Unlike the nearby states of Illinois and Michigan, Ohio has yet to legalize recreational cannabis. But just because this Midwestern state takes a tough stance on marijuana doesn’t mean it’s a “hemp hater.” Quite the contrary! Ohio now has some of the most relaxed CBD oil laws in the USA.
Hemp Buds In The Buckeye State – Is CBD Legal In Ohio?
Currently, Ohio residents can legally buy and use hemp-derived CBD products. The only stipulation is that CBD goods in Ohio must meet the 2018 US Farm Bill’s standards. Most significantly, Ohioans must ensure their CBD products have no more than 0.3 percent THC.
Although CBD has been legal in Ohio since 2019, there are a few nuanced regulations that residents should know about. Not all CBD goods are created equal, so it’s essential to have a firm grasp of Ohio’s policies before adding CBD to your shopping cart.
Is CBD Illegal In Ohio?
In July of 2019, Ohio State made its stance on CBD crystal clear. In line with the US Farm Bill of 2018, lawmakers in Columbus passed Senate Bill 57, formally decriminalizing hemp cultivation, sale, and usage. Ohioans who want to purchase CBD products derived from the hemp plant can do so without any license requirements.
The only feature Ohioans have to watch out for is the THC percentage. As you might already know, THC is a psychedelic cannabinoid most commonly found in marijuana strains. By law, CBD products cannot have above 0.3 percent THC in Ohio. As long as your hemp-derived CBD items meet this standard, they’re perfectly legal to buy and use.
How Does Ohio Test CBD Products?
According to Ohio’s statutes, the Department of Agriculture is responsible for testing all CBD products that enter the Buckeye State. Any farmers interested in growing hemp in Ohio also have to apply through the Department of Agriculture.
Although there are questions over how Ohio will enforce these quality control measures, lawmakers say all CBD products are subject to the state’s Pure Food and Drug Law. Under this law, it’s possible for the state government to seize CBD goods that don’t meet SB 57’s standards.
Is It OK To Smoke Hemp Flowers In Ohio?
Even people involved in the CBD industry couldn’t have predicted the explosive growth in smokable hemp joints. Although the smokable hemp segment isn’t as large as CBD oils, it continues to bring in millions of dollars each year.
Since many lawmakers still don’t know hemp joints are a “thing,” it’s no surprise that few states have hemp smoking laws. Case and point: Ohio doesn’t have clear laws governing smokable hemp.
Technically, since hemp buds with ≤ 0.3 percent THC are legal in Ohio, it should be OK to smoke hemp flowers in the Buckeye State. However, that doesn’t mean it’s wise to whip out a hemp joint in a public park.
Unfortunately, hemp and marijuana look identical, making it nearly impossible for police to tell the difference. Although you could fight these charges in a court of law, it’s possible you might have to pay a fine.
Until Ohio introduces official hemp smoking laws, we recommend lighting your stash of hemp strains far from public view.
Can You Legally Vape CBD In Ohio?
People who enjoy vaping CBD cartridges should know that Ohio has strict laws surrounding e-cigarettes and vaporizers. Indeed, Ohio recently passed a law that bans the sale of vaping products to residents under 21. This restriction also includes regular cigarettes and tobacco goods.
Although this revised code targets products with nicotine, there’s no clear exemption for CBD vape cartridges. Until there’s further clarity on these laws, it’s best to wait till you’re over 21 to buy and use CBD e-juices.
What Is “Full-Spectrum CBD” And Is It Legal In Ohio?
Of all the CBD products hitting store shelves, “full spectrum” oils tend to cause the most confusion. Unlike products labeled “broad spectrum” or “isolate,” CBD oils that are “full spectrum” can have 0.3 percent THC content. Although this is well within the limits of the 2018 Farm Bill, first-time customers are understandably wary about purchasing goods with this high-inducing cannabinoid.
While it might seem sketchy to order something with THC, hemp-derived full-spectrum products are perfectly legal in Ohio. Even if your CBD oil has the max 0.3 percent THC, it’s unlikely you’ll feel any “stoned” side effects. Not only are these THC levels too low to exert an impact, there’s some evidence that CBD buffers the psychedelic qualities of THC.
For extra peace of mind, be sure to ask your CBD company for a third-party lab report that lists THC percentages. Since the FDA doesn’t screen CBD products, hemp companies should offer Certificates of Analysis to let customers know what’s in their products. If a CBD company doesn’t provide high-quality lab tests, then you shouldn’t work with them.
Do Ohio’s CBD Laws Include Topicals And Edibles?
Two segments of the CBD industry that have grown in recent years are edibles and topicals. To better accommodate these booming markets, Ohio now allows the sale and purchase of all hemp-derived CBD infusions.
As with any other CBD product, please be sure your CBD edibles or topicals have ≤ 0.3 percent THC. You should also verify all of your CBD products come from all-natural hemp.
Where Could You Buy CBD In Ohio?
You don’t have to look far to find CBD in Ohio. Indeed, residents in big cities like Cincinnati and Columbus have probably run across CBD goods in most convenience stores.
Although you could find CBD oils and topicals in gas stations and big-name pharmacies, it’s more likely you’ll find a wider assortment of goods in smoke or vape shops. Businesses that specialize in nutrition, fitness, or alternative healing also offer many CBD goods in Ohio. Patients with a doctor-approved medical marijuana card could also visit a state-run dispensary to check out CBD goods.
Can’t find any CBD products nearby? Don’t forget about the Internet! Ohio allows citizens to buy hemp-derived CBD online, provided it meets the state’s guidelines for THC content.
When you’re shopping for CBD online, please be sure to look up the company’s Certificates of Analysis. These third-party lab reports will help you gauge the potency and purity of each vendor’s CBD goods. For your convenience, Avid Hemp now publishes our third-party lab screenings on this webpage.
Want More Info On CBD In Ohio? Check Out These Links
CBD legality in Ohio isn’t all that complicated. In fact, Ohio’s hemp laws are remarkably similar to the 2018 US Farm Bill. As long as they’re under 0.3 percent THC, hemp-derived CBD products are a-OK in the Buckeye State.
If you’d like more information on Ohio’s hemp cultivation program, we encourage you to visit this link put together by the state’s Department of Agriculture. On this official webpage, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to apply for a hemp cultivation license in Ohio.
For more details on Ohio’s medical marijuana program, it’s best to visit this website. We also recommend speaking with a board-certified doctor if you have specific questions regarding CBD, hemp, and medical marijuana.