Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve likely heard of the buzz around cannabis.
But what’s the difference between hemp-derived products and marijuana-derived products?
With each product, there will be different legal guidelines to adhere to.
Although marijuana and hemp are both cannabis, they are legally separated.
Below we will get in-depth on a few topics, such as:
- Where is cannabis legal?
- Where to buy cannabis in person?
- Where to buy hemp online?
Let’s dive in.
Where is Cannabis Legal?
The historical path of cannabis is long and treacherous.
But despite it all, it is here to stay.
Though, there are some roadblocks.
Before we cover marijuana, let’s discuss hemp.
In December 2018, President Donald Trump authorized the 2018 Farm Bill.
Because the bill legalized hemp on a federal level, many consider it to be a pivotal piece toward the normalization of cannabis in the United States.
Prior to this bill, marijuana and hemp were viewed the same.
However, this bill legally separated marijuana from hemp and legalized the sale, distribution, and production of hemp products.
As of this writing, hemp-derived products with up to 0.3% Delta-9 are legal federally and in all 50 states.
Since it is federally legal, it can travel across state-lines and be purchased via web.
But marijuana doesn’t have these privileges.
As of this writing, marijuana remains a Schedule l Drug and is federally illegal.
Because of marijuana’s federal status, recreational marijuana is only legal in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
Still, marijuana cannot be shipped, purchased online, and cannot cross state lines due to the legal barriers.
Where to Buy Cannabis In-Person?
If you’re lucky enough to live in a state with recreational marijuana and are 21 years or older, you can drive right to your local dispensary.
From there, they will have professionals help guide you with finding the best product for you and your lifestyle.
However, shopping at dispensaries might mean higher prices and a hefty load of taxes, and not all of us live in states with legal marijuana.
Instead, you can find hemp-derived products at your local CBD store or smoke shop.
With hemp there is really no legal distinction whether it will be used for recreational or other purposes.
These products are available for anyone 21 and up…and that’s just about it.
These products are Farm-Bill compliant, but it’s important to check the certificate of analysis (COA) to ensure it meets federal standards.
But what if you don’t have time to make it to the store? Or worse…none of the local retailers carry the products you’re looking for?
Don’t worry. Order online.
Where to Buy Cannabis Online?
Yes, you heard us right! As stated above, hemp products can be ordered online.
Whether you’re looking for hemp flower, joints, gummies, or anything hemp-infused, it can usually be found on the internet.
Simply search on Google to find manufacturers. From there it will be a matter of what types of products you prefer.
Delta-8, since as of this writing, doesn’t have a concentration limit in hemp products. For this reason, you can find it in a variety of mediums such as flower, tinctures, capsules, and edibles.
Hemp-derived Delta-9 is subject to the 0.3% by dry weight concentration limit, and for that reason, you will only find it in the form of edibles.
What you prefer and which medium will come down to your own personal experience
Just remember, no matter which product you choose, make sure you always start out small. From there, you can determine if you should increase your amount or just “stay where you are.”
Conclusion
With legal changes continuously happening, finding recreational cannabis is not difficult. Some enjoy shopping in person, but we can all agree that shopping for hemp online is the ultimate convenience.
