Let’s talk about a common question…”Is CBD legal in Pennsylvania?”
CBD oil is legal in Pennsylvania so long as it conforms to all requisite state and federal standards. This means the CBD must come from hemp, and it must contain less than 0.3% of THC.
Also, the state has a large number of medical dispensaries, particularly concentrated in locations around major city centers.
TL;DR – CBD (cannabidiol) is legal in PN as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC, and comes from hemp. Make sure all of your products meet these guidelines, and you’re good to go.
As a side note, medical marijuana use became legal in Pennsylvania in 2016 with the passing of their Medical Marijuana Program.
Now we are going to learn more about Pennsylvania CBD laws, licensing requirements in the state (if applicable) and where to buy CBD in Pennsylvania.
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 Pennsylvania?”
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 is sky rocketing now move than ever, 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 PA. Pennsylvania 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. This made the cultivation of hemp and hemp-based products federally legal.
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.
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 it’s legal status in Pennsylvania.
Is CBD Legal in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has already taken many positions on the legalization of both cannabis and hemp.
While hemp-derived CBD is completely legal in PA, medical marijuana remains regulated and specifically for those who have a medical marijuana card via their Department of Health website.
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
Licensing Requirements for CBD in Pennsylvania
CBD does not require a license for use in Pennsylvania. Users must apply for, and be granted, a medical marijuana card to use marijuana legally, though. Possession of marijuana is illegal without this card.
Pennsylvania CBD Possession Limits
Pennsylvania has decriminalized all CBD possession limits. Currently, there is no possession limit for hemp-derived CBD products and marijuana-products in Pennsylvania.
Where to Buy CBD in Pennsylvania?
CBD Products for Sale by New Phase Blends
Type: CBD oil for energy
CBD: 16mg per serving
Features: Synephrine and CBD blend for energy
Type: CBD Acne Cream
CBD: 1000mg per 1oz jar
Features: Salicylic acid and CBD blend to stop acne
Type: High strength CBD balm
CBD: 500mg, 1000mg, or 2000mg
Features: Full spectrum, lavender scented
Type: CBD Starter Kit Bundle
Includes: Tincture, Balm, and Gummies
Features: You create your own kit with your custom product choices
Type: Pure CBD Softgel Capsules
CBD: 40mg per capsule
Features: Broad spectrum, vegan certified softgels
Type: Pure CBD Gummies
CBD: 45mg per gummy
Features: Full spectrum, premium quality CBD gummies
Type: Pure CBD Oil
CBD: 33mg or 66mg per serving
Features: Broad or full spectrum, premium CBD oil
CBD: 45mg per gummy
Features: Patent-pending CBD and melatonin formula for sleep
Type: CBD oil for sleep
CBD: 66mg per serving
Features: Patent-pending CBD and melatonin formula for sleep
To be honest, CBD products are all over the place in Pennsylvania.
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. New Phase Blends is a veteran owned and operated CBD company, and we offer nothing but premium CBD products that come with a 30 day money back guarantee.
At least give us consideration before purchasing – I know you’ll be happy with your purchase.
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, and I would hate to see one of you being ripped off by a poorly ran CBD company.
For more information on what to look for when purchasing a CBD product, check out this post by clicking here. In this post, I give you all of the indicators to look for in a premium CBD product so you will not be ripped off.
Summary – Is CBD Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, CBD is legal in Pennsylvania. Here are some things to look for to make sure your CBD products fall 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 the state. If you are looking to purchase or possess CBD in Pennsylvania, you don’t have to worry. It is 100% legal in Pennsylvania.