CBD (cannabidiol), which has been sweeping the nation with its many potential health benefits, is hitting a bit of a lag in regards to its legality in the U.S. The issue is that CBD comes from the cannabis plant, which is mostly known for its production of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)–the chemical in weed that gets you high.
While the two cannabinoids come from the same plant, there are critical differences between them. Mainly, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it cannot get you high, whereas THC is psychoactive and can get you high.
The recent farm bill legalized the production of hemp, which contains minimal amounts of THC and is the plant from which most CBD is derived, on a federal level. But different states have different takes on whether CBD should be legal.
Whether you’re an avid CBD user, just getting started, or are only interested in all the buzz around the new darling of the health and wellness industry, it’s helpful to know whether or not CBD is even legal in your state.
While the law in some states is crystal clear, that’s not the case in all states. If you want to know whether or not CBD is legal in your state, look no further. However, remember that the laws concerning CBD are still in flux in many states. Be sure to check to see what changes recent state legislature may have brought.
Here is our list of CBD’s legality state-by-state.
Alabama – Illegal
Generally speaking, CBD is illegal in Alabama. The only exception to the law is in the case of children in the state who suffer from debilitating seizures. Possessing and or intending to sell CBD in Alabama could result in anywhere from a misdemeanor to felony charges, which are punishable up to ten years.
Alaska – Legal
Arizona – Legal
Arkansas – Legal
California – Legal
Colorado – Legal
Connecticut – Legal
Delaware – Legal
Florida – Legal
Georgia – Legal
Hawaii – Legal
Idaho – Legal
Illinois – Legal
Indiana – Legal
Iowa – Illegal
Although many residents of Iowa have sold and still do sell CBD products within the state, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and the Iowa Department of Public Health have deemed CBD illegal.
Kansas – Legal
Kentucky – Legal
Louisiana – Legal
Maine – Legal
Maryland – Legal
Massachusetts – Legal
Michigan – Legal
Minnesota- Legal
Mississippi – Legal
Missouri – Legal
Montana – Legal
Nebraska – Legal
Nevada – Legal
New Hampshire – Legal
New Jersey – Legal
New Mexico – Legal
New York – Legal
North Carolina – Legal
North Dakota – Legal
Ohio – Illegal
As of September 2018, CBD is classified under the state’s medical marijuana law as illegal.
Oklahoma – Legal
Oregon – Legal
Pennsylvania – Legal
Rhode Island – Legal
South Carolina – Legal
South Dakota – Illegal
CBD is still listed as a Schedule IV drug in South Dakota.
Tennessee – Legal
Texas – Legal
Utah – Legal
Vermont – Legal
Virginia – Legal
Washington – Legal
West Virginia – Legal
Wisconsin – Legal
Wyoming – Legal
