Introduction
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. While CBD is legal at the federal level as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC, the legality of CBD varies by state.
CBD is fully legal in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Meanwhile, CBD is conditionally legal in the remaining states, meaning that it may be legal under certain circumstances, such as for medical use or with a prescription, but otherwise illegal.
It is worth noting that states in the West and Northeast tend to have more relaxed laws on CBD, with more states fully legalizing its use. On the other hand, states in the South and Midwest tend to have stricter laws on CBD, with most states only conditionally legalizing it. However, these trends are not absolute, and there are exceptions in both regions.
CBD Laws by State
State | CBD Legality | Cannabis Legality | Medical Marijuana Legality | Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 90 |
Arkansas | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 5,033 |
Delaware | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 549 |
Florida | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 16 |
Georgia | Conditionally Legal | CBD/Low THC | No | 6,032 |
Hawaii | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 217 |
Idaho | Conditionally Legal | Illegal | No | 4,105 |
Indiana | Conditionally Legal | CBD/Low THC | No | 4,436 |
Iowa | Conditionally Legal | CBD/Low THC | No | 4,214 |
Kansas | Conditionally Legal | Illegal | No | 4,360 |
Kentucky | Conditionally Legal | CBD/Low THC | No | 2,185 |
Louisiana | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 12,065 |
Maryland | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 1,072 |
Minnesota | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 4,739 |
Mississippi | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 2,991 |
Missouri | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 10,650 |
Nebraska | Conditionally Legal | Illegal | No | 1,773 |
New Hampshire | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 1,494 |
New Mexico | Conditionally Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 328 |
North Carolina | Conditionally Legal | CBD/Low THC | No | 12,307 |
North Dakota | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 1,929 |
Ohio | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 5,554 |
Oklahoma | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 3,770 |
Pennsylvania | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 140 |
Rhode Island | Conditionally Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 284 |
South Carolina | Conditionally Legal | CBD/Low THC | No | 10,839 |
South Dakota | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 3,036 |
Tennessee | Conditionally Legal | CBD/Low THC | No | 14,204 |
Texas | Conditionally Legal | CBD/Low THC | No | 22,924 |
Utah | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 5,827 |
West Virginia | Conditionally Legal | Comprehensive Medical Use | Yes | 1,590 |
Wisconsin | Conditionally Legal | CBD/Low THC | No | 11,062 |
Wyoming | Conditionally Legal | CBD/Low THC | No | 1,750 |
Alaska | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 119 |
Arizona | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 5,699 |
California | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 2,711 |
Colorado | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 1,464 |
Connecticut | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 858 |
District of Columbia | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 210 |
Illinois | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 140 |
Maine | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 225 |
Massachusetts | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 132 |
Michigan | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 422 |
Montana | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 751 |
Nevada | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 994 |
New Jersey | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 19,911 |
New York | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 19,413 |
Oregon | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 849 |
Vermont | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 34 |
Virginia | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 10,747 |
Washington | Fully Legal | Recreational Use | Yes | 483 |
States Where CBD is Legal
The states where CBD is legal are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, as well as the District of Columbia. In these states, CBD is fully legal, meaning that it can be used and sold without restriction as long as one meets the minimum age requirement, for both medicinal and recreational use. The recreational use of marijuana is also legal in all these states.
Here are the states where CBD is legal:
1. Alaska
2. Arizona
3. California
4. Colorado
5. Connecticut
6. District of Columbia
7. Illinois
8. Maine
9. Massachusetts
10. Michigan
11. Montana
12. Nevada
13. New Jersey
14. New York
15. Oregon
16. Vermont
17. Virginia
18. Washington
CBD Legality by State
Alabama
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
90
Ranked in the US
#49
In Alabama, CBD oil exceeding 0.3% THC is legal conditionally with a medical cannabis license for specific conditions. The state has comprehensive medical use of cannabis, and medical marijuana is legal, but possession of marijuana for personal use is illegal.
Alaska
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
119
Ranked in the US
#48
CBD is fully legal in Alaska. The state allows recreational and medical use of marijuana.
Arizona
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
5,699
Ranked in the US
#13
CBD is fully legal in Arizona, and the state has legalized both recreational and medical use of marijuana.
Arkansas
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
5,033
Ranked in the US
#15
In Arkansas, cannabis-derived CBD oil exceeding 0.3% THC is legal conditionally with a medical cannabis license for specific conditions. The state has comprehensive medical use of cannabis, and medical marijuana is legal, but possession of marijuana for personal use is illegal.
California
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
2,711
Ranked in the US
#24
In California, hemp-derived CBD edibles are not legal in the state, but cannabis-derived CBD edibles are; however, this restriction does not seem to be strictly enforced, and legislation has been proposed to remove it. Recreational use of marijuana is legal, and there is comprehensive medical use of cannabis.
Colorado
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
1,464
Ranked in the US
#31
CBD is fully legal in Colorado, and the state has legalized both recreational and medical use of marijuana.
Connecticut
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
858
Ranked in the US
#34
CBD is fully legal in Connecticut, and the state has legalized both recreational and medical use of marijuana.
Delaware
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
549
Ranked in the US
#37
In Delaware, cannabis-derived CBD oil exceeding 0.3% THC is legal conditionally with a medical cannabis license for specific conditions, although the CBD market, in general, is relatively unregulated in Delaware. The state has comprehensive medical use of cannabis, and medical marijuana is legal.
District of Columbia
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
210
Ranked in the US
#44
CBD is fully legal in DC, and the state has legalized both recreational and medical use of marijuana.
Florida
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
16
Ranked in the US
#51
In Florida, hemp-derived CBD oil is legal conditionally, while cannabis-derived CBD oil is legal only for medical use under the comprehensive medical use of cannabis program. Possession of marijuana for personal use is illegal.
Georgia
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
CBD/Low THC
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
6,032
Ranked in the US
#11
In Georgia, cannabis-derived CBD oil is legal conditionally with a medical cannabis license for specific conditions, must contain equal amounts of THC and CBD, and THC content cannot exceed 5%. CBD/low THC medical marijuana is legal but possession of marijuana for personal use is illegal.
Hawaii
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
217
Ranked in the US
#43
In Hawaii, hemp-derived CBD oil is legal conditionally, while medical marijuana is legal under the comprehensive medical use.
Idaho
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Illegal
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
4,105
Ranked in the US
#20
All varieties of CBD are legal in Idaho, so long as there is no traceable THC content. Marijuana is illegal for both medical and recreational use.
Illinois
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
140
Ranked in the US
#45
CBD is fully legal in Illinois, and the state has legalized both recreational and medical use of marijuana.
Indiana
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
CBD/Low THC
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
4,436
Ranked in the US
#17
In Indiana, CBD is conditionally legal in Indiana, and all varieties are legal as long as they do not exceed 0.3% THC. The state has also legalized CBD and low-THC oils, so long as they meet certain labeling and testing requirements. However, marijuana is still illegal for both medical and recreational use in Indiana, and possession can result in fines and even jail time.
Iowa
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
CBD/Low THC
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
4,214
Ranked in the US
#19
In Iowa, CBD is conditionally legal in Iowa, and cannabis-derived CBD oil exceeding 0.3% THC is legal with a medical cannabis license. However, the list of accepted conditions is fairly restrictive, and the state does not allow the use of CBD or low-THC oils for other medical conditions. Possession of marijuana for any purpose remains illegal in Iowa, and penalties for possession can include fines and jail time.
Kansas
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Illegal
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
4,360
Ranked in the US
#18
CBD is conditionally legal in Kansas, and all varieties are legal as long as there is no traceable THC content. Medical CBD oil is legal with a license for specific conditions, provided the THC content doesn’t exceed 5%. Possession of marijuana is illegal in Kansas, and the state has some of the harshest penalties for marijuana possession in the country.
Kentucky
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
CBD/Low THC
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
2,185
Ranked in the US
#25
CBD is conditionally legal in Kentucky, and only hemp-derived CBD oil is legal. The state has also legalized CBD and low-THC oils, but they are only available to patients with a prescription for certain medical conditions. Marijuana is illegal in Kentucky for both medical and recreational use, and possession can result in fines and even jail time.
Louisiana
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
12,065
Ranked in the US
#6
CBD is conditionally legal in Louisiana, and cannabis-derived CBD oil is legal with a medical cannabis license for specific conditions. The state has a comprehensive medical marijuana program that allows patients to access a variety of THC and CBD products. Possession of marijuana without a medical cannabis license is illegal in Louisiana, and penalties can include fines and jail time.
Maine
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
225
Ranked in the US
#42
CBD is fully legal in Maine, and the state has legalized both the medical and recreational use of marijuana. The state has also legalized the production and sale of a variety of THC and CBD products.
Maryland
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
1,072
Ranked in the US
#32
CBD is conditionally legal in Maryland, and cannabis-derived CBD oil is legal with a medical cannabis license for specific conditions. The state has a comprehensive medical marijuana program that allows patients to access a variety of THC and CBD products. Possession of marijuana without a medical cannabis license is illegal in Maryland, and penalties can include fines and jail time.
Massachusetts
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
132
Ranked in the US
#47
CBD is fully legal in Massachusetts, and the state has legalized both the medical and recreational use of marijuana. The state has also legalized the production and sale of a variety of THC and CBD products.
Michigan
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
422
Ranked in the US
#39
CBD is fully legal in Michigan, and the state has legalized both the medical and recreational use of marijuana. The state has also legalized the production and sale of a variety of THC and CBD products.
Minnesota
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
4,739
Ranked in the US
#16
In Minnesota, CBD oil derived from cannabis is legal for medical use with a prescription from a registered healthcare practitioner for specific conditions, but hemp-derived CBD is legal for general use. The state has a comprehensive medical marijuana program that permits the use of cannabis for patients with qualifying medical conditions.
Mississippi
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
2,991
Ranked in the US
#23
In Mississippi, CBD oil derived from cannabis is legal for medical use with a prescription for specific conditions, but it must be obtained from the University of Mississippi and cannot exceed 0.5% THC. Mississippi has a comprehensive medical marijuana program that allows the use of cannabis for patients with qualifying medical conditions.
Missouri
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
10,650
Ranked in the US
#10
In Missouri, CBD oil derived from cannabis that exceeds 0.3% THC is legal for medical use with a prescription, and there are no qualifying conditions. Missouri has a comprehensive medical marijuana program that allows the use of cannabis for patients with qualifying medical conditions.
Montana
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
751
Ranked in the US
#36
In Montana, CBD oil derived from both cannabis and hemp is legal for general use, as well as for medical use with a prescription. Montana has legalized recreational marijuana use for adults, and the state also has a comprehensive medical marijuana program.
Nebraska
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Illegal
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
1,773
Ranked in the US
#27
Only hemp-derived CBD oil is legal in Nebraska, and only for general use. Cannabis remains illegal in the state, even for medical purposes.
Nevada
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
994
Ranked in the US
#33
Both cannabis and hemp-derived CBD are legal for general use in Nevada, with no prescription required. Nevada has legalized recreational marijuana use for adults, and the state also has a comprehensive medical marijuana program.
New Hampshire
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
1,494
Ranked in the US
#30
In New Hampshire, CBD oil derived from cannabis is legal for medical use with a prescription for specific conditions, but hemp-derived CBD is legal for general use. New Hampshire has a comprehensive medical marijuana program that allows the use of cannabis for patients with qualifying medical conditions.
New Jersey
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
19,911
Ranked in the US
#2
Both cannabis and hemp-derived CBD are legal for general use in New Jersey, with no prescription required. New Jersey has legalized recreational marijuana use for adults, and the state also has a comprehensive medical marijuana program.
New Mexico
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
328
Ranked in the US
#40
In New Mexico, CBD oil derived from cannabis is legal for medical use with a prescription for specific conditions, and hemp-derived CBD is legal for general use. New Mexico has a comprehensive medical marijuana program that allows the use of cannabis for patients with qualifying medical conditions and has also legalized recreational marijuana use for adults.
New York
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
19,413
Ranked in the US
#3
Both cannabis and hemp-derived CBD are legal for general use in New York, with no prescription required. New York has legalized recreational marijuana use for adults, and the state also has a comprehensive medical marijuana program.
North Carolina
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
CBD/Low THC
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
12,307
Ranked in the US
#5
In North Carolina, CBD derived from cannabis is legal for patients suffering from specific conditions with a medical cannabis license, however, this program is limited to a very small subset of the population of study participants. Low THC cannabis is allowed for medical use but marijuana is still illegal for recreational use.
North Dakota
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
1,929
Ranked in the US
#26
In North Dakota, cannabis-derived CBD oil is legal for patients suffering from specific conditions with a medical cannabis license. North Dakota has comprehensive medical use of marijuana, and medical marijuana is legal for qualified patients.
Ohio
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
5,554
Ranked in the US
#14
In Ohio, CBD oil derived from cannabis is legal for patients with specific conditions and a medical cannabis license. Ohio has comprehensive medical use of marijuana, and medical marijuana is legal for qualified patients.
Oklahoma
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
3,770
Ranked in the US
#21
In Oklahoma, cannabis-derived CBD oil is legal for medical use with a medical cannabis license, and there are no qualifying conditions. Oklahoma also has comprehensive medical use of marijuana, and medical marijuana is legal for qualified patients.
Oregon
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
849
Ranked in the US
#35
CBD is fully legal for both medical and recreational use in Oregon. In addition, marijuana is legal for recreational use, and medical marijuana is legal for qualified patients.
Pennsylvania
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
140
Ranked in the US
#46
In Pennsylvania, CBD oil that exceeds 0.3% THC is legal for specific medical conditions with a medical cannabis license. Pennsylvania has comprehensive medical use of marijuana, and medical marijuana is legal for qualified patients.
Rhode Island
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
284
Ranked in the US
#41
In Rhode Island, cannabis-derived CBD oil that exceeds 0.3% THC is legal for specific medical conditions with a medical cannabis license. Rhode Island also allows marijuana for recreational use, and medical marijuana is legal for qualified patients.
South Carolina
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
CBD/Low THC
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
10,839
Ranked in the US
#8
In South Carolina, CBD oil that exceeds 0.9% THC is legal for medical use with a very restrictive list of qualifying conditions and a medical cannabis license. South Carolina allows only low-THC cannabis for medical use, and marijuana is still illegal for recreational use.
South Dakota
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
3,036
Ranked in the US
#22
In South Dakota, CBD is conditionally legal, with medical and recreational cannabis products being illegal.
Tennessee
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
CBD/Low THC
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
14,204
Ranked in the US
#4
In Tennessee, CBD oil exceeding 0.9% THC is legal with a medical cannabis license, but there is a very restrictive list of qualifying conditions. Cannabis legality is limited to CBD/low THC and medical marijuana is not legal.
Texas
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
CBD/Low THC
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
22,924
Ranked in the US
#1
In Texas, low-THC (up to 1%) CBD oil is available for patients with qualifying conditions. Cannabis legality is limited to CBD/low THC, and medical marijuana is not legal.
Utah
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
5,827
Ranked in the US
#12
In Utah, cannabis-derived CBD oil is legal with a medical cannabis license for specific conditions. Cannabis legality is comprehensive medical use, and medical marijuana is legal.
Vermont
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
34
Ranked in the US
#50
In Vermont, CBD is fully legal, and recreational marijuana is also legal.
Virginia
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
10,747
Ranked in the US
#9
In Virginia, CBD is fully legal, and recreational marijuana is also legal.
Washington
CBD Legality
Fully Legal
Cannabis Legality
Recreational Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
483
Ranked in the US
#38
In Washington, CBD is fully legal, and recreational marijuana is also legal.
West Virginia
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
Comprehensive Medical Use
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
1,590
Ranked in the US
#29
In West Virginia, cannabis-derived CBD oil is legal with a medical cannabis license for specific conditions. Cannabis legality is comprehensive medical use, and medical marijuana is legal.
Wisconsin
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
CBD/Low THC
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
11,062
Ranked in the US
#7
In Wisconsin, cannabis-derived CBD oil is legal with a medical cannabis license for specific conditions. Cannabis legality is limited to CBD/low THC, and medical marijuana is not legal.
Wyoming
CBD Legality
Conditionally Legal
Cannabis Legality
CBD/Low THC
Total Arrests For Marijuana Possession
1,750
Ranked in the US
#28
In Wyoming, hemp-derived CBD oil is conditionally legal, but there are no other details available regarding CBD or marijuana legality.
FAQs
Is CBD legal in all states ?
No, CBD is not legal in all states in the US. While CBD derived from hemp is legal at the federal level, states have varying laws regarding the legality of CBD and its use for medical and recreational purposes.
What is CBD ?
CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant.
What does CBD stand for ?
CBD stands for cannabidiol.
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