Now we are going to learn more about New Jersey CBD laws, licensing requirements in the state (if applicable) and where to buy CBD in New Jersey.
What is CBD?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a non psychoactive compound derived from cannabis. CBD shares the outer space in the cannabis plant with THC. Studies continue to show CBD may have a plethora of beneficial properties, with the most popular of these being: anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, pain relief, anti-seizure, and anxiety relief properties.
In these medical field studies, CBD has proved its worth in a growing amount of trials.
CBD is a Cannabis Derivative
Cannabidiol is a cannabis derivative. That doesn’t mean that it is the same as marijuana, though. It simply comes from a cannabis plant. This is an important distinction to keep in mind when answering the question, “Is CBD legal in New Jersey?” CBD is a non-psychoactive cousin of THC, which means CBD cannot, and will not, get you high. As long as your CBD is hemp-based, or comes from the hemp plant, it will not contain an amount of THC over 0.3%.
Federal regulations on CBD currently require all CBD products to come from hemp in order to remain federally legal. A THC amount of 0.3% isn’t enough to get anyone high. In fact, this amount is so low that you could drink an entire container of CBD oil (not recommended), and still not get high.
Supplementing with CBD is a great way to treat patients in a more natural way than other medications that have harsh side-effects. CBD research exploded over the last few years, and significant investments are continuing to be made in research and development.
The FDA is still figuring out their approval process for CBD, so until this is complete, CBD will not be able to achieve the status of a dietary supplement.
Why is CBD Illegal in Some Places?
This is a tricky subject. Let’s begin by addressing the fact that while CBD is federally legal, each state has their own laws. While most states have followed the Farm Bill of 2018 footsteps, a handful of states still have strange laws revolving around CBD.
Thankfully, CBD is legal in New Jersey.
New Jersey doesn’t have weird laws about CBD use. Some of the more conservative states identify CBD with marijuana, even though it is completely non-psychoactive. For this reason, they have a set of strict laws. As time goes on, though, states are continuing to soften these CBD laws.
How Did the Farm Bill Help Hemp?
The 2018 Farm Bill brought a revolution for hemp and hemp derived products. The cultivation of hemp became federally legal for recreational purposes when this was passed. This bill specifically removed hemp, which is now legally defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC by weight, from the schedule I list of controlled substances.
As of the writing of this article, cannabis as a whole is now set to be voted on for removal from this same list. CBD is now legal in New Jersey because they basically followed suit and created a similar state law, as mentioned above.
This means that people can now use hemp gummies for pain relief, or other forms of relief, and do it 100% legally.
The United States FDA and CBD
The Food and Drug Administration has the authority of regulating CBD product labeling, monitoring therapeutic claims for CBD, and the usage of CBD for recreational and dietary purposes.
FDA, currently, has not allowed the advertisement of hemp-derived CBD as a dietary supplement, or as an additive to food and beverages.
The FDA must authorize any health claims that CBD products make. No companies to date have received this designation, except for the pharmaceutical drug Epidiolex.
While the Food and Drug Administration has maintained this stance for years, it has softened these regulations and is considering appropriate legislation around labeling CBD as a dietary supplement. In addition, the Farm Bill has given the authority to states to allow or disallow the cultivation and business of CBD.
Let’s move on to CBD and its legal status in New Jersey.
Is CBD Legal in New Jersey?
New Jersey has already taken many positions on the legalization of both cannabis and hemp. While hemp-derived CBD is completely legal in New Jersey, medical marijuana remains regulated and specifically for those who have a medical marijuana card via their patient registration portal.
New Jersey lawmakers are working to submit new regulations U.S. Department of Agriculture that remove marijuana as a controlled substance. The state will continue taking steps to implement the current regulations and licensing requirements for the growers and processors within New Jersey.
Licensing Requirements for CBD in New Jersey
CBD does not require a license for use in New Jersey. A medical card is mandatory for legal use of marijuana. Possession of marijuana is illegal without this card.
New Jersey CBD Possession Limits
New Jersey has decriminalized all CBD possession limits. Currently, there is no possession limit for hemp-derived CBD products and marijuana-products in New Jersey.
Where to Buy CBD Oil in New Jersey?
To be honest, CBD products are all over the place in New Jersey. Consumers can buy CBD oil and hemp derived CBD products from a variety of retail storefronts, gas stations, and kiosks within the state. I want to caution you, though, to be extra careful on where you purchase your CBD products.
In the summer of 2020, the FDA conducted a study on CBD products from different brands. They reported that roughly 25% of CBD products are either fake, under-dosed, or mislabeled. CBD is expensive. I would hate to see a bogus CBD company rip you off.
Summary – Is CBD Legal in New Jersey?
Yes, CBD is legal in New Jersey. Here are some things to look for to make sure your CBD falls within the federal guidelines for use:
- Hemp-derived CBD is legal
- It must contain less than 0.3% THC
- I recommend that the CBD labels include a QR code that scans to a third-party lab result
- Marijuana-derived CBD is not legal
That about wraps up covering the legalities of CBD within NJ. If you are looking to purchase or possess CBD in New Jersey, you don’t have to worry. It is 100% legal in New Jersey.