CBD Laws for 2024
Are you an avid CBD consumer? Do you bring with you hemp-based goods? Are you planning to visit Florida? If you answered yes to that last question, then we will be happy to help you out regarding CBD’s legal status in Florida.
The Good News: CBD is Legal in Florida!
CBD oil from the hemp plant is federally legal. This applies to all 50 US states, Florida included. In, fact it is safe to say that the CBD business is booming in the famous “Sun-kissed state.”
Before, Florida was not a CBD-friendly region. Hemp-derived products are classified as illegal based on the 1970 Federal Controlled Substances Act.
However, the 2018 Farm Bill was monumental in changing the Floridan attitude towards CBD. This piece of legislation catalyzed key 2019 state rules that legalized hemp-derived products, making them available to the Florida people.
(Insert picture of Florida state, most likely coming from a map.)
CBD Laws in Florida You Should Know
Since 2019 CBD cultivation, distribution, and possession have been declared legal by the state of Florida. The 2019 bill appoints the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) as the primary regulatory body.
As an outcome, the FDACS produced two rules that will define the legal status of CBD. These are Rule 5B-57.01 F.A.C. and Rule 581.217 (7), F.S.
Cultivation and Distribution in Florida
According to Rule 5B-57.01 F.A.C., CBD can be cultivated and distributed in Florida for the following conditions:
With regards to CBD Cultivation
To become a producer of hemp plants in Florida, you must obtain a license from FDACS and the cultivation is to be done in marked lots. Licensed producers must strictly follow FDACS’ stipulations regarding harvesting.
For every rule, there is always a loophole and this is true with 5B-57.01 F.A.C. Some registered hemp nurseries can conduct their operation on residential properties.
CBD Testings
Hemp producers are expected to comply with testing regulations outlined by FDACS. This may involve the arrival of FDACS representatives to collect samples 15 days before harvest time.
These tests are designed to determine the level of concentration of THC in the hemp plants. The mentioned cannabinoid is known for its psychoactive effects, and its quantity must be within the allowed threshold which is not more than 0.3%.
Transportation of CBD Products
Hemp-derived products that move across state territories must have with them a Certificate of Analysis (COA) which indicates accurate THC content. Additionally, a bill of sale is required, showing information about the shipper, consignor, physical addresses involved in the transaction, and descriptions of the plants or products being transported.
Selling of CBD in Florida
Possession Regulations
Consumers do not need a license or permit to buy and possess CBD-infused products in Florida.
Age Restrictions
Individuals aged 18 are allowed to purchase and use hemp products while for inhalants, you must be 21 years old or older.
Retail Permitting
To become a recognized retailer of CBD, Florida establishments and manufacturers must obtain a Hemp Food Establishment Permit from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The above regulation applies to those who sell pre-packaged food containing CBD or hemp extract for human consumption. On the other hand, street sales and transactions with unlicensed vendors are not permitted.
Labelling Standards
CBD products for sale in Florida must showcase several essential pieces of information. This includes stating that the product was tested by an independent laboratory, indicating that the batch contains 0.3% or less THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Packaging Requirements
Packaging for hemp products must meet certain criteria, such as having a scannable barcode or link to a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab, displaying a batch number, providing a website address for further product information, indicating an expiration date, listing the milligrams of hemp extract, and including a statement that the product contains 0.3% or less THC. Users are not mandated to keep the original packaging once purchased.
CBD Products You’ll Find In Florida
CBD Oils
These are plant extracts that contain high levels of CBD. A CBD oil is placed under the tongue to increase its absorption rate. CBD oils are very versatile since they can be easily mixed with foods and beverages.
CBD Edibles
These refer to food products that contain CBB such as cookies, chocolates, toffee, and even gummies. CBD edibles offer discreet consumption.
CBD Topicals
These products include creams, lotions, and salves that have been infused with CBD and other cannabinoids. Because you can apply them directly onto the skin, a CBD topical provides immediate targeted relief.
CBD Inhalants
In addition to consuming orally and using topically, you can also inhale hemp cannabinoids. These items might be THC vape oils that vaporize and require inhalation to reach your lungs. This approach offers rapid absorption into the bloodstream, leading to a rapid onset of desired effects.
CBD Capsules
These capsules or pills carry hemp-derived extracts, providing potential therapeutic benefits. They are a popular choice for those looking for precise dosing.
CBD Isolates
CBD isolates are pure forms of CBD extracted from hemp or cannabis plants, containing no other cannabinoids or compounds. They are commonly used in various products due to their versatility and lack of psychoactive effects.
CBD for Pets
Research tells us that our beloved pets also possess an endocannabinoid system. This fact means that our fur friends can also benefit from the potential therapeutic effects of CBD. CBD for pets can cater to both cats and dogs.
What to Look for When Buying CBD in Florida
Although CBD is legal in Florida, it does not mean that all products sold there are good. You would still need to be cautious to avoid fakes, unsafe, and probably federally illegal CBD items. Here’s what to look out for:
Determine the extraction process
Thanks to present-day technology, there are many ways to extract CBD from the industrial hemp plant. But some approaches make use of unwanted substances such as harmful chemicals.
Shop for products that highlight clean extraction processes such as CO2 extraction. The latter typically results in CBD products free from residual solvents and contaminants. They eventually guarantee you are buying a safe and high-quality product.
Safety first
This factor is another paramount aspect to consider in buying CBD products in Florida. Here your primary concern is to buy CBD products with a scannable barcode or even a QR code. These direct you to the product’s third-party lab analysis conducted by an independent laboratory. A lab report is essential as it ensures unsafe products, contaminated with harmful substances, do not make it onto the shelves in Florida.
It is also advisable to buy products that utilize USDA organic CBD oil. The certification indicates that the product is sourced from a hemp material free from pesticides, herbicides, and other potentially harmful chemicals.
Seek effectiveness
Of course, you want to ensure you buy a CBD product that effectively meets your requirements. Here we suggest you keep an eye out for CBD items that can unleash the so-called “entourage effect.” In theory, the entourage effect refers to the working together of every hemp plant compound wherein they amplify each other’s effects.
And don’t worry about THC because some CBD products can produce the entourage effect even though the psychoactive Delta 9 is not present.
Go for non-GMO and vegan-friendly
Purchasing vegan and non-GMO products is crucial for some good reasons.
First, it aligns with health, environmental, and ethical values. For example, choose a CBD gummy product that uses pectin over gelatin since the latter is sourced from animal parts.
Second, opting for non-GMO hemp products promotes natural and environmentally friendly practices within the CBD industry.
Where Can I Buy CBD in Florida?
There are at least two general means for a person to purchase CBD in Florida. Let’s break them down.
Online
CBD online shopping leads to unparalleled convenience and an extensive range of products for consumers. Today, several CBD brands make their products available via the internet.
Online purchases allow consumers to compare prices effortlessly, peruse customer reviews, and explore various hemp brands and formulations to find the perfect fit for their needs.
Despite these benefits, the lack of physical interaction may pose challenges for some consumers who prefer asking questions or seeking assistance in person.
XLR8, a leading US-based CBD brand, boasts a wide inventory of CBD products that cater to whatever needs you can think of. We have gummies, flowers, vape cartridges, oils, and sublingual sprays, and we are still planning to add more! The next best thing about XLR8 is that we put in place a knowledgeable and responsive customer care system that will attend to your queries 24/7.
Dispensaries
Since the legalization of CBD in Florida in 2019, CBD retail outlets (also called dispensaries) thrived. This means you will not experience a shortage of CBD shops once you step into the “Sun-kissed state.”
One of the key advantages of shopping at these dispensaries is the personalized guidance provided by knowledgeable staff members. Also, CBD dispensaries offer curated products that are unavailable in other stores.
But there are downsides, too. One would be the limited access of CBD dispensaries to people since they are in a fixed location. Second, CBD prices in dispensaries could be higher than those sold online since they have to maintain a physical store.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much CBD is allowed to buy in Florida?
In Florida, there is no limit on how much CBD you can buy. However, CBD products must come from the hemp plant to meet the federal requirement of not less than 0.3% THC.
Who can buy CBD in Florida?
Individuals 18 years old can buy CBD products in Florida. However, to purchase CBD inhalants, you must be at least 21 years old.
Besides online stores and dispensaries, are there other places to buy CBD in Florida?
Some pharmacies and wellness stores also sell CBD products. You can even find them inside gas stations. Just ensure that the THC content is less than 0.3% because this is what the federal law allows.
Can you buy medical marijuana in Florida?
Yes, medical marijuana is legal in Florida. However, there are specific requirements and procedures that individuals must follow to obtain medical marijuana legally. In Florida, patients who qualify for medical marijuana must have a qualifying medical condition certified by a qualified physician.
Once certified, patients can apply for a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card, which allows them to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries in the state.
