Thankfully, hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is readily available and is 100% legal in all US states. This is a recent development nationally, but it's already old news in some states. For instance, in Colorado, CBD oil and marijuana possession for recreational and medicinal use are fully legal.
Let's take a quick look at some of the possible snags in the Centennial State's marijuana laws, as well what to look out for when purchasing your Colorado CBD oil.
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Marijuana And CBD—Colorado Law at A Glance
Here are the quick facts about hemp and marijuana laws in Colorado:
1. Home Grow Laws
Coloradans are allowed to grow their own weed. However, you need to be older than 21 and a state resident. Your garden may sport up to six plants, only three of which can be flowering at once. Each household can only have 12 plants at any given time, but this seems to be negotiable. Check your local laws for more details. No plants or parts of plants privately grown can be sold. [1]
2. You Can Grow Industrial Hemp
If you want to cultivate industrial hemp, you need to register with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, who regulates the Industrial Hemp Program. [2]
3. You Can't Grow Your Own Cannabis for Medical Purposes
If you need marijuana or any of its components for medicinal purposes, you are required by law to enroll with the state's Medical Marijuana Registry. You can then buy your medical cannabis only from registered centers across Colorado, where you will need to present a valid patient identity card. This is issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Applications for registration are done online. [3]
4. Marijuana Regulations
Buying, having, or using marijuana for recreational purposes in Colorado is only legal if you're over 21. You're also not allowed to use it in public spaces or federal land such as a national park or forest, or when driving. You cannot take weed across the state border; in fact, it's banned at all Colorado airports. You're not allowed to buy or have more than one ounce on you at a time. Also, it's illegal to open or use any cannabis in a vehicle, no matter whether you're a passenger or a driver.
5. Non-US Citizens are Not Fully Protected
Recreational use of marijuana is still a federal crime, and especially non-US citizens can still land in a lot of trouble with the federal government. Even those with immigrant status are best advised to research how the law affects them.
Source: Orange Media
What to Look Out for When You Buy CBD Oil or Tincture
Cannabidiol is increasingly used for a great number of purposes, and many more are discovering its healthful powers.
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However, as with all things unregulated, not all CBD oils and tinctures are created equally. Unfortunately, this industry is still rife with snake-oil vendors, and arming yourself with knowledge will go a long way toward ensuring that you get what you pay for.
Also, a good product will ensure good results, so here's the lowdown on what constitutes good CBD oils.
1. Extracted from Organically Farmed Hemp
Since only hemp-derived CBD oil is now federally legal, this is an important distinction. Also, the cannabis needs to be cultivated organically, as especially hemp is a popular phytoremediator.
Phytoremediation is defined by the United Nations Environment Programme as "...the direct use of living green plants for in situ, or in place, removal, degradation, or containment of contaminants in soils, sludges, sediments, surface water, and groundwater." This means that whatever is in the soil gets absorbed into the plant—very good for the soil, but less so for end users of the phytoremediator plants. Sound organic principles will ensure that the soil is free of chemicals and other contaminants.
Obviously, organic farming means that your body won't be exposed to genetically modified hemp, chemicals found in pesticides, hormones, and the like. These are known carcinogens and can cause other health conditions, such as allergies, etc.
2. What Is the Extraction Process?
This is an important consideration, because the cheapest CBD extraction processes are also the least pure, and they can leave nasty chemical residue in the extract.
Look for a label that says "CO2 extraction." This method ensures the purest and most potent CBD extract. In the end, the product on the shelf might be a bit more expensive because the CO2 method involves complex, costly processes, but you will be sure that you're getting excellent CBD. It will not contain any harsh chemicals and other gnarlies you don't want to ingest.
3. Vet the Vendor.
It's important to do your own vetting of manufacturers and even merchandisers. Read a label and their marketing material with discernment, and it will tell you a lot about their integrity as well as the likely quality of the product.
Also, if they have a website, things like working contact numbers and email addresses—as well as swift, clear responses to queries—will give you a sense of their trustworthiness. Test this before you order online or spend a fortune in a shop.
A high-quality CBD extract is likely to be laboratory tested. This is usually clearly stated in all the marketing material, including the label.
Also, look for bold claims about what CBD can do for you. The FDA regulations are very strict in this regard, and it's a violation of their guidelines to make any medical claims about the efficacy of CBD. Furthermore, manufacturers who spend a lot of money on making a quality product are unlikely to ignore FDA guidelines and risk getting their products pulled from the shelves.
RELATED: CBD Dosage 101: What You Need To Know
4. Choose Full Spectrum CBD
While a CBD isolate or pure CBD oil won't be a waste of money, it could pose some dosing challenges. Research has shown CBD isolates to produce what is referred to as the bell-curve dose-response. This basically means that too little product won't have an effect, and too much could worsen your symptoms.
Not so with full spectrum CBD oil. This contains a bit of all the healthful compounds in cannabis, but mainly CBD extract. It will contain some tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychotropic cannabinoid that causes those euphoric highs, but barely more than trace amounts. This is important, because the law allows for full spectrum CBD, but with no more than 0.3% THC. [4]
Colorado CBD oil should be easily accessible; otherwise, you can get it online. Keeping these guidelines in mind, you should be able to find a reputable merchandiser easily.
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