Just because CBD is legal in most states (including Alabama, whoop whoop!) doesn’t mean it always has been.
Ready for a history lesson?
The past is valuable to us, because, “If we don’t learn from the past, we are destined to repeat it.”
So we’re about to take a fun-filled trip down memory lane, exploring the ins and outs of CBD’s legality.
The Dark Ages (pre-2014)
Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, CBD was practically unheard of, and hemp was lumped together with its psychoactive cousin, marijuana.
Both were considered illegal under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act.
But let’s go back even farther.
The history of international cannabis regulation dates back centuries, with many countries having placed restrictions on the use and sale of cannabis throughout history.
The first recorded ban on cannabis was in 1532 when King Henry VIII declared it a “dangerous drug” and punishable by DEATH.
This law was later relaxed in Britain and other parts of Europe, but across Asia, Middle East and Africa, the plant remained illegal into the 19th century.
In the 20th century, governments around the world began to classify cannabis as a “narcotic” drug, introducing harsh penalties for its possession and sale.
This approach was most prominent in the United States during the 1960s and 70s, when President Nixon initiated an aggressive war on drugs which led to widespread criminalization of cannabis users.
During this time period, few countries had legalized marijuana or CBD products in any form.
A Glimmer of Hope (2014)
More recently, attitudes towards cannabis have begun to shift in some countries due to increased scientific evidence supporting how it may help us address medical conditions naturally.
In 1940 CBD was isolated for the first time, which marked a turning point in cannabis history.
This discovery helped pave the way for further research and development into its potential medical benefits.
In 2014 Uruguay became one of the first countries to legalize recreational marijuana use while Canada followed two years later in 2016.
Then, in 2014, the U.S. Farm Bill came along and changed EVERYTHING.
Yes, I mean everything – for CBD, at least.
This piece of legislation allowed states to grow industrial hemp for research purposes, opening the door for CBD to make its grand entrance into the world of wellness.
Suddenly, people started whispering about this mysterious compound and its potential benefits.
The tide was turning!
The Golden Age (2018)
Fast forward to 2018, when the Hemp Farming Act was passed as part of the Farm Bill.
The Farm Bill federally legalized hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC – including hemp-derived CBD oil.
This was the big breakthrough that CBD enthusiasts had been waiting for!
Hemp was officially removed from the list of controlled substances and reclassified as an agricultural commodity.
Cue the confetti and let the CBD party begin!
But wait, there’s a catch! (Isn’t there always?)
While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD at the federal level, it left the door open for states to set their own rules and regulations.
So, depending on where you live, the legality of CBD could be as clear as mud.
The Present Day
Today, the CBD landscape is a colorful patchwork of state laws and regulations.
At present, most states allow for limited medical use or sale of hemp-derived CBD oil along with some form of recreational regulation (e.g., allowing adults 21 years or older to purchase CBD from approved retailers).
However, some states such as Idaho and South Dakota still maintain strict prohibitions against any type of cannabis product – whether hemp or marijuana based – leading to ongoing confusion as to what is ACTUALLY legal within their borders.
Further complicating matters is that while CBD derived from hemp is generally allowed under federal law, FDA regulations prohibit producers from making unfounded health claims about their products or using misleading labels.
Rightfully so.
CBD is not some miracle cure-all, and not every CBD product is made with quality ingredients.
Always do your own research and talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your health regimen.
It’s a small world, after all.
Attitudes towards cannabis products vary across different regions of the world.
In Europe, countries like Portugal, Germany, and Italy have increasingly accepted medical marijuana and hemp-derived CBD.
Some EU nations permit medical marijuana usage and the sale of CBD oil with low THC content.
South American countries like Uruguay and Colombia have fully legalized recreational cannabis, while others have allowed limited access to CBD.
In Asia, marijuana laws range from medical usage permitted in Thailand to it being illegal in Vietnam and China.
In Africa, traditional herbal remedies are still widely used, with some countries permitting access to medical or industrial cannabis.
As understanding of its potential benefits grows, legislation is expected to change over time, granting more people access to this natural remedy.
That’s all, folks!
And that, dear friends, is the thrilling tale of CBD’s legal history!
It’s been a wild ride, but we’ve come a long way!
At Bradford Wellness Co, we’re all about helping you feel good, connect with others, and reach your wellness goals – all while staying on the right side of the law.
So go forth, explore the wonders of CBD, and remember: knowledge is power!
