Is CBD Hemp Flower Legal?

CBD, or cannabidiol oil, is a type of cannabis product that contains only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical compound found in marijuana that produces the “high” sensation. The premium CBD flower is one of many active chemicals found in hemp flowers and has been found to be particularly helpful for easing chronic pain, anxiety, and other symptoms associated with certain conditions. There are also many CBD products on the market that can help to combat various ailments through topical application or as a dietary supplement.

Is CBD Hemp Flower Legal?

Cannabidiol has been listed as a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This means that it was denied federal recognition as an accepted medical treatment or medical marijuana provision and can only be purchased by those in possession of a valid registry card. The DEA’s ruling came after a 2003 report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) stated that there is “conclusive or substantial evidence” in favor of approving cannabinoids for medical use. In short, this means that research has proven high levels of safety, efficacy, and tolerability regarding their use in treating various diseases.

There is widespread belief in the medical community that CBD has medical benefits. This federal prohibition specifically applies to CBD hemp flowers and oil, not extracts from the seeds or stalks of the plant. In most states, it is legal to purchase CBD extracts from these parts of the plant. To produce the extracts, manufacturers use super critical or subcritical CO2 extraction techniques.

The DEA’s recently expanded definition of marijuana includes all parts of the cannabis plant and by extension its derivatives – even those that contain virtually no THC. This is an irrational classification based on a THC percentage that has been arbitrarily raised to a point where it includes extracts from hemp flowers. In fact, if the 2014 Farm Bill passes, CBD oil will be considered legal by definition and therefore accessible nationwide regardless of its THC content.

How Is Hemp Flower Produced?

Hemp flowers are generally cultivated in one of two ways. One way is through large-scale outdoor open-air plots called “farms.” The second method is through the growth of individual plants in controlled indoor spaces with high levels of light and little or no natural light cycles. Both methods are legal in the state of Colorado and can yield extremely high CBD concentrations depending upon growing conditions and post-production extraction techniques. All other states (with the exception of a handful of small states) have similar definitions for hemp and CBD usage.

How Can I Get CBD With Contain THC?

While it is not technically legal to produce CBD oil with detectable levels of THC, the process can be achieved by purchasing CBD extract from an authorized source that uses subcritical or supercritical CO2 extraction methods to remove all but trace amounts of THCA, CBDA, and CBN from the hemp plant. This extraction method is considered safe for all users because it does not expose consumers to potentially harmful chemicals and does not require them to ingest any foreign substances.