Can You Buy CBD Products Over The Counter?

If you’ve started to explore the world of wellness and cannabidiol, you’re probably wondering where and how you can get these products. 

If you’ve read our post about the legality of CBD, then you are aware that hemp-derived CBD is legal on a federal level.

Of course, you can order from the websites of CBD companies. But has the world progressed enough to normalize the vending of CBD products in pharmacies and stores?

And, which of these products do you need a prescription for?

Keep reading to find all your questions answered about the legality of CBD products and whether you can buy them over the counter.

Only Certain CBD Products Are Available Over The Counter

Although hemp-derived CBD is now allowed on a federal, not all CBD products are available over the counter. 

Moreover, a state can create its own program regarding CBD, which means, it may be illegal on a specific state even though it is allowed on a federal level.

In some states in the US, it is possible to buy certain CBD products over the counter. It’s even legal to buy CBD sweets over the counter in certain states.

However, the situation isn’t the same in some states and overseas.

For example, you can purchase low-dose CBD over the counter at pharmacies in Australia. 

You can buy low-dose CBD oil as a dietary supplement in the UK. However, you can expect CVS Pharmacy to start selling hemp-based CBD products in California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, and Tennessee. 

These products may include lotions, topical creams, salves, and sprays.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to buy CBD supplements or food additives over the counter. 

Walgreens will also sell certain CBD products in Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, Kentucky, Tennessee, Vermont, South Carolina, Illinois, and Indiana.

The products will include non-THC topical creams, sprays, and patches. 

What Kind of CBD Products Can You Get Over The Counter?

If you live in the U.S, you can easily find CBD products over the counter. 

CBD is available in various forms in your nearest superstores, such as:

Tincture/Oil

CBD oils and tinctures have a glycerin, alcohol, or oil base. You can add them to food or drinks or consume them independently.

You can find CBD oils and tinctures at your local Walmart or Target.

Gummies

CBD edibles contain the above tinctures and oil in the form of food, such as gummies, chocolates, or teas. CBD gummies come in many different strengths and flavors.

You can find a variety of these gummies at Target. 

Capsules

CBD capsules deliver the extract to your body through the digestive system. They come in various strengths and are mainly used for anti-inflammatory and pain-relief purposes. 

Unfortunately, you won’t find CBD capsules at your local Target or Walmart. 

Snacks

You can find CBD-infused snacks at Walmart, including shelled hemp seeds, granola, and protein powder. However, you won’t get such snacks at Target, CVS, or Walgreens.

Drinks

CBD drinks are infused with CBD isolate and low enough THC not to make you high. 

They come in many different and unique flavors you won’t find with average drinks. The primary purpose of CBD drinks is to relax you and reduce anxiety. 

Unfortunately, you won’t find any CBD drinks over the counter. 

Skincare 

CBD skincare products are widely available over the counter. That includes hand creams, body lotions, face masks, lip balms, and facial moisturizers.

You’ll even find CBD bath oils, handwash, topical creams, patches, sprays, and primers over the counter.

Most corner stores and pharmacies sell CBD skincare products. You can find them at your nearest Target or Walmart, or even at CVS and Walgreens. 

Which CBD Products Require Prescription?

Although you don’t need a prescription for medical cannabis, getting a physician’s recommendation is essential before taking action.

You also have to consider the laws surrounding CBD in your state. 

So far, the FDA has approved only one CBD prescription drug. This exception is made for Epidiolex, a prescription drug for epilepsy.

Epidiolex can also treat seizures relating to Lennox Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex in people one year and older.

As long as the CBD product you’re using has 0.3% or less THC, it’s federally legal and does not require a prescription.

However, we recommend consulting your doctor before using CBD to treat any of your health conditions. 

What CBD Products Can You Not Buy Over The Counter?

There are certain CBD products, such as edibles or food additives, that you cannot buy at CVS or Walgreens.

However, Walmart and Target have a wide range of CBD products, ranging from skincare to snacks. 

You won’t find CBD drinks or capsules at Walmart or Target. Other than that, it’s worth knowing that Amazon has prohibited CBD sales, but it’s still easy to buy CBD products on the online retail site. 

The easiest, safest, and most legal way to buy CBD products is via the websites of reputable CBD companies.

CBD products you’ll find over the counter may not be as reliable or even legal as the ones from authentic and registered CBD companies. 

Conclusion

While CBD products with 0.3% THC are now legal, there’s still a long way to go before the use of cannabidiol is normalized in the US.

Selling CBD products regularly at corner stores or pharmacies is the first step to achieving that. 

The most common CBD forms you can easily find over the counter include tinctures, gummies, capsules, snacks, drinks, and skincare.

If you’re new to the CBD world, you now know where you can get CBD products and which CBD products are not allowed over the counter.

However, always remember to use cannabidiol while following your state laws about hemp-based products. 

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