From the Alamo till today, Texas has a reputation for going its own way. In terms of CBD legality, however, the Lone Star State wasn’t exactly “revolutionary.” Throughout all of 2018, Texas remained firmly opposed to the sale and cultivation of all hemp-derived goods.
Luckily for CBD fans, Texas began relaxing its stance on hemp in 2019. Indeed, now it’s increasingly common to find legal CBD oils, tinctures, and creams in stores throughout the state.
But that doesn’t mean Texas is OK with all forms of CBD. There are a few nuances to Texas’ statutes that residents should know before buying CBD.
Is CBD Oil Legal In Texas?
It wasn’t until 2019 that Texas formally struck CBD from Schedule I drug status. This monumental change paved the way for House Bill 1325, which formally legalized the cultivation, sale, and use of hemp-derived goods.
In line with the 2018 US Farm Bill, all hemp-derived products must contain no more than 0.3 percent THC content. Other than that, there are no serious restrictions on what kind of CBD products you could buy. Whether you prefer CBD in oil, tincture, edible, or topical form, you can legally purchase it in Texas.
Is Smokable Hemp Allowed In Texas?
Despite lifting the ban on hemp-derived CBD goods, Texas does not allow the sale or use of low-THC hemp flowers. Therefore, smoking or vaping hemp flowers in Texas is illegal. Shop owners are also not allowed to sell hemp flowers labeled as “smokable.”
Interestingly, there are a few Texas shops that “legally” sell well-cured hemp flowers. The way these stores get around Texas’ restriction is by listing hemp buds for use in a “tea” or as an “herbal supplement.”
Even though these tricks allow stores to sell flowers, please remember that hemp smoking is illegal in Texas. Customers should also keep in mind recreational marijuana is still outlawed throughout the state.
Since hemp and marijuana look similar, law enforcement could mistakenly charge hemp smokers with marijuana possession. Even if you prove you were smoking low-THC flowers, it’s still illegal to buy, use, or possess smokable hemp products.
Although a few businesses are fighting the state’s ban on smokable hemp, Texans should avoid this product for the time being. Please wait until state leaders formally legalize smokable hemp to begin lighting your CBD joints.
Is Vaping Allowed In Texas?
Although smokable hemp is illegal in Texas, the state doesn’t have a clear stance on vaping CBD e-juices. Instead, Texas is most interested in the health effects of nicotine-containing vape cartridges.
Currently, the Texas Health & Human Services says that only customers over the age of 21 can purchase e-cigarettes or vapable products with tobacco. So, as long as you’re over 21, it’s legal to vape CBD in Texas.
Please remember this law doesn’t extend to smokable hemp flowers. It’s still technically illegal to vape high-CBD flowers in a dry herb vaporizer.
Is Medicinal CBD Allowed In Texas?
As Texas begins to relax its stance on recreational CBD, it also appears to be more open to medical CBD. Indeed, the Lone Star State now has an official medical CBD program that allows doctors to prescribe hemp-derived medicines.
The significant difference between the state’s medical and recreational programs has to do with THC concentrations. Unlike recreational CBD products, medical CBD goods could have as high as 0.5 percent THC.
The most widely accepted medical use for CBD in Texas is childhood epilepsy. However, there are a few other conditions that qualify for medicinal CBD products. Here are the most common reasons doctors prescribe medical-grade CBD in Texas:
- Autism
- Cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neurodegenerative disorders
Note: this does not mean Texas has a medical marijuana program. Currently, marijuana remains illegal for both recreational and medicinal use.
For more info on medicinal CBD in Texas, be sure to research the state’s “Compassionate Use Program.”
Is Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Allowed In Texas?
Since full-spectrum CBD oil contains minute traces of THC, Texans often express concerns over these products. However, these oils are 100 percent legal in Texas as long as they have ≤ 0.3 percent THC.
Although there are tiny traces of THC in full-spectrum oils, there’s no need to worry about feeling “high.” Even if you’re overly sensitive to THC, it’s unlikely 0.3 percent THC will have a substantial impact on your body. Plus, since CBD seems to counteract THC’s psychoactive qualities, it’s even less likely full-spectrum oils will make you feel woozy.
The only thing to be careful about with full-spectrum CBD has to do with drug tests. Everyone absorbs CBD products differently, so there are no guarantees the THC won’t appear in a urine sample. If you’re concerned about an upcoming screening, it’s best to stick with ultra-purified CBD isolate powders.
Where Could You Buy CBD Oil In Texas?
Now that hemp is legal in Texas, it’s not difficult to find CBD products in dozens of stores. Indeed, people living in big cities like Houston and Dallas shouldn’t have issues tracking down plenty of reputable CBD vendors.
Although you could find CBD creams at big-name pharmacies, you’ll usually find the widest selection of hemp products in health food stores and alternative healing centers. There are also many smoke and vape shops that sell CBD cartridges and hemp-derived goodies.
People who use CBD topically might also want to research luxury spas in their area. As demand for CBD increases, more masseurs are using CBD creams in their practice. It’s also becoming fashionable for spa owners to sell CBD creams, lotions, and tinctures in their main lobby.
Could You Buy CBD Oil Online In Texas?
As long as you’re buying CBD that meets the standards in HB 1325, you can purchase CBD goods online.
For your safety, always carefully screen the CBD company you’re buying from. You should also look for third-party lab results to ensure there’s ≤ 0.3 percent THC.
Bottom Line: Texas Tolerates CBD
Texas may not be the most liberal state for cannabis legislation, but it has relatively relaxed CBD laws. The only restriction Texans should be aware of is smokable hemp. Otherwise, as long as your hemp-derived CBD meets the 2018 US Farm Bill’s standards, it’s legal to buy and use.
If you have further questions about the Lone Star State’s stance on industrial hemp, you should visit this portal put together by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Here you’ll learn what it takes to grow and manufacture industrial hemp in Texas.