How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy CBD: Full Guide to CBD Age Requirements

Short answer: There’s no federal age minimum for buying hemp-derived CBD. Most states set the age at 18, while some require 21, especially when CBD is sold in cannabis dispensaries or vape shops. Retailers (online and in-store) usually verify ID, and rules can differ by state and venue. Because the FDA hasn’t set age rules, always check your state and local laws before purchasing.

At the federal level, the legal landscape surrounding CBD is complex and somewhat unsettled. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC, which opened the door for widespread CBD sales.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees hemp cultivation programs, while the FDA is responsible for how CBD can be marketed and sold in consumer products.

The 2018 Farm Bill set the baseline for hemp legality and the 0.3% Delta-9 THC limit in hemp, but there’s no federal minimum age to purchase hemp-derived CBD. States and localities set and enforce their own age rules, and retailers often add their own ID-verification policies. Specific house bills in various states have further clarified the legal status of CBD and established additional regulations.

In 2023, the FDA said existing frameworks for foods and supplements aren’t a fit for CBD and asked Congress to create a new regulatory pathway—one reason age rules and other requirements now vary by state and seller. This means that while hemp-derived CBD is legal federally, the FDA’s stance leaves a regulatory gap, especially regarding age restrictions.

This uncertainty has led to a patchwork of regulations across different states, creating confusion for consumers and retailers alike. As a result, many businesses are left to navigate a complicated legal environment, often relying on their own interpretations of the law to guide their sales practices.

Because federal regulations are limited, individual states have taken the lead in setting CBD age requirements for purchasing CBD products.

Most states require buyers to be at least 18 years old, setting similar age expectations to other adult products like tobacco and vaping materials.

Some states have set the age requirement or age limit at 21, particularly where CBD is sold alongside cannabis products.

This divergence in regulations can lead to challenges for consumers traveling across state lines, as they may inadvertently violate local laws if they are unaware of the differing CBD age requirements.

Age restriction policies may differ between online shops, brick-and-mortar locations, and vape shops, with each venue required to verify age according to state and local regulations. The age limit for buying CBD can also be influenced by whether the product is sold in a physical store or online.

Retailers often enforce these age restrictions strictly, asking for valid identification before completing a sale.

This is especially true for products like CBD vape pens or edibles, which may appeal to younger consumers.

Moreover, many retailers have implemented additional training for their staff to ensure compliance with age verification policies, emphasizing the importance of responsible sales practices.

As mentioned, because federal guidance is limited, states set their own minimum ages for buying CBD. Local ordinances and store policies can be stricter, and rules change, so always verify before you buy or sell.

Note: CBD age requirements change frequently and can vary by product type (oils, edibles, vapes, smokable hemp) and local ordinance. The summaries below reflect common patterns as of 2025, but always check current state and local rules and retailer policies.

Age limits on CBD purchases are important for several reasons:

Furthermore, age restrictions can also serve as a deterrent against the normalization of CBD use among minors, which is particularly important in an era where cannabis products are becoming more socially accepted.

By establishing clear boundaries, states can help to promote a culture of responsibility surrounding CBD consumption. This is crucial not only for the health of individuals but also for the integrity of the CBD industry, which is still working to establish its credibility in the marketplace.

CBD comes in a wide variety of forms, each catering to different preferences and needs. The most common types include CBD oil, which is often taken sublingually or added to foods and beverages.

Another popular choice is CBD gummies and other edibles, which offer a tasty and discreet way to consume CBD. Furthermore, users resort to topical creams and balms, applied to the skin for localized use.

Capsules, compared to CBD oil, for example, have become more favored because they offer pre-measured doses and a simple, familiar format.

Additionally, smokable hemp flower has gained popularity among those seeking a more traditional experience. Finally, another popular choice is vape products, which many people find act quickly compared to other methods.

It’s important to note that age restrictions for these products can vary depending on both the type of CBD product and the laws in your state.

Age restrictions for CBD are not one-size-fits-all, as they can change based on the specific type of product and where you’re buying it. For example, hemp-derived products, those containing less than 0.3% THC, are generally legal for adults, but the minimum age to buy them can differ.

In contrast, marijuana derived CBD and marijuana derived CBD products, which may contain higher THC levels, are subject to stricter regulations and are often only available to adults with a medical marijuana card or in states where recreational cannabis is legal.

In many places, vapes and smokable hemp carry stricter age limits (often 21+), while oils, capsules, and topicals may be available to adults 18+—but rules differ by state, city, and sales channel.

CBD oil and edibles, such as gummies, may have different age requirements, and topical creams are sometimes subject to even more lenient rules.

If you’re purchasing CBD from online stores, keep in mind that these retailers may have their own rules and age restrictions, which could be stricter than state laws.

By staying informed about the specific age restrictions for each type of CBD product, you can make confident, compliant choices whether you’re shopping in person or online.

To minimize risks, consider the following tips when choosing CBD products:

Buying CBD legally requires understanding both federal and state regulations, particularly age restrictions. Most states require buyers to be 18 or older, with some setting the limit at 21. By checking local laws, following retailer ID policies, and choosing lab-tested products from reputable brands, you can make confident, compliant choices about CBD.

It varies. Some states don’t specify a minimum age for non-intoxicating, hemp-derived CBD sold outside cannabis shops; others require 21+, especially for vapes/inhalables or when sold in cannabis/vape channels. Always check your state and local rules, and remember retailers can set stricter ID policies.

Generally, yes for hemp-derived CBD (<0.3% Delta-9 THC) where state law doesn’t require 21+. But some states ban sales to under-21s (especially edibles/vapes), and retailers can set stricter house policies. There’s no federal age rule today.

Yes. Hemp-derived CBD is legal under SB 57 (2019) and regulated by the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture; products must meet the 0.3% Delta-9 THC limit. Ohio has not set a statewide age minimum specifically for non-intoxicating CBD, but retailers may require 18 or 21.

There’s no federal minimum age. Most places are 18+, but a growing number are 21+, especially for edibles, CBD oil and inhalables or when sold in cannabis/vape shops. Check your state/local law before buying.

It depends on the state. For example, Texas sets no minimum age in statute for consumable hemp products, while Georgia and Minnesota require 21+ for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, such as CBD oil. Retailers should verify IDs and follow product-type CBD laws.