Is CBD Legal In Connecticut

Even though there is still some controversy surrounding the effectiveness of Cannabidiol (CBD), it has not stopped millions of people from trying it and using it every day. In fact, many CBD users swear by its benefits for the numerous ailments they experience.

It wasn’t that long ago that you could not even legally buy CBD products across America. Like marijuana, hemp was also on the Schedule I Controlled Substance list. That all changed in 2018 when the Farm Bill was passed. The bill made it legal on the federal level to grow hemp in any US state that wanted to allow it and to manufacture, sell, and buy CBD products. However, the Food and Drug Administration regulates CBD products, and the Department of Agriculture regulate hemp farming.

Federally, CBD products or hemp that is grown can not exceed 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The amount of THC that is allowed in hemp plants and CBD products is because THC causes intoxication. CBD does not cause intoxication. Even though CBD can be derived from both hemp and marijuana, marijuana remains illegal on the federal level.

What Is CBD Used For?

There are many ailments that CBD is said to be helpful for. However, there are only a few that have been completely substantiated. One of the things that the FDA has approved a CBD-derived drug for are seizures caused by some types of epilepsy. Epidiolex helps to reduce seizures, and in some cases, prevent them. There have also been studies that show CBD is useful to treat inflammation and pain. When inflammation is reduced, it can cause a decrease in the pain that accompanies it. CBD could be helpful for those that have arthritis or other conditions that cause inflammation.

There are more conditions, both medical and mental, that CBD is thought to be useful for. Anxiety disorder is one of the most common in our society today. There are many reasons for this. Sometimes it can be a chemical imbalance in the body that causes anxiety and depression, but in other cases, it can be the mental stress and strain of daily life. CBD is thought by some researchers to be a potential treatment for things like post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).

Another big problem that so many people cope with today is sleep disorders. Sometimes sleep disorders can be brought on by anxiety. For those that suffer from PTSD, sleeplessness, bad dreams, and disruptive sleep cycles are common. CBD promotes a relaxing and calming effect, and this is why some believe it is useful for treating anxiety. These are just some potential benefits of CBD, but there are more that continue to be studied.

Why Is CBD Sometimes Illegal?

In recent years, some states have determined their own laws regarding marijuana despite it still being illegal federally. There are thus far 11 states that have chosen to legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational use. There are 33 states now that have medical marijuana programs. There are other states considering legislation to legalize marijuana, and many are hopeful that soon it will become legal nationwide.

In those states where marijuana is legal, you can obtain CBD derived from marijuana. In the states with medical marijuana programs, you can only use marijuana-derived CBD if approved for their program. Getting approval requires a doctor’s recommendation stating that you have a condition that marijuana or marijuana-derived CBD can treat. Different states have different qualifying conditions. Once you have been approved for a medical marijuana program, you may be allowed to grow your own marijuana. In other states, you must obtain your marijuana or CBD from marijuana from a state dispensary.

Since it is legal nationwide to purchase CBD from hemp that does not exceed 0.3% THC, anyone can get it. However, in the states where marijuana is still illegal, they generally treat marijuana-derived CBD the same as marijuana possession. Depending on the state you live in, you could face a criminal record, fines, and in some states, jail time. So far,14 states have decriminalized marijuana. It is still illegal, but it might be treated as a civil penalty or misdemeanor and may not go on your criminal record at all. You may only have to pay a small fine for a first time offense and aren’t likely to face any jail time.

Current CBD Laws In Connecticut

As in the neighboring state of Delaware, anyone can purchase hemp-derived CBD in Connecticut as long as it has no more than 0.3% THC. Marijuana is still illegal in Connecticut, although they have chosen to decriminalize it in 2011. Possessing a small amount of weed, less than ½ ounce, can cost you a $150 fine if it’s your first offense. If caught with more than ½ ounce of marijuana, you could face a fine up to $1000 and up to one year in jail time.

Even though using marijuana recreationally is illegal in the state, they do have a medical marijuana program. As in most other states with MM programs, you must have a doctor’s recommendation, have a condition on the state list for marijuana or marijuana-derived CBD treatment, and be approved for the program. Since it is illegal to grow marijuana in Connecticut for any reason, patients must obtain their medical marijuana or marijuana-derived CBD products from a state dispensary. If caught growing marijuana for any reason in Connecticut, it is considered a felony, and you can face 5 – 15 years in prison.