CBD oil: Is it legal in Canada?

What is the legal status (and evidence) of CBD oil?

Over the last few years, CBD oil has become insanely popular across the globe. Even those who have never used cannabis in their lifetime have probably heard of it in popular culture and social media. The global CBD market has already surpassed a net value of 4 billion US dollar and if we believe the market analysts, it will exceed 3 million US dollars by 2024. According to a renowned investment research firm, currently, about 7% of Americans are using CBD. The federal Food and Drug Administration of USA has legalized hemp-derived CBD oil which has only 0.3% of THC content. But what is the legal status of CBD oil in Canada? Is it legal to sell and consume CBD oil in the 13 provinces and territories of the country? There is some confusion about this among the marijuana users. Keep reading this post to understand CBD oil legal status in Canada in detail. But you need to understand what CBD oil is and which products contain CBD oil in them.

What is CBD oil?

CBD or cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive component found in cannabis and hemp plants along with a variety of other cannabinoids. Scientists and healthcare experts say that it has amazing medicinal properties and is very effective in treating a range of medical conditions as well as psychological disorders. Cannabidiol, whether extracted from cannabis or hemp plants, is most commonly sold in the form of oils which have become immensely popular among the users nowadays. People use CBD to treat a variety of symptoms like chronic pain, inflammation, spasticity, epileptic seizures, anxiety, depression, insomnia, sleeping disorders, PTSD, or even cancer.

There are now many scientific studies and clinical research reports that strongly argue in favor of the multiple therapeutic uses of CBD oil. Yet, there are many countries that are still struggling about whether or not to make it legal. The USA has legalized it already. Has the federal government of Canada done the same? Though the passing of the Cannabis Act in 2018 has legalized the consumption of both recreational and medical marijuana in all the provinces and territories of Canada, not all types of cannabis products are allowed. For example, till October 2019, edibles and topicals were not permitted for sale and consumption under the legislation. So, there is some confusion about the legality of CBD oil in the country. What is CBD oil legal status in Canada? To know that, keep reading this post.

CBD oil legal status in Canada

As per the 2018 Cannabis Act, sale and consumption of only fresh or dried cannabis flowers, seeds and cannabis oils is permitted and not any form of extracts, cannabinoid concentrates or edibles. Technically speaking, CBD oil is not a cannabis oil but an extract. Full spectrum CBD oils are concentrates extracted from cannabis or industrial hemp plants using some type of solvent and therefore are not covered by the scope of the 2018 legislation. While the 2018 Act has left the legality of CBD oil in gray area, there are other medical laws in Canada that allow the sale and use of CBD oil under specific conditions. Since the legalization of cannabis for therapeutic purposes in 2001, Canadians have been purchasing CBD oil from licensed dispensaries upon showing a valid prescription. So, under the Cannabis Act of 2018 CBD oils were legal for certified prescription-holders only. However, you can still buy CBD oils without proper prescription if the product is strictly hemp derived and contain a THC content of 0.3% or lower. For the oils derived from cannabis plants, you’d need a doctor’s prescription till October 2019.

But things have changed since 17 October 2019. The new cannabis regulations which came into effect from the day have legalized a range of marijuana derivatives including extracts and edibles. This completely clears the previous confusion about CBD oil legal status in Canada and makes sale and consumption of CBD oils, a type of concentrate extract, perfectly legal in the provinces and territories. You don’t need a medical prescription anymore to buy CBD oil from legal sources. There are many CBD stores and licensed dispensaries now which now sell a variety of CBD oils to everyone irrespective of whether they are certified medical patients or not. You can also purchase them from a number of licensed online cannabis dispensaries and get them delivered at your doorstep.

Which CBD oil products are legal in Canada?

Under the latest regulations, not only various types of CBD oils but also a variety of products infused with CBD oil is legal. You can purchase capsules, gummies, tinctures, topicals, sprays, vape cartridges and other CBD-based products in the market. Consumption of both full spectrum, as well as broad spectrum CBD oil, is legal now as there is no restriction on the sale of cannabinoid extracts like before. There are also special CBD oils for your pets. You can order any of them online or buy them from the local stores and you won’t need any prescription or document other than a valid age proof.

We hope that this post clears all the confusion about the legal status of CBD oil in Canada. Buying and using CBD oil is perfectly legal under Canadian laws. Just remember that the legal age for cannabis consumption varies from province to province in the country. The same age restriction will apply for the purchase of CBD oil as well. CBD oils and all other products infused with it are completely non-intoxicating or non-psychotropic. That means you won’t get high from using it. On the other hand, it will give you a range of medical benefits and help you to make your life a lot better. So, what are you waiting for! Go to any of the reputed online or brick-and-mortar cannabis dispensary and get yourself some top-quality CBD oils now!