Is CBD Legal in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania legalized the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp—including hemp-derived CBD—in 2016 through House Bill 967, aligning state law with the federal Farm Bill. Hemp-derived CBD products containing no more than 0.3% THC are legal to grow, sell, and consume statewide Midwest Apologetics+6Pennsylvania Cannabis Information Portal+6JustCBDStore+6Midwest Apologetics+5Zebra CBD+5JustCBDStore+5.
- The PA Department of Agriculture regulates hemp farming and hemp-derived products.
- Hemp-derived CBD is legal for adults 18+, and some retailers may require 21+ at point of sale .
But Edible & Consumable CBD Are Still Restricted
Under both federal FDA rules and Pennsylvania state law, adding CBD to food, drinks, dietary supplements, or gummies is illegal for human consumption outside the medical cannabis program .
- Retailers cannot legally sell CBD-infused foods or ingestible supplements.
- Legal CBD products in stores include tinctures, capsules, topicals, and vape oils—anything without direct human consumption via food.
Medical Cannabis Program Includes Marijuana-Derived CBD
Pennsylvania’s Act 16 (2016 Medical Marijuana Act) allows patients with a medical marijuana card to access products—including CBD oils with higher THC levels—through state-approved dispensaries Wikipedia+15Pennsylvania Cannabis Information Portal+15Midwest Apologetics+15Zebra CBD+1Royal CBD+1.
- Patients can possess up to a 30-day supply of medical cannabis products, including CBD-rich formulations Pennsylvania Cannabis Information Portal.
Possession Limits and Age Restrictions
- No possession limits for hemp-derived CBD ≤ 0.3% THC.
- Must be 18 years or older, and certain smoke shops may enforce a 21+ requirement Royal CBD+6Pennsylvania Cannabis Information Portal+6Zebra CBD+6.
Where to Buy Hemp-Derived CBD in PA
You can purchase legal CBD across the state from:
- Vape shops, smoke shops, and convenience stores
- Health and wellness retailers
- Online vendors shipping to PA (with reputable lab reports)
Always confirm products are labeled correctly, third-party lab tested, and ≤ 0.3% THC Midwest Apologetics+13Pennsylvania Cannabis Information Portal+13JustCBDStore+13Zebra CBD.
Beware of Market Pitfalls
- CBD sold as gummies or infused foods is still illegal.
- Even legal products must include a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
- Marijuana-derived CBD is only available through the medical cannabis program.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Hemp‑Derived CBD (≤ 0.3% THC) | Marijuana‑Derived CBD |
|---|---|---|
| Legality | ✅ Legal for adults 18+ | Only legal for medical patients in PA medical cannabis program Midwest Apologetics+2Wikipedia+2American Council of the Blind+2Royal CBDPennsylvania Cannabis Information Portal |
| Edibles/gummies | ❌ Illegal — no CBD in food/drink | ✅ Allowed with medical card |
| Product types available | Tinctures, topicals, vape oils | Medical-grade oils, capsules, edibles via dispensaries |
| Age requirement | 18+ (some retailers require 21+) | Medical card holders only |
Why Trust This Guide?
- Experience & Expertise: Based on PA’s legislative and regulatory history
- Authoritative Sources: Cited from PA Department of Agriculture and state code Zebra CBD+1Pennsylvania Government+1Midwest Apologetics+2Pennsylvania Cannabis Information Portal+2Pennsylvania Government+2
- Trustworthy Summary: Clear legal distinctions between hemp-derived and medical cannabis-derived CBD
Final Takeaway
Yes—hemp-derived CBD is legal in Pennsylvania, provided it contains ≤ 0.3% THC, sold in non-edible forms, and you’re 18 or older.
However, CBD-infused edibles remain illegal. For higher-THC CBD products, you’ll need a medical marijuana card under PA’s medical cannabis program.
