Modern Canna
Medical Marijuana and CBD oil has been a hot topic in Florida, with lots of changes on the federal and state level that seem to bounce back and forth between limitations and accessibility. Ultimately, this has created a confusing legal landscape that has landed some CBD distributors and users in trouble with the law.
Why the confusion around the federal and state laws that regulate medical marijuana use? And what are the legal limits when it comes to THC levels?
What is CBD oil?
There has been a drastically growing market for CBD, or Cannabidiol. CBD is derived from the hemp plant, a close cousin to the marijuana plant, and contains little to no THC levels. Basically, this means you can derive the health benefits of the hemp plant without feeling the psychoactive effects or “high” that is typically associated with marijuana. Because of this, many users are opting for CBD and using it in oils, edibles, lotions and many other products.
How much THC is allowed in CBD oil under Florida law?
Recent federal legislation signed by President Trump in 2018 helped to separate Hemp from Marijuana by removing the Hemp plant from the illegal substance list and essentially making it legal for anyone, with or without a medical marijuana card, to purchase and use in all 50 states. Now, the federal law views the hemp plant, classified as any cannabis plant that does not contain THC levels higher than 0.3 percent, a legal plant to grow, sell and use, as long as it is not combined with any other ingredients that can create a “high” for the users.
However, Hemp and Marijuana are still regarded as the same plant under Florida law, which means it is still considered illegal to grow, sell or use without the proper license. Law enforcement is relying on THC-testing kits for Hemp testing to determine the THC levels. The problem is, many people are criticizing the kits and claiming that it is inaccurately measuring THC levels, and wrongfully labeling hemp as marijuana.
The federal government’s legislation also clashes with current Florida laws, which state that patients that hold a medical marijuana card are allowed to purchase and use CBD oils that contain THC levels up to 0.8 percent, which is notably higher than the federal government’s classification of hemp.
CBD testing in Florida
While things are up in the air now, it’s only a matter of time before state and federal laws begin to level out, creating more consistency and less confusion around cannabis.
Modern Canna Science is committed to ensuring the medical marijuana industry moves forward in the right direction as new legislation is passed and the medicinal plant becomes more available. Our team of experts believe that every patient should have access to safe, high-quality products that can help them live healthier, more comfortable lives. To learn more about our CBD testing in Florida, call our labs today!