Everything You Need to Know About CBD Oil in Ohio

Written by Cathy Rozyczko — Edited by Jason Brett on September 27, 2021

If you live in Ohio and you are curious about using CBD, you may have a lot of questions. For one, you may be curious about the legality of CBD in Ohio. We can help you understand the legalization of hemp and what that means for the industry. We can also help you learn more about what CBD oil is and what type might be right for you.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is one of the most common and abundant cannabinoids found in the cannabis and hemp plants. The other one most people are familiar with is called tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. This is the cannabinoid that causes people to get high and experience a sensation of euphoria when they use it.

CBD does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC. But it does have many documented natural benefits. While research is still ongoing regarding what CBD can do in the body, we know that it can help with many conditions, such as:

• Acne
• Pain from broken bones and muscle soreness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Diabetes

Is CBD Legal in Ohio?

It seems as though the legal landscape of CBD is always changing as new laws are signed into effect both nationally and at the state level. But things began to change in 2014 with the signing of the Agricultural Act of 2014. This law made it possible for states to cultivate hemp for research purposes. This was available through federal pilot programs and they were mainly based out of universities.

In 2018, President Trump signed the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, and this included information from the Hemp Farming Act of 2018. When this law was passed, industrial hemp was finally defined properly – as cannabis that contained less than 0.3% THC by weight. This made hemp different from marijuana according to the federal government.

The Farm Bill gave the FDA the authority to regulate CBD labeling and many other aspects of the industry. They have firm regulations in place, which we will discuss in just a moment.

Ohio CBD Legislation

But while this was great news, CBD was still technically illegal in Ohio because hemp was illegal. It wasn't long before Ohio passed its own legislation after the 2018 Farm Bill was approved.

In July 2019, Ohio passed SB57. This new law decriminalized hemp and set up a regulatory framework to license hemp cultivation. The state used the same parameters set forth by the federal government. The legal limit for THC in CBD remains less than 0.3% by weight.

Hemp farmers and processors must be licensed by the state and their products must be tested. But there are no firm regulations in place at this time. Lawmakers in Ohio are still working out the processes.

Are There Laws About CBD Possession in Ohio?

There are currently no laws or limits regarding the possession of CBD in Ohio. As long as the product contains less than 0.3% THC by weight, it is legal to sell it, possess it and consume it.

What is Required to Sell CBD in Ohio?

Previously, the Ohio Pharmacy Board was responsible for holding all cannabis products, including CBD. But because of the new laws that were passed, CBD may now be sold by non-dispensary stores as long as it is hemp-derived. This means that it must have less than 0.3% THC by weight.

Retailers must obtain a license from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Selling these products without a license can result in serious consequences.

Labeling and Marketing CBD Products in Ohio

The FDA regulations for CBD oil state that it must be labeled in accordance with the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDAC). Under the FDAC, CBD products must have a label that contains:

• Some type of identity statement that explains what the product is.
• A net weight statement.
• A list of all ingredients.
• The name and address of the manufacturer.

A QR code is also included, which links to a document online that has a lot of additional information, such as:

• The batch date
• The expiration date
• The size of the batch
• A certificate of analysis
• The batch ID number

What Types of CBD Oil Can You Buy in Ohio?

The law states that in Ohio, CBD can legally be used in food, dietary supplements, personal care products and cosmetics. There are many different products that can be purchased containing CBD, and they are all legal in Ohio.

Finding High-Quality CBD Products in Ohio

When you begin shopping for CBD products in Ohio, it's important to know what to look for. Good quality is important, but if you're new to CBD, you may not know how to tell the quality.

There are a few characteristics you can look for, and they include:

• The price does not appear to be too good to be true. If a CBD oil is on the cheaper side, the quality of it has usually suffered.
• You can have access to transparent testing results. It's always a good idea to look at the 3rd party test results before you make a CBD oil purchase.
• The CBD oil is made from whole plant extracts, which will give you the “entourage effect” and the results you're looking for.

What to Look for When Buying CBD in Ohio

When buying CBD in Ohio, you will have several types to choose from. This can get confusing if you are not familiar with the terminology. We've explained them for you below.

• Full spectrum – Full spectrum CBD includes many cannabinoids, including THC, CBN and others. It also includes terpenes and phytonutrients from the hemp plant. This oil has a chemical profile that is very similar to that of the hemp plant and very little is removed.
• Broad spectrum – Broad spectrum CBD is very similar to full spectrum, but it does not contain any THC at all. It includes many other cannabinoids, terpenes and phytonutrients.
• CBD isolate – CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD on the market. It only contains CBD, and other cannabinoids and ingredients are left out.
• Hemp seed oil – Hemp seed oil is actually very different from CBD oil, though they are often marketed as the same thing. But hemp seeds have no THC and may only have trace amounts of CBD in them. This oil can be used in beauty products, for cooking and for other uses as well.

We're excited that you're interested in diving into the world of CBD oil! We can even help you get started with advice on potency and dosage as well as a world of additional information.

Make sure to visit our CBD Finder Tool, which can help you find the right CBD product to meet your needs.

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