No, you do not need a prescription for CBD oil—that’s the short answer.

The longer answer is that you do not need a prescription for CBD oil because it’s not classified as medicine. To understand better, it might help to explore a little deeper as to what CBD is, where it comes from, the different forms of CBD, and the current legal definitions applied to cannabis products in the United States.

The Legality of CBD

CBD (or Cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound of the hemp plant which offers users a whole host of benefits, from relaxed feelings and inner calm to managing body aches and supporting better sleep. CBD is just one of over a hundred different cannabinoids, but tends to get a lot of attention because it is legal.

Passed into law in 1971, the Controlled Substances Act classified marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, meaning there was no known medical benefit and a high potential for abuse. This strict umbrella classification was mostly aimed at Tetrahydrocannabinol—or THC—a psychoactive compound in cannabis. When people smoke marijuana, it’s THC that makes them feel “high”, while CBD is not psychoactive.

In the United States, the blanket prohibition of cannabis products came to an end with the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill. This new law legalized the growing of hemp and classified hemp products differently than the older Controlled Substances Act. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, a legal hemp plant contains a THC content under 0.3%. This means any CBD products derived from hemp are legal, including hemp-derived CBD oil.    

How is CBD Oil Made?

High-quality CBD oil is extracted directly from the hemp plant and usually mixed with plant-based essential oils. There is no marijuana involved in making legal, hemp-derived CBD products, however, consumers should make sure they buy CBD oil that is pure and totally free from any toxic fillers or solvents. Always look for reputable CBD products that are labelled accurately and third-party tested. 

Do I Need a Medical Marijuana Card for CBD Oil?

No, you do not need a medical marijuana card to buy CBD oil. That’s because CBD is not a form of medical cannabis—in fact, it’s not even marijuana.  So, even if you live in a state where marijuana is illegal, hemp-derived CBD oil is legal and requires no prescription.

The fact that many state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries also carry CBD oils and tinctures is a testament to the popularity and efficacy of CBD products. But you do not need to apply for a medical marijuana card or gain access to a special dispensary to purchase CBD oil. You can find CBD almost everywhere, which is why it’s best to seek out high-quality CBD from reputable sources.

Remember, CBD is NOT a controlled substance and therefore requires no prescription.

Really? Why don’t I need a prescription for CBD Oil?

Really, you do not need any prescription for CBD oil. That’s because CBD is not classified as medicine. Rather, CBD products are used to promote a calm mindset and as part of a grounding wellness regime. At the time of writing, the only CBD oil that requires a prescription is Epidiolex, which is approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain kinds of epilepsy.

If no prescription is required, how do I know that my CBD products are safe?

Safety is a very important issue when looking to buy CBD oil. The number of recent CBD products that have flooded the market reveal a wide range of quality and purity. A recent study by forensic toxicologists showed that out of nine samples labelled “CBD extracts” (sold in Virginia gas stations), five contained undisclosed toxins.

To ensure you are only using the highest quality CBD, only buy CBD Oil that is batch-tested for purity (by a third party), and that the CBD oil is labelled with a Certificate of Analysis. Consistent and trustworthy CBD products should always be tested and shown to contain pure, high-quality CBD.

Where to Find CBD?

Since no prescription is required for CBD, you can find it almost anywhere—even offered with your morning coffee. You can also purchase CBD oil over the counter, and you can even buy CBD oil online and have it shipped directly to your home.

Companies like Elixinol have been making high-quality CBD oils that are batch-tested and labelled with a Certificate of Analysis. Remember, regulation by independent, third-party testing is the safest way to ensure the CBD oil you buy is, in fact, pure CBD oil. 

Is CBD Oil right for me?

Only you can decide if CBD oil can help you reach your wellness aims. The prohibition of cannabis products by the Controlled Substances Act suppressed the kind of medical research that could be carried out on CBD products. Since the shift towards legality of CBD and its broad acceptance in our society, the demand for research has only grown.

What we do know is that tens of millions of Americans use CBD oil to improve their quality of life. Researching the best CBD product for you is worth the effort on your journey to achieving your personal wellness goals.