As one of DC’s oldest cannabis dispensaries, we get so many questions surrounding cannabis and THC, like “Where is it legal?” or “Can I take it across district or state lines?”—it’s no wonder so many of us are confused about CBD, too. As one of the plant’s major compounds—and one with countless purported medicinal effects—it can be difficult to navigate the myriad legal restrictions that come with cannabis and its many unique cannabinoids.
Washington, DC residents: if you’re left wondering if CBD products are even legal in DC, this post is for you. Learn exactly what CBD is, some of its benefits, and how we can help you find and buy it in the District of Columbia.
What Is CBD?
Let’s begin with the basics. Cannabis strains contain hundreds of natural chemical compounds, and continued research on the plant is unlocking the science behind its unique properties and effects. Among the most studied compounds in cannabis are its cannabinoids, which can be described as the plant’s primary “active ingredients.”
The most abundant cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis plants typically include THC—the compound most directly responsible for cannabis’ distinctive “high”—and CBD. Both deliver a wide range of physiological effects. For instance, preliminary studies show that THC has the potential to reduce several types of pain.
CBD, in addition to its reported ability to help treat epilepsy, has also shown promise in reducing anxiety and stress. Unlike THC, CBD’s intoxicating effects are very minimal—at most, some people experience a gentle cerebral “buzz,” if anything at all.
Due to its lack of intoxicating effects, CBD bought outside a legally licensed dispensary is typically derived not from the cannabis plant but from its cousin: hemp. Since CBD’s psychoactivity is so mild, high-CBD cannabis products may be an excellent choice for microdosing. Researchers have also begun to demonstrate that CBD works particularly well in concert with THC, a phenomenon often referred to as the entourage effect.
Is CBD Legal in DC?
2018 was an important year for CBD in the US. Thanks to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (aka the 2018 Farm Bill), DC legislators legalized the cultivation and sale of all hemp-based products throughout the country—provided they contain 0.3% or less of delta-9 THC.
This reclassification of hemp opened the door for the CBD marketplace on the federal level, so long as the CBD products sold are compliant and meet the 2018 Farm Bill’s standards. If a CBD extract comes from a hemp plant containing ≤ 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis—and customers are at least 18 years old at the time of purchase—there’s a straightforward answer to whether CBD is legal in Washington, DC: Yes!
CBD products that are cannabis-derived and contain more than 0.3% delta-9 THC are also legal in DC under certain circumstances. Thanks to Initiative 71, DC adults over 21 can possess up to two ounces of cannabis and use it on private property, which also applies to cannabis-derived CBD. Patients registered with the medical cannabis program in DC can also purchase and possess cannabis-derived CBD products.
Can You Buy CBD Products Online in DC?
Due to its convenience, shopping online is a very easy and completely legal way to get a hold of this beneficial cannabinoid online. Provided these products contain hemp-derived CBD, anyone in DC over 18 can legally buy as many CBD products as they desire from online retailers.
For cannabis-derived CBD products, however, DC customers must be over 21 and follow the stipulations in local laws for adult-use or be registered patients in DC’s medical program. Bonus: local DC patients and visitors with medical certification can shop our store and have it delivered directly to their door.
Can You Consume CBD in Public in DC?
Unlike cannabis products containing THC, there are no specific laws enforcing where consumers can smoke, vape, or eat their hemp-derived CBD items. Still, it’s a good idea to be extra cautious in public spaces. Although it’s not illegal to use hemp-derived CBD out in the open, there are stiff laws against using cannabis outside of a private residence, and many CBD hemp products, like smokable flowers, look and smell almost indistinguishable from their cannabis counterparts. Cannabis or not, there are also more general smoking laws prohibiting public consumption.
Discreet CBD products such as edibles, oils, or capsules are generally a safer bet than breaking out a pre-roll or loading up a pipe for easier dosing on the go.
Can you bring CBD oil and other products to DC?
People traveling to DC don’t have to worry about leaving their favorite hemp-derived CBD balms, edibles, or vapes at home. Since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized all hemp-derived CBD goods, there’s no need to fear bringing CBD items with ≤ 0.3% THC to the capital city.
However, remember not to confuse hemp-derived extracts with cannabis-derived CBD. Since cannabis remains a federally illegal substance, transporting anything related to this plant carries stiff legal penalties when crossing state, district, and country borders.
Shop Premium CBD in DC at Takoma Wellness
Though hemp-derived CBD with ≤ 0.3% THC is legal throughout the city, cannabis-derived CBD is only legal for residents over 21, and they must have a medical marijuana card or follow stricter restrictions laid out in local laws like Initiative 71.
If you’re looking for the best place to buy CBD oil in DC, look no further than Takoma Wellness. Our licensed medical cannabis dispensary has an abundance of high-quality products from both cannabis and hemp sources. Plus, if you’re in a pinch or seeking extra convenience, you can even get your products delivered to your door!
Check our our complete guide for more information on CBD products and the potential benefits of this cannabinoid, and don’t miss our blog for all things cannabis.