Is CBD Oil Legal in Michigan (2018)? A Complete Breakdown
The legality of CBD oil in Michigan was a major topic of debate in 2018. With the rise in popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) products across the U.S., many residents and businesses in Michigan were asking: “Is CBD oil legal here?”
In this article, we break down the legal status of CBD oil in Michigan as of 2018, covering state laws, federal influence, regulatory updates, and what changed later on.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD doesn’t cause a “high” and is widely used for wellness purposes such as pain relief, anxiety reduction, and sleep improvement.
CBD oil is typically extracted from industrial hemp, a cannabis variety that contains less than 0.3% THC.
The Legal Confusion in 2018: Michigan and CBD
In 2018, the legality of CBD oil in Michigan depended heavily on how it was sourced and interpreted under state law.
Hemp-Derived CBD vs Marijuana-Derived CBD
- Hemp-derived CBD: Extracted from industrial hemp with less than 0.3% THC
- Marijuana-derived CBD: Extracted from cannabis plants with higher THC levels
The source of the CBD made a major legal difference in Michigan at the time.
Michigan’s Legal Stance on CBD in 2018
Pre-2018 Status:
Before 2018, CBD was not explicitly legal in Michigan without a medical marijuana card. The Michigan Medical Marihuana Act of 2008 allowed patients to access cannabis products, including CBD, only under medical guidelines.
May 2018 Update: LARA Declares CBD as Marijuana
In May 2018, Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) made a controversial decision:
“All CBD oil—regardless of whether it is derived from hemp or marijuana—is considered marijuana and regulated under Michigan’s Medical Marihuana Act.”
This meant that CBD oil was only legal for registered medical marijuana patients, even if it was hemp-derived and THC-free.
This announcement shocked businesses and consumers, many of whom were selling or using over-the-counter CBD products legally before.
The 2018 Federal Farm Bill Changed Everything
In December 2018, the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill was signed into law. This bill:
- Legalized industrial hemp (with less than 0.3% THC) at the federal level
- Removed hemp-derived CBD from the list of controlled substances
- Allowed states to regulate hemp cultivation and CBD product sales
This overturned Michigan’s previous stance, creating a path for legal hemp-derived CBD products in the state.
Post-2018: Is CBD Oil Legal in Michigan Now?
Yes. After the federal changes, Michigan began aligning with national law.
In 2019, Michigan passed legislation allowing the sale and use of hemp-derived CBD products without a medical card, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC and meet testing and labeling requirements.
Summary: CBD Oil Legal Status in Michigan (2018)
| Date | Legal Status of CBD in Michigan |
|---|---|
| Jan – May 2018 | CBD in a gray area, often sold without clear regulation |
| May 2018 | LARA declared all CBD oil as marijuana, only legal for patients |
| Dec 2018 | Federal Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD nationally |
| 2019+ | Michigan adopted federal standards, CBD is legal if THC < 0.3% |
Final Thoughts
In 2018, the legality of CBD oil in Michigan was murky—especially after LARA’s May announcement. However, by the end of that year, the 2018 Farm Bill opened the doors for hemp-derived CBD products to become widely available and legal in the state.
If you’re purchasing or selling CBD products in Michigan today, ensure they are THC-compliant, lab-tested, and sourced from licensed hemp processors.
