to topicals and edibles, as long as they comply with the THC content limits and labeling requirements. However, it’s crucial for consumers to purchase products from reputable sources to ensure compliance with Texas laws.
Can I buy CBD Online?
For Texas CBD consumers, there’s also the option to purchase from licensed online retailers. Online stores can offer a wide range of CBD products, such as oils, topicals, edibles, and more. By shopping online, you can benefit from competitive pricing, discounts through coupon codes and bundle deals, as well as member discounts. Additionally, online retailers, like us here at Sun State Hemp, can support transparency by offering third-party lab testing results. This is to ensure the accuracy of the product labels in terms of CBD and THC content.
Key Takeaways
CBD is legal in Texas, provided the products are derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. With the expansion of the state’s medical cannabis program, certain patients have access to higher THC CBD products. As the landscape of cannabis laws continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest regulations is essential for both consumers and businesses in the CBD industry.