With the passing of the Farm Bill in December 2018, hemp became federally legal in the United States. And with it, the floodgates opened. Whether it’s jelly beans or gummies infused with CBD, vaping pens, or full-spectrum hemp extract, or other CBD products, there’s good reason for all the interest. Hemp and its array of phytocannabinoids offer an impressive number of health benefits.
Also known as the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act, the Farm Bill allows Americans to grow and sell hemp — which was not allowed before. The law also allows consumers to buy, consume, and bring hemp products, like hemp extract or CBD, across state lines.[1]
This is a huge deal! However, there are some caveats you need to be aware of. If you want to buy hemp or CBD, there are questions you may want to have answered: Is hemp fully legal? Can you take CBD or hemp products on a plane or to a concert or ship it in the mail? Do laws vary by state? Read on to learn more.
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With the sudden change in legal status and booming interest in hemp, thousands of companies have jumped on the bandwagon. However, most new companies do not have a high level of experience in sourcing, testing, and producing a quality herbal product. Finding a reputable supplement company is critical to getting a quality product.
What Is Hemp?
Hemp is Cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3 percent THC. While hemp and marijuana both come from Cannabis sativa and their leaves, flowers, and seeds look similar, they are different. Because of its low THC levels, hemp doesn’t get you high. Hemp typically has high levels of CBD or cannabidiol, a beneficial plant compound with many health benefits.
The hemp plant grows tall and its stalks are strong and used in many consumer and industrial products, from shirts to jewelry to building materials. People around the world have long used hemp as a crop — early Americans regularly used it as a fiber.[2] Hempseed has been a popular nutritional ingredient for many years, as well.
Hemp vs. Marijuana
Although hemp and marijuana are both derived from Cannabis, they have distinctly different characteristics. As mentioned, hemp must contain less than 0.3 percent THC to be legal in the U.S. or Canada. While it does not have psychoactive properties, it contains a wealth of beneficial phytocannabinoids with helpful health benefits. Hemp’s health benefits include bringing a deep sense of calm, better sleep, and relief from joint and body discomfort.
In contrast, non-hemp Cannabis is often bred for high THC; people use it recreationally or therapeutically. While Cannabis with more than 0.3 percent THC is legal in several states to varying degrees, it remains federally illegal.
The Cannabis Family
Marijuana can come from two species, either Cannabis indica or C. sativa, while hemp is always C. sativa. Another species, C. ruderalis, is native to eastern Europe and Russia and is sometimes grown or hybridized with other Cannabis plants.[5] Early religious texts around the world have referenced hemp for hundreds of years.[6]
The Difference Between CBD and THC
CBD and THC are two phytocannabinoids found in Cannabis. They have similar chemical structures but have quite different effects on the body. CBD not only helps you relax by calming your mind and body but it also supports the immune system, brings overall body balance, and eases joint discomfort. It can even help you sleep better and lower the daily stresses of life.[1]
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THC is psychoactive, resulting in a “high” feeling, but also leads to an overall body relaxation. At low levels, THC can have positive calming effects, especially when taken in a full-spectrum hemp product that contains all of the naturally occurring chemical compounds from Cannabis.[7]
Is Hemp Legal?
Yes, hemp is federally legal in all 50 states, but it is still regulated. The main regulation that affects consumers is that hemp products cannot contain more than 0.3 percent THC.[7] Otherwise, it becomes subject to completely different laws. Each state may have its own specific regulations and laws that you should be aware of.
This legal change is not only huge for farmers but also for all consumers. The law explicitly allows the production, sale, and transport of hemp-based products in the United States. But it’s a bit more complex than that. Let’s dive in to learn about the nuances and details around these laws.
