CBD has taken the world by storm. Many people consume it for its therapeutic and anti-inflammatory properties. Sales in the United States have maintained a steady rise, and Virginia is not left out in the revolution.
However, buying CBD in Virginia is not entirely straightforward. Our Experts at Happy Garden have taken the time to examine the legal status of CBD in Virginia, and how best you can purchase without any issues in the state.
Although Virginia has made progress on its CBD laws, there are still grey areas surrounding the use of the compound in the state. Like in the other 50 states in the United States, CBD is legal in Virginia.
However, the state only allows hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC in dry weight.
CBD or cannabidiol is one of the main chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. Most products are in the form of CBD oil, with others in CBD extract, vaporized liquid, and oil-based capsules.
The passing of the 2018 farm Bill proved to be a turning point for access to legal hemp in the United States. It helped legalize the cultivation and processing of legal hemp not more than 0,3% THC in dry weight.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant that produces a high when ingested. For several years, the federal law did not differentiate hemp from other cannabis plants made illegal under the Marijuana Tax Act.
Similarly, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 listed hemp as a Schedule 1 drug alongside marijuana, making it illegal in the United States.
The 2018 farm bill distinguished hemp from marijuana and effectively removed hemp from the Schedule List of the Controlled Substances Act.
Despite the success of the 2018 farm Bill in legalizing hemp, it doesn’t completely allow a system where hemp can be grown freely as apples and vegetables.
Hemp cultivation is still highly regulated in the United States for personal and industrial production.
Virginia CBD laws have evolved over the years. In 1997, the state passed a resolution to study the economic benefits and challenges in cultivating industrial hemp.
In 2015, Senate Bill 955 ( SB955) got signed into law. The SB955 effectively legalized the cultivation and processing of hemp for scientific, agricultural, and research purposes.
Similarly, the SB955 bill stipulates that hemp-derived CBD products not more than 0.3% THC in dry weight are legal in Virginia.
The implication is that individuals would not face any prosecution from the authorities for possessing hemp-derived CBD or cultivating industrial hemp in the state.
CBD oil derived from marijuana is illegal in Virginia. Therefore, the state considers hemp products exceeding 0.3% THC as illegal. However, Virginia has a medical cannabis program that permits individuals with qualifying medical conditions to purchase cannabis oil.
The state’s licensing requirement for hemp growers is still mired in complexities. The SB955 law specifies that individuals applying to cultivate and process hemp in the state must be free of any felony conviction in the last ten years.
The individual must also have written consent from the Department of State Police. Applicants must also register with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The licensing fees for applicants vary based on the nature of the business. For example, industrial hemp growers in Virginia pay a licensing fee of $150, industrial hemp processors get to pay $200, while industrial hemp dealers pay %250.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services( VDACs) mandates random testing.
Although licensed hemp growers do not require pre-harvest testing of their crops, the VDACs inform licensed growers regarding a scheduled inspection and sampling of crops.
The agency is also responsible for conducting random testing on hemp-derived products manufactured for human consumption.
Hemp extracts of hemp-derived products in the state, including CBD, should not contain more than the legal limits for microbial contaminants and other heavy metals.
You can legally buy legal CBD oil in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services( VDACs) stipulates that all hemp-derived products intended for human consumption, including CBD, are legal.
In contrast to the FDA directive of CBD being used as a food ingredient, the VDACs approve it as a food ingredient or dietary supplement.
Residents of Virginia may buy CBD oil products from local dispensaries and shops. However, if you want to enjoy CBD shopping without hassles, look no further than Happy Garden .
We have an extensive menu of premium quality CBD products, including oils, gummies, balms, pet products, so much more. Visit our website and discover an amazing way to shop CBD with confidence.
