CBD In The Sunshine State: CBD Laws In Florida

The Sunshine State– known for the notorious “Florida Man” often in the news, alligators trespassing in pools, sweet citrus, South Beach, Miami, and pink flamingos. But what is Florida’s legal stance on CBD? Is CBD oil legal in Florida? What about growing hemp? What are the rules pertaining to buying and selling CBD oil in Florida?

Cannabis and CBD Laws in Florida

Floridians would have much to gain to take advantage of the “green rush.” However, the use of cannabis for recreational purposes is illegal.

To legally obtain CBD oil in Florida, the law states that a doctor has to diagnose you with a condition that is eligible for the use of CBD. The doctor who recommends legal residents of Florida for an MMJ card must have gone through training with the Department of Health in Florida.

The SB 1020 State Hemp Program, enacted July 1st, 2019 authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (department) to create a state industrial hemp program to administer and oversee the cultivation of hemp. However,  this law is not fully operationalized. Once it is,  it will be possible for manufacturers of CBD products to freely sell CBD in the state without possible legal repercussions. The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) legalized the industrial use of hemp and removed it from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s list of controlled substances, separating it from marijuana and placing it under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The 2018 Farm Bill provides the criteria for the state plan. The bill authorizes the distribution and retail sale of hemp extract, which is a substance or compound intended for ingestion that is derived from hemp, and does not have a THC concentration exceeding 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. Before hemp extract may be distributed or sold, it must be analyzed and certified by an independent testing laboratory to confirm that the THC concentration does not exceed 0.3 percent on a dry-weight basis. The bill also provides package labeling requirements for hemp extract products.

CBD: Full-spectrum vs. Isolate

We used to believe that isolating the cannabidiol, or CBD, molecule from the hemp plant made it more potent. But new research is finding that when CBD is ingested with other cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBC, the effect is up to three times more powerful. This is called the “entourage effect” and over a dozen studies have shown it is now a far superior way to maximize a CBD supplement and boost your body’s bliss! When all of the cannabinoids work together the entourage effect can assist in achieving improved immunity, restful sleep, uplifted mood, and fast but lasting pain relief. So, when looking for the best quality CBD oil, be sure it says “full-spectrum” on the label.

CBD Benefits

Although the research is still in its infancy, there is evidence that CBD has a number of wellness benefits including stimulating a healthy immune system, helping support a normal sleep cycle, and maintaining healthy joint mobility. Furthermore, CBD helps you maintain an everyday positive healthy mood and has a number of beneficial results when used in skincare.

Buying CBD Online

CBD products sold online run the gamut and include tinctures, lotions & creams, edibles like gummies, capsules, coffees and teas, and even skincare, beauty products and pet care. Most experts agree that the Farm Bill makes it clear that consumers can legally buy these products if they’re made from low- or zero-THC hemp. If the CBD product is hemp-derived, there is very little risk for consumers when purchasing CBD online. To buy effective CBD oil from a reliable source, make sure to check out the impressive range of high-quality pure CBD isolate and full-spectrum products available at www.SeraLabsHealth.com. SeraLabs offers some of the highest quality CBD products.

What is Hemp-Derived CBD?

Both marijuana plants, cannabis and hemp, produce cannabidiol (CBD). The CBD molecule is the same in both cannabis sources. However, from a legal perspective, CBD products derived from hemp and CBD products derived from cannabis are entirely different.

Hemp-Derived Cannabidiol (CBD) is a plant-derived compound from Cannabis sativa, the species of plant that includes both hemp and marijuana, but from different plant varieties or cultivars. CBD is the primary non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, whereas tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is cannabis’s primary psychoactive compound. CBD is classified based on its level of THC and plant origin.

Cannabis contains a richer source of cannabinoids and terpenes than industrial hemp because it contains more resin. Resin is the sticky substance found on female cannabis flowers, and to a lesser extent, on its leaves. Hemp plants contain resin on the flowers and leaves too, but much less.

Hemp-Derived CBD vs. Hemp Seed Oil

You might be curious about the difference between hemp-derived CBD oil and hemp seed oil. SeraLabs CEO and founder, Nancy Duitch says, “…there are no health benefits from hemp seed oil at all. You are just as well off drinking a bottle of virgin olive oil… It’s very critical that you look at the back of the bottle and see if it says ‘cannabidiol’ on it.” It’s imperative that you check to see that the CBD is made with high quality ingredients.

What Dose is Right For Me?

Everyone wants to experience the benefits of CBD but finding the right dose can be a challenge. No one’s tolerance is exactly the same because everyone’s endocannabinoid system is a little bit different. We recommend starting with a low dose, 1 dropper, of CBD oil and working your way up to a higher dose if you don’t see results. SeraLabs offers a wide range of CBD oil tinctures from 400mg – 1,000mg. Often the best way to see the effects of CBD is to use the products regularly and then stop. People often report that they notice the effects upon stopping treatment. Remember it’s not about what you’re feeling, it’s about what you’re not feeling!

Keep out of reach of children. Not intended for use under the age of 18. Consult your healthcare provider before taking. Do not take if pregnant or lactating. This product contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight and will not produce any psychoactive effects. Please consult your healthcare provider for interaction with other medication.