How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy CBD?
With the growing popularity of CBD (Cannabidiol) products for health and wellness, many consumers—especially first-time buyers—ask:
“How old do you have to be to buy CBD?”
While CBD is federally legal in the U.S. under the 2018 Farm Bill (as long as it’s derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC), age restrictions vary by state, product type, and retailer policies. Understanding these laws is crucial to staying compliant and safe.
This guide is written following EEAT principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) to give you accurate, unbiased information.
Federal Law vs. State Law: Who Regulates CBD Age Limits?
Federal Guidelines
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD, but it did not specify a federal minimum age to buy CBD.
Therefore, states set their own age requirements.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy CBD? (General Rule)
Most reputable retailers follow these common guidelines:
| CBD Product Type | Minimum Age Requirement (Typical) |
|---|---|
| CBD Oil, Tinctures, Topicals | 18+ or no restriction (varies) |
| CBD Gummies or Edibles | 18+ or 21+ depending on location |
| CBD Vapes & Smokeables | 21+ (same as tobacco regulations) |
State-by-State CBD Age Restrictions
| State | Minimum Age to Buy CBD |
|---|---|
| California | 18+ (some stores require 21+) |
| New York | 18+ for edibles and topicals; 21+ for vapes |
| Texas | 18+ |
| Florida | 18+ (for smokable hemp products, 21+) |
| Ohio | 18+ |
| North Carolina | 18+ |
| South Carolina | 18+ |
| Other States | Check local regulations |
Important: Some online CBD stores may sell to people under 18 for topical products, but not for consumables or vapes.
Why Are There Age Restrictions on CBD?
Even though CBD is non-psychoactive, age restrictions exist to:
- Prevent underage consumption of adult products
- Avoid confusion with cannabis or THC products
- Comply with vaping and smoking laws
- Protect younger individuals from potential side effects
Can Minors Use CBD With a Prescription?
In some cases, minors can use prescription CBD products like Epidiolex, an FDA-approved medication for seizures. This is only under medical supervision.
For over-the-counter CBD, minors typically cannot buy products themselves, but parents or guardians can purchase for them if appropriate.
Can You Buy CBD Online If You’re Under 18?
Most online CBD retailers require you to verify that you’re at least 18 years old at checkout. For vaping products, you must usually be 21+ to comply with federal and state regulations.
Penalties for Selling CBD to Minors
Retailers who sell CBD to underage buyers may face:
- Fines
- License suspension or revocation
- Legal consequences
Tips for Buying CBD Legally and Safely
- Know your state laws
- Buy from reputable brands with third-party lab testing
- Verify age at purchase—either online or in-store
- Avoid black market products (unregulated CBD may contain THC or contaminants)
Conclusion: How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy CBD?
In most cases, you need to be at least:
- 18 years old to buy CBD oils, tinctures, gummies, and capsules
- 21 years old to buy CBD vapes, smokeable CBD flower, or similar products
Always check your local laws and store policies for exact requirements.
