Your Guide to CBD in Texas in 2024
Let’s face it— trying to understand all of the rules and regulations about every single cannabinoid under the sun in every individual state can be pretty annoying. But if you’re in Texas, you’re in luck. This article is your complete guide to everything you need to know about hemp and CBD in Texas this year.
Right now, CBD is legal in Texas, and the Lone Star state has a small medical marijuana program that blends the therapeutic potential of CBD with delta-9 THC. While the FDA continues to drag its feet on setting up CBD regulations, the Texas CBD market is thriving. So whether you’re new to CBD or looking to stay updated, this guide has you covered. Let’s jump in.
CBD and Hemp Laws in Texas
Texas is known for being relatively slow to embrace the green rush, but things changed in 2018 when the Farm Bill legalized hemp on a federal level, as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC (the stuff that gets you high) on a dry weight basis. The federal government redefined hemp, separating it from marijuana, and removed it from the DEA’s list of Schedule I controlled substances.
More or less that opened the floodgates, the states could set their own rules and regulations into play to help encourage the industry and mold it into something that fits each state’s unique character.
In June 2019, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1325, officially legalizing hemp cultivation, processing, sale, and possession in Texas. According to this bill, for a plant to be classified as hemp, it has to contain less than 0.3% THC. If a crop exceeds this limit, it has to be destroyed to comply with the law.
Hemp and CBD regulations in Texas
Texas has established specific regulations for hemp and CBD products, though they’re on par with most of the country and even a little more relaxed in some areas. For starters, Texas doesn’t actually have an age limit set for purchasing hemp or CBD products. However, most retailers won’t sell it to anyone under the age of 18.
Of course the most pressing part of CBD in Texas is the state’s stringent guidelines on THC content, labeling, and testing. To be legal, CBD products must contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, which is aligned with federal rules. Any product exceeding this limit is considered illegal, except for those under the state’s medical marijuana program.
Texas law also mandates that CBD products be accurately labeled and tested for their Delta-9 THC content. The test results must be accessible through a website listed on the product label or via a QR code. Additionally, labels must include detailed information such as the lot code, lot date, name of the manufacturer, and contact information.
Both manufacturers and sellers of CBD products must be licensed and comply with state regulations. However, there are restrictions on smokable hemp products. Growing or processing it comes with hefty fines and legal troubles. Nonetheless, products manufactured outside of Texas can still be distributed within the state if they meet the originating state’s guidelines.
Is Delta-8 or Delta-9 THC legal in Texas?
Delta-8 THC is a synthetic cannabinoid made from CBD, which is perfectly legal under the Farm Bill. The verbiage in the original legislature made for somewhat of a legal gray area. The bill de-scheduled hemp and its cannabinoids and classified hemp as cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
As a result, scientists got creative and started synthesizing a bunch of different, unnatural cannabinoids from CBD. Delta-8 THC is a lot like Delta-9 THC (the natural stuff everyone is very strict about.) It feels a little bit less potent than traditional THC, but it still gets you high. Innovation in this space has also made other synthetics like THC-P, HHC, and others legal and readily available at smoke shops in Texas.
That wasn’t always the case, though. Initially banned, delta-8 THC was legalized when a judge temporarily blocked its classification as a controlled substance.
While a lot of people tend to avoid synthetic cannabinoids since we don’t really know their long-term safety or efficacy, legal highs are still possible in Texas. Thanks to the Farm Bill, Delta-9 THC is also legal as long as the CBD products contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. That said, you can find full-strength edibles containing delta-9 THC on the shelves at hemp shops all over Texas.
Texas Medical Marijuana Vs. CBD
First thing first: understanding the difference between cannabis and hemp. Hemp is defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC and is used for various products, including CBD oil, textiles, and food. Cannabis, containing more than 0.3% THC, includes marijuana, which remains illegal in Texas, except for the medical marijuana program, which is limited to oils and edibles only. Smokeable products are still banned.
Texas has had a compassionate care medical marijuana program since 2015, which allowed people with a doctor’s prescription to obtain low-THC products to soothe some of the symptoms of debilitating medical conditions.
However, since Texas chose to use the word “prescription” instead of “recommendation” in their legislature, many doctors avoided handing out medical cards. With the federal rules on marijuana as crystal clear as they are, these doctors didn’t want to risk their medical licenses by prescribing a Schedule I substance. That said, the program didn’t really kick off until 2018 when hemp was legalized.
But as Texas comes around to the idea of cannabis as the rest of the country does, things are beginning to change. Some legislators are still looking to ban delta-8 and delta-9 products, but in the meantime, the medical marijuana program is getting a little more relaxed when it comes to hemp. The Compassionate Use Program allows the use of low-THC cannabis (no more than 1% total THC) for specific medical conditions, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and terminal cancer.
For now, though. Cannabis and smokable hemp products are illegal in Texas. While there is no clear timeline for the legalization of cannabis in Texas, the hemp industry continues to provide legal alternatives for those seeking the benefits of cannabinoids without the legal risks associated with marijuana.
Texans can purchase CBD products online or at local retailers as long as those products comply with the laws in Texas, ensuring these products comply with state laws.
New Studies on CBD in 2024
So why has there been so much attention paid to CBD lately? Studies have shown that CBD comes with a lot of potential benefits, some of which may even be more therapeutic than THC. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t make you high, which makes it a lot more of an appealing choice for people seeking relief without the impairment, which can sometimes be debilitating.
The good news is that even though CBD doesn’t alter your perceptions, evidence suggests that it may improve quality of life in several different ways. It interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps modulate a few other natural processes that sort of run in the background, like your body temperature, sleeping and waking cycle, appetite, mood, pain and inflammation responses, and immune system function.
Research suggests that CBD might modulate this system, helping it to stay balanced and regulated. On its own, CBD is known for helping with epileptic seizures. The strongest scientific evidence supports CBD’s effectiveness in treating severe childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. These findings have led to the FDA approval of Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication for these conditions.
Evidence also suggests that with its interactions with the ECS, CBD may help soothe anxiety, support a balanced sleeping and waking cycle, and reduce inflammation associated with chronic pain.
Scientific Research on CBD
- Anxiety and Insomnia: Research indicates that CBD may be useful for managing anxiety and insomnia. A study conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder found that CBD-dominant products were associated with significant reductions in anxiety and tension without the side effects commonly linked to THC-heavy products.
- Chronic and Neuropathic Pain: Some studies and anecdotal reports suggest that CBD may help alleviate chronic and neuropathic pain. However, research led by the University of Bath cautions that there is a lack of high-quality evidence supporting these claims, and consumers should be wary of spending money on unproven treatments.
- Immune Function and Cancer: Research at the University of Northern Colorado has also examined the impact of CBD on immune function. Early findings from a clinical trial suggest that CBD may enhance the ability of natural killer cells to combat cancer cells. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Current Clinical Trials on CBD in 2024
While there is evidence in hand regarding CBD, there are several clinical trials going on now to further explore the therapeutic potential of CBD. At the University of San Diego, clinical trials are exploring CBD and its relationship with anxiety, autism, anorexia, HIV, and neuroinflammation.
Regardless of all the good news, the FDA has yet to approve CBD as a supplement. However, four members of the US House of Representatives have introduced a bill that would create a national regulatory framework using CBD as a food and beverage additive.
In order to qualify for a prescription for low-THC cannabis oil, a patient must be diagnosed with one of a shortlist of qualifying medical conditions including epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, terminal cancer, autism and many kinds of seizure disorders. However, there are also additional conditions that are commonly treated with hemp CBD oil.
Here are some of the many conditions being treated with hemp CBD oil in Texas:
Who Qualifies for Hemp and CBD in Texas
In Texas, hemp, D8 and CBD products are perfectly legal and available to anyone since there’s no age limit. However, most retailers only sell to people over the age of 18. You can purchase these products legally at smoke shops, online retailers, and other retail outlets, but they have to contain less than 0.3% THC to be considered legal under both federal and state law.
People are currently using CBD oil in Texas for several reasons, including:
- Acne
- ADD & ADHD
- Addiction & Alcoholism
- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
- Cancer
- Colitis & Crohn’s Disease
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Endocrine Disorders
- Epilepsy & Seizures
- Fibromyalgia
- Hair Loss
- Heart Disease
- HIV & AIDS
- Huntington’s Disease (HD)
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- Migraines
- Mood Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Nausea
- Neurodegeneration
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis/Bone Health
- Pain
- Parkinson’s Disease
- PTSD
- Rheumatism
- Schizophrenia
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Weight Loss
What About Legal Texas Medical Marijuana Products?
While there are plenty of CBD products available at retail stores throughout Texas, you might qualify for the Compassionate Use Program, which allows you to get CBD product that contain THC. To qualify you need a prescription from your doctor.
Texas recently made a few changes and now allows qualifying medical patients to enjoy edibles that contain up to 30mg of THC without CBD. These levels are quite a bit higher than other compassionate care programs, including Florida’s which only allows for 10mg per piece.
To obtain a prescription for low-THC cannabis oil, patients must be diagnosed with one of the qualifying medical conditions specified by the CUP. These conditions include:
2024 Texas CBD Buyers Guide
Now that you’re up to speed on all things CBD in Texas, it’s time for the more important stuff— getting your hands on CBD and using it safely. Navigating the CBD market in Texas can be overwhelming due to the wide variety of products and brands available. Here’s what you need to know:
Tips for Purchasing CBD in Texas
- Check the Label: Always read the product label carefully. Look for information on the CBD content, THC levels (must be below 0.3% for legal products), and additional ingredients. The label should also provide details about the manufacturer, batch number, and a link to third-party lab reports in compliance with Texas law.
- Look for Lab Reports: Reputable CBD products will have third-party lab reports available. These reports verify the product’s CBD and THC content, ensuring it matches what is advertised. They also check for contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents. If you can’t find the lab report linked on the label, don’t buy the product!
- Know the Types of CBD: Knowing what kind of CBD product you’re buying is crucial if you want to avoid failing a drug test at work. While CBD doesn’t get you high, some CBD products contain up to 0.3%. While this isn’t enough to get you high, it’s more than enough to show up on a drug test. If you have to worry about being drug tested, stick to CBD isolates and avoid full or broad-spectrum CBD.
- Full Spectrum: Contains all cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in hemp, including trace amounts of THC. Believed to support an entourage effect that may make CBD feel more effective.
- Broad Spectrum: Similar to full spectrum but without THC, though trace amounts and minor cannabinoids may also cause you to fail a drug test. May also support an entourage effect.
- CBD Isolate: Pure CBD with no other cannabinoids or terpenes. Doesn’t support an entourage effect.
- Understand Pricing: The price of CBD products can vary widely. Generally, higher prices usually mean higher-quality ingredients or more potency, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes it just comes in a fancy glass bottle and costs an arm and a leg for no reason. Compare products by looking at the cost per milligram of CBD to ensure you’re getting good value.
- Avoid Scams: Be wary of products that make bold health claims not supported by scientific evidence. Stick to reputable brands and avoid products sold at suspiciously low prices or from unverified sources. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Start with Low Doses: When you first start taking CBD, begin with a low dose, such as 5-10mg in the morning and at night. Gradually increase the dose daily until you achieve the desired effects. Here are some general dosing guidelines based on body weight:
- Less than 150 lbs: Start with 5-10mg per dose.
- 150-240 lbs: Start with 10-15mg per dose.
Over 240 lbs: Start with 15-20mg per dose.
How to Take CBD
Always follow the dosage instructions on the product label. Most CBD products recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it until you achieve the desired effect. For best results, take CBD consistently. Many users find that taking CBD twice a day provides the most benefit. CBD works best when taken regularly, like a supplement.
Where to get CBD Products in Texas
As we mentioned, there are three main types of CBD: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. However, all of those types can be found in a variety of different products, including:
- Oils and Tinctures: Administered under the tongue for fast absorption.
- Capsules and Tablets: Convenient and easy to dose.
- Edibles: Tasty options like gummies or chocolates, but absorption is slower.
- Topicals: Applied directly to the skin for localized relief.
- Vapes: Inhaled for quick effects, but not suitable for everyone.
Buying CBD in Texas doesn’t have to be complicated. You can shop online or visit a brick & mortar store locally. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you’re purchasing high-quality, legal products that meet your needs. Always do your research, read labels carefully, and choose reputable brands to get the most out of your CBD and the best bang for your buck.
Conclusion: CBD in Texas
With the legalization of hemp and the increasing availability of CBD products, Texans have more options than ever to explore the potential benefits of cannabinoids without the high. Whether you’re seeking relief from specific medical conditions or simply curious about incorporating CBD into your wellness routine, understanding the legal framework and making informed choices is crucial.
By following the guidelines we broke down here, you can confidently navigate the Texas CBD market easily. From checking labels and verifying lab reports to starting with low doses and knowing where to buy, these tips will help you find high-quality, legal CBD products that meet your needs.
The future of cannabis in Texas isn’t going to be clear any time soon, but as we get comfortable with hemp and CBD, we’ve got options and alternatives for now. As research continues to uncover new insights into CBD’s effects and benefits and as new laws and regulations get passed, we’ll be here to keep you posted.
