Do you have to be 18 to buy CBD in Canada? You don’t have to worry about cannabidiol being illegal. Let us unleash more details.
Introduction to CBD in Canada
Cannabidiol is a potential therapeutic drug that has grown exponentially over the years. It’s crucial if you qualify to buy CBD— given the rising demand for it in Canada. Is it lawful? This article focuses exclusively on Canadian CBD legislation and regulations controlling the importation, exportation, and use of cannabis products in that country. The last three points include the present CBD situation in Canada, its effectiveness, and the legal ramifications.
Understanding the Minimum Age Requirement
How old do you have to buy CBD? So, it is a bit complicated because it depends on which state you are in and in what form you buy CBD.
Yes, you have to be 18 or older to buy CBD. Even in some cases, you need to be 21 years. Many Canadian brick- and-mortar stores ensure eligibility for cannabis through your id card or any other document. Reputed online stores also ask for your age and verify the same for your safety.
You must be 21 or older if you purchase it from a recreational store. Similarly, if you need medical marijuana, you will have additional requirements to fulfill— CBD products with higher THC concentrations are state and age restricted for safety regulation.
Provincial Law
The Federal Government has different laws for each province or territory to regulate the use and consumption of cannabis.
Many territories have increased the legal age for consumption of cannabis in their jurisdiction— the same applies to alcohol or any other drug consumption.
Here are the Age Criteria for CBD Consumption in Canada:
18 is the legal age in:
- Alberta
19 is the legal age in:
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- New Foundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
21 is the legal age in:
- Quebec
Legalization and Regulation of CBD
CBD is a medicinal compound extracted from hemp or marijuana- both are legal with licensing. The Cannabis Act differs from marijuana and industrial hemp.
Hemp is a member of the cannabis family but does not fall under Cannabis Act but has separate laws for regulation and consumption known as Industrial Hemp Regulations. Under Industrial Hemp Regulations, the mature stalks, grains, and seeds of industrial-grown hemp plants from licensed farmers can be grown and sold in Canada. CBD derived from hemp sources is not subject to any specific regulations. Unlike marijuana derived products, hemp contains a low amount of THC— less than 0.03% in the dry state, making it non-psychoactive, unlike marijuana-
derived products.
CBD extraction from marijuana is considered unsafe due to the risk of THC and the low efficiency of CBD isolate when used to combat THC content derived from marijuana. Broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD oil is a much better option.
The current legal framework is not simple, as hemp and marijuana have different rules. Health Canada may amend Cannabis Act comprehensively in this regard by spring 2024.
The Importance of Age Restrictions
Restricting minors from purchasing CBD products is essential due to safety concerns. We assume that CBD is naturally grown, processed, and federally compliant— it should contain THC of less than 0.03% making it intoxicating. There is little to no chance that CBD abuse may happen to minors, then why is it restricted?
First is that every owner knows its liability. According to a general rule, it is illegal to sell cannabis to minors, and using CBD products requires greater caution. Unfortunately, the stigma of cannabis as a drug is the main problem.
Second, there isn’t much study on the subject. It is necessary to do further clinical studies to confirm the impact on health.
The extensive part that discusses using CBD for smoking or vaping follows. The legal smoking age in your province may range from 18 to 21. For minors, following the regulations is a requirement.
The last is the lack of regulation. There is no solid law to regulate industrial-grown CBD hemp. It is why many manufacturers use low-quality products or do not hold third-party certificate COAs to certify the product quality.
In the end, there are no regulations regarding minimum or maximum ages for purchasing products made from hemp, including CBD.
Implications and Consequences of Underage CBD Use
The Cannabis Act has several safeguards to prevent kids from using cannabis, and violators may face consequences.
Age Restrictions:
No person can sell or provide cannabis to a minor. Here are two criminal charges with a maximum of 14-year jail:
- Giving or selling CBD to minor
- Using a minor to get cannabis
Restriction on Promotions and Advertisements:
The Cannabis Act makes sure that minor is not attracted to it by prohibiting:
- Products appealing to underage
- Packaging or labeling by keeping adolescents in mind.
- Selling through self-vending machines
- Promoting cannabis-using young generation
Up to $5 million in fines or 3 years in jail are possible punishments.
Public Health and Safety Considerations
The act assures public safety and health considerations through various regulatory measures. Public education efforts are still underway to raise awareness about safety and health risks.
Strict regulation:
Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are responsible for the cannabis regulation system. Here are the rules:
- Strict requirements for cannabis producers and
- manufacturers
- Cannabis industry rules and standards are:
- Type of cannabis sale
- Packaging and labeling terms
- Standard serving size and potency
- Certain ingredients prohibition Good manufacturing habits
- No sales in the illegal market No promotional activities
Provinces and regions develop, implement, maintain, and enforce this cannabis regulation system to keep a check on the production and sales of cannabis. Here are a few safety measures added by the federal government:
- Increasing minimum age
- Lowering personal possession
- Creating additional rules for homegrown cannabis
- Restricting places where cannabis consumed
**Always check your province’s rules and regulations.
Education and Awareness Initiatives
The Canadian government has committed close to $46 million to public awareness and education activities for adolescents. It will be solely dedicated to minority groups to be aware of the health and safety risks of cannabis consumption.
Enforcement and Compliance Measures
To reduce criminal activities and illegal drug sales Canadian government has taken key measures for the betterment of the public. As per 2017 statistics, Canada reports 48,000 cannabis-related offenses. The majority were due to illegal possession of cannabis. If a minor possesses illegal cannabis can have charges and lifelong imprisonment.
Criminal penalties
Cannabis Act enforces those who work outside the legal framework. The severity of the offence determines the penalties. Here are the details:
| Offense | Penalization |
| Ownership over the limit | 1. Fined for a small amount 2. Jail up to 5 years |
| Illegal distribution or sale | 1. Fined for a small amount 2. Jail up to 14 years |
| Growing cannabis over the limit | 1. Fined for a small amount 2. Jail up to 14 years |
| Producing with organic solvents | Jail up to 14 years |
| Cannabis sales across the border | Jail up to 14 years |
| Giving or selling cannabis to a minor | Jail up to 14 years |
| Using Youth for a cannabis crime | Jail up to 14 years |
- LSD
- Heroine
- Cocaine
- Magic mushroom
The takeaway
Hemp plants were illegal before 2018. After, the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress passed a bill where hemp plants can be grown federally and used in making products. However, every state did not comply with this rule and had a conflict reflected in the federal restrictions. It is why, in some states, CBD is illegal.
Similarly, some states pose age restrictions on cannabis. CBD can be purchased at 18 in some states. To purchase CBD, you must provide proof of age in both online and
physical businesses.
So, if you are under 18, do not take CBD.