Illinois is renowned for many things, such as its stunning architecture and the fact that President Abraham Lincoln was born in the state. What is not well known, however, is that the state has been at the forefront of legalizing CBD (cannabidiol) use and making it available to its residents. Once you find yourself in Illinois, you are fortunate because purchasing CBD online and receiving it at your doorstep is fully legal. In this piece, we will look into all that you need to learn about Chicago Illinois CBD legislation and how to safely purchase CBD products.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a non-hallucinogenic cannabinoid within the cannabis plant. CBD does not get one “high,” in contrast to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and is thus a go-to for individuals who desire to gain the rewards of cannabis without getting high. CBD is employed for numerous reasons, ranging from pain control to anxiety and sleep disorders. It is available in numerous forms, such as oils, creams, edibles, and even vapes.
CBD Laws in Illinois
Illinois has been at the forefront of how it has approached CBD and cannabis legislation. Illinois was one of the earliest states to make a distinction between hemp and marijuana in the sense of the impact of cannabis. This has been one of the cornerstones of Illinois’ CBD legislation.
The Illinois Industrial Hemp Act (2018)
Senate Bill 2298 (SB2298) in 2018 became law when the government signed the Illinois Industrial Hemp Act. The act legalizes selling and manufacturing hemp CBD products. The law certainly encompasses industrial hemp products if they contain less than 0.3% THC. The THC percentage is so minute that it will not have any psychoactive effect, and it is safe and legal to consume.
All CBD products like CBD oils, vapes, edibles, and topicals can be produced, sold, and possessed in Illinois under this act. There are certain limitations, though. All CBD products must:
Be tested in a certified Illinois lab in an effort to prove that they do not have more than the allowed levels of THC.
Meet labeling standards under the Illinois Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. These are ingredient labeling like preservatives and flavor enhancers. Have no more than 0.3% THC content.
The Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (2019)
Illinois in 2019 passed another historic act, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, which legalized cannabis for medical and even recreational purposes. Illinois was thus the 11th state to legalize the use of cannabis as a recreational item.
Cannabis can be bought and consumed by more than 21 years of age. While cannabis-based CBD might ultimately bypass dispensaries, the same is done under the guise of the state medical marijuana program, and the consumers thus need to have a medical marijuana card in order to buy such items.
Cannabis can be used legally by anyone over 21 years of age, but note that the cannabis products contain more than 0.3% THC. That is, such products will be of “high” effect, but not the CBD products from hemp.
Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act (HB 4116)
Illinois, in 2022, enacted HB 4116, whose aim is to protect employees who test positive for THC. This is extremely timely legislation for employees who consume CBD because CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC and, as a result, do not register on a drug test. It is perhaps so, but it will not; trace amounts of THC are disclosed on a drug test; legislation in the legislator chamber then one-up the legislation and attacks CBD employees consuming on workdays.
Can I Grow CBD Plants in Illinois?
Yes, CBD plants can be grown in Illinois. Illinois, under the 2018 federal law, allows farmers, universities, and the Department of Agriculture to grow hemp plants legally provided they have a Hemp Grower’s License. Hemp processors must be registered with the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Is CBD Legal in Illinois?
Yes, CBD is legal in Illinois, provided it is hemp-derived and contains less than 0.3% THC. If you buy hemp-derived CBD from a trusted source, you’re fine in Illinois. The Federal Agriculture Act of 2018 also legalized the sale of CBD products made from hemp, so the products are federally and state-legal.
How to Buy CBD in Illinois
Buying CBD in Retail Stores
CBD is easily accessible throughout the state of Illinois at multiple points of stores. CBD can be found at:
- Legally licensed dispensaries.
- Supermarkets and pharmacies.
- Smokeshops and specialty stores.
It is not required to have a medical marijuana card when buying CBD, but for buying cannabis-derived CBD (i.e., having more than 0.3% THC content), one must possess a medical marijuana card.
Buying CBD Online
Buying CBD online in Illinois is convenient and legal, as well. It gives you more options than stores that sell it in a retail setting. When you buy CBD online, make sure:
You only buy from companies that have their products third-party analyzed by an independent lab. They should be able to post a Certificate of Analysis (COA) on their website.
Verify on the product label that the product contains less than 0.3% THC and no dangerous chemicals like pesticides or heavy metals.
Verify extraction methods and materials to ensure that the product is safe and of better quality.
Is CBD Available in Dispensaries?
Yes, CBD oil and CBD products can be found on the market in Illinois-licensed dispensaries. However, for the purpose of acquiring cannabis-based CBD (above 0.3% THC), a medical marijuana card will be necessary. Hemp-derived CBD has no special card restrictions, and it is possible to acquire it at usual shops like supermarkets and pharmacies.
Legal Status of CBD in Illinois
As long as your CBD item complies with the testing and labeling criteria specified under Illinois law, it is completely legal to buy and consume CBD within Illinois. In addition, CBD that you buy at a licensed clinic is legal for any adult over the age of 21, and most online retailers might even ask you to be over the age of 18.
Final Thoughts
Illinois has come to witness the mass legalization of CBD products, and it is probably the most CBD-friendly state in the nation. Illinois buyers can discover their choices for buying such products safely, which is not so difficult to do. Just watch out for glancing at the label on the product, ensure that it is quality-tested, and check for the percentage of THC to make sure that it is below legal levels.