Everything you need to know about CBD in Arizona
What is CBD Oil?Cannabidiol (CBD) is part of the Cannabaceae family and contains over eighty biologically active compounds. Of those eight compounds, the two most widely talked about are THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The two compounds are often understood as similar and even mistaken for one another, but actually THC and CBD have very different effects. While THC has the ability to provide a "high," CBD is non-intoxicating and will not cause users to feel "high" if implementing products with CBD into their routine.
As the popularity of CBD increased, the United States Department of Agriculture (https://nifa.usda.gov/industrial-hemp) has implemented regulations and standards for growing hemp and extracting CBD in the United States. Now, with an increased awareness of the potential benefits of CBD - users are beginning to branch out and replace everyday products with those that contain CBD for added benefits.
Research regarding Cannabidiol suggests that CBD may have properties that are ideal for those who wish to address issues with inflammation, anxiety, and depression.
Is CBD Legal in Arizona?
Before the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, the Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) did not differentiate between marijuana and hemp, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). (https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019) Before the distinction between the two cannabis plants, all cannabis was considered to be a Schedule I substance and was controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
When the Farm Bill passed in December of 2018, hemp - a type of Cannabis Sativa plant with the THC concentration of .3% or less- became federally legal in the United States. Additionally, the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018 allowed for the understanding of CBD to be federally legal, since it is extracted from hemp and contains .3% or less of THC.
It is important to note that while the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp on the federal level, federal legality does not always translate to state legality. Luckily for Arizona residents, According to the CBD Awareness Project (https://www.cbdoil.org/cbd-laws-by-state/), hemp-sourced CBD is legal.
At this time, it is unclear if marijuana-sourced CBD for medical use is legal, and marijuana-sourced CBD for recreation use remains illegal. Proposition 203, which was passed in 2010, made for medical marijuana to be legal. However, the courts have interpreted the law to exclude cannabis extracts, as well as CBD, since Arizona law still defines cannabis as separate from marijuana. To be on the safe side, be sure to check that the CBD you are purchasing in the state of Arizona, is derived from Hemp.
What Restrictions Are There for Buying CBD in Arizona?Hemp-derived CBD is available in vape shops, health clinics, and some organic markets across the state of Arizona. While it is surely convenient to shop for CBD in-person and avoid shipping costs, it is important to keep in mind that not all CBD is created equal. You should do your research before purchasing from a brand to ensure that they meet the quality standards you are looking for. Since CBD is not regulated by the FDA, this step is crucial, as there are plenty of low-quality CBD oils that make their way to store shelves.
Another option is to purchase hemp-derived CBD online. When you're purchasing online, it is often easier to find more information about the company, the process in which they extract and formulate their products, and if the hemp was grown in the United States (which is important - per the recommendation of the United States Department of Agriculture). It's also convenient and easy shopping!
A88's CBD is sourced from Centuria Foods, a global leader in phytocannabinoid-rich hemp-derived CBD ingredients for use in nutritional, pharmaceutical and wellness products. The CBD is sourced from hemp grown in the U.S and all A88CBD products contain less than .3% CBD.
