CBD In Colorado
2023 Complete Buyers Guide
CO CBD 2023 Update
Is CBD oil legal in Colorado? Of course it is, it’s Colorado.
Renowned for having some of the most progressive cannabis laws in the world, and as a result, residents enjoy the luxury of having their choice between both hemp-derived, THC-free, non-intoxicating CBD oil, or marijuana-derived cannabis oils which contains both CBD and THC. How old you need to be to get CBD oil depends on whether or not you’re looking for the hemp variety, and, if not, whether or not you’ve got a medical condition that qualifies you for the state’s medical marijuana program.
What Is CBD Oil?
The most interesting thing about cannabis is that it produces two families of oily compounds, both of which are known to have powerful effects on the human body and mind. Specifically, we’re talking about cannabinoids and terpenes.
Scores of cannabinoids are produced in cannabis, the two most abundant of which are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and cannabidiol, aka CBD. These two cannabinoids combined typically make up more than 95 percent of the plant’s cannabinoid content, and a potent cannabis bud can contain total levels of cannabinoids approaching 25%, or even higher in some cases.
Because of its intoxicating effects, the cultivation and sale of the THC-producing cannabis plant is strictly regulated — even in Colorado. If the THC content of the plant reaches 0.3 percent or above, the plant is considered to fall into the classification of marijuana, and is therefore subject to the state’s medical and recreational marijuana laws. If the THC content of a crop is below that 0.3 percent threshold, then the plant is considered hemp, and it falls under the state’s agricultural laws.
Technically, the oils produced from marijuana, whether or not they contain CBD, are considered cannabis oil, while the oils made from hemp, which are essentially THC-free for all intents and purposes are referred to as CBD oil.
Hemp CBD Oil Is Legal In Colorado For All Residents
So, you’ve got three options if you’re under the age of 21 and are not a medical marijuana patient. The CBD oil made from hemp is pretty much legal for all Colorado residents. However, you can’t just walk into Walmart and by CBD oil just yet, because the FDA is still dickering over whether or not CBD is safe for human consumption. Many head shops and vape shops, as well as other specialty stores around the state, do sell hemp CBD oil and product made with hemp CBD such as CBD gummy bears and CBD vape pens, however many of those shops still require customers to be 18 or older in order to purchase it.
Marijuana-Derived Oils Are Legal For Adults Only In Colorado
Marijuana was legalized for all adults 21 and over back in 2014. So, in 2023, if you’re 21-plus you can legally purchase at any state-licensed marijuana shop CBD oil or cannabis oils which are high, so to speak, in CBD but also contain THC.
Medical marijuana has been legal in Colorado since 2001. If you’re 18 or older, and you’ve got a medical marijuana card, you can purchase CBD oil and CBD-infused products at any state-licensed medical marijuana dispensary. If you’re under 18 with a qualifying medical condition you’ll need a parent of guardian to purchase and administer the products.
Colorado hemp CBD FAQ | 2023
How Do I Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Colorado?
To apply for a medical marijuana card in Colorado you must be a legal resident of the state and you’ll need to have the blessing of a doctor.
- The application for a medical marijuana card can be found here.
- The physician certification form can be found here.
- Check your eligibility here.
- Find a doctor & get certified.
You’ll need proof of identity such as a driver’s license. And you’ll have to pay a fee of $15 in addition to whatever it costs to see a doctor which is usually around $150, give or take. Applications with all correct information are generally approved in about 3 business days. Once you have your card you can purchase CBD-rich cannabis oils, both hemp- and marijuana-derived, at any licensed dispensary.
Which Type Of CBD Oil Is Best For You? Do You Really Need The THC?
Because cannabinoids have unique effects on each individual, this question cannot be answered without a little experimentation on your part. Some patients seem to do just fine without the THC, while others claim that the product doesn’t work at all for them if it doesn’t contain THC.
There are some cases where THC can make matters worse. For example, one of the most common reasons that people give for using CBD oil is to reduce stress and anxiety. Above certain levels, THC can actually increase anxiety and potentially cause feelings of paranoia.
Many medical marijuana experts and patients claim that neurological issues such as seizures and muscle spasms seem to respond better when there is some THC in the formula. However, the FDA recently approved a drug called Epidiolex for treating seizures which is essentially pure CBD with zero THC. In order to get this approval, Epidiolex had to undergo multiple clinical trials designed to prove that the drug is safe and that it works.
If you’re just taking CBD oil to maintain good health and wellbeing, rather than for a particular medical condition, then you’re probably better off staying away from daily doses of THC until you’re specifically trying to get a buzz on.
There are other valid reasons to avoid cannabis oils with THC aside from just wanting to keep your wits about you. Using products containing THC can result in failing a drug test or a roadside sobriety test which can cost you a job, or put you at risk of losing your driver’s license and paying heavy fines.
What's the difference between Full-Spectrum Oils and Infusions?
Another choice is whether or not to purchase full-spectrum oils or infused oils.
Cannabis oils are made by extracting the essential oils from the dank, sticky, resinous buds of the cannabis plant. There are various levels of products made with these extracts. Raw cannabis extract contains not only cannabinoids but also terpenes.
You may not know this, but terpenes are actually far more potent than cannabinoids when it comes to their effects on the human body. They’re also much more varied. While cannabinoid levels of a plant are measured in percentage of dry weight — as we said, as high as 25% of the content of the buds — terpenes are measured in parts per million. One feature that drives this home is the fact that cannabinoids are odorless. That dank smell given off by marijuana (and hemp)? It’s the terpenes. Just teeny, tiny amounts of terpenes greatly affect not only the aromas and flavors of the plant, but also its effects.
So the first round of oils produced is referred to as raw extract. This raw extract has the complete spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the original plant, hence the term full-spectrum oil. This oil can be further refined and mixed with other oils such as coconut oil and it’s still considered full-spectrum as long as the terpenes have not been removed.
However, cannabis extracts can be refined to the point where there’s nothing left but pure cannabinoids. Both CBD and THC have their own evaporation temperature which allows manufacturers to distill them out and produce pure THC and CBD. These pure cannabinoids can then be infused into things like vape oils or foods or beverages or put into capsule or pill form. These products do not contain terpenes.
You’re probably well aware that different strains of marijuana produce different overall effects. This is not just a result of the cannabinoid content, but also the terpene content. Terpenes have a wide range of medicinal effects. It’s terpenes that are used in a healing modality known as aromatherapy.
If you’re using CBD oil or cannabis oil for purposes such as reducing seizures, it might be a good idea to avoid the full-spectrum products. On the other hand, if you’re using these products to help you sleep you might be better off using a full-spectrum oil. Again this might take some experimentation to determine what works best for you.
Some terpenes make you more relaxed, some make you more alert. Some terpenes help to reduce pain, and others help to reduce seizures. This is why it’s such a big deal to choose your marijuana strains wisely. While stains known as indicas are generally more relaxing, those under the heading of sativas are generally more energizing. There are also hybrid strains which share the characteristics of each. Many dispensaries carry oils made from particular strains which retain the terpene profile of that strain. Talk to your budtender about that.
What medical conditions are being treated with CBD oil in Colorado?
Here are some of the many Medical conditions being treated with hemp CBD oil in Colorado:
- ADHD
- Addiction & Alcoholism
- ALS
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Anorexia
- Antibiotic
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Autism
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Bipolar
- Cancer
- Colitis
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Endocrine Disorders
- Epilepsy
- Fibromyalgia
- Hair Loss
- Heart Disease
- HIV & AIDS
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- PTSD
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Sleep Disorders
- Stress
- Stroke
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Weight Loss
Where Can I buy CBD products online?
There are benefits to buying CBD online. For example, you’ll find a much larger selection of CBD brands and products online than you will encounter in a local shop. Local shops might only carry a few brands, and these might not be the most trusted brands or highest-quality products. Do your homework.
What hemp CBD products are available?
A variety of hemp-derived CBD products and delivery methods are available in Colorado . These include: