CBD (cannabidiol) has been a hot topic for debate for a very long time. Obtained from Cannabis plants, CBD is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids identified in these plants. Whether it is obtained from Marijuana or hemp plants makes a huge difference, and we’ll explain later why it is so.
The legality of CBD oil in the USA is quite a unique issue. Laws in individual states may differ from those of the Federal Government, and for this reason, it is quite difficult for an ordinary person to understand the situation fully. Since the heart of our discussion is the legal status of CBD oil in New York state, let us have a look at that.
CBD Oil in New York – Legal or not?
If we look at the history of CBD legality in the US, we’ll find out that until 2014, it was illegal. It was in the list of the Schedule 1 drugs, and some forms of it still are.
In 2014, the Federal Government under President Obama passed a law under the name of a farming bill that allowed the cultivation of ‘hemp’ for industrial research purposes. In 2018, the 2014 Farming Bill was renewed, and the Government passed a new 2018 Hemp Farming Bill.
This bill allowed the legal growth of the hemp plant and also legalized many CBD products as long as these products are Farm Bill compliant. This meant that any CBD oil product that was obtained from hemp and contained less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) was entirely legal to sell, purchase, and consume.
So does that mean CBD is no longer a Schedule 1 drug?
Not really. The CBD that is obtained from any plant other than hemp is still considered a Schedule 1 drug because of the higher concentration of other harmful cannabinoids. The only exception is Epidiolex- a pharmaceutical formulation that contains cannabinoids obtained from Marijuana. It has been classified as Schedule V substance by the DEA.
The bottom line is that CBD oil obtained from hemp is currently legal in New York, and the recent legislation has paved new pathways for its growth and consumption.
But it is not all good news. In February 2019, New York City announced that the sale of all the CBD edibles was illegal. In other words, the use of CBD as a food additive was prohibited.
Recently, in December 2019, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation establishing a regulatory framework for the production and sale of hemp and hemp extract in New York State.
How does the CBD obtained from hemp differ from that obtained from Marijuana?
CBD is the second most common active ingredient of cannabis (Marijuana). It is also found in the hemp plant. CBD, in itself, does not cause the sensation of being ‘high’.
In fact, CBD oil is an essential component of medical Marijuana. It is the other cannabinoids present in plants other than hemp that cause harmful effects such as dependence and withdrawal.
According to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
What is EPIDIOLEX?
Epidiolex is the first, and the only FDA approved CBD. The FDA approved it for the treatment of Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children older than two years of age.
According to its website, “Epidiolex contains a highly purified form of CBD oil that comes from the cannabis plant; the active ingredient is nearly 100% cannabidiol.
It is believed to work differently from other prescription seizure medicines, but the exact mechanisms of action (how it works) are unknown”. Currently, it is the only FDA approved drug available for the treatment of the above-mentioned seizure disorders.
Where to buy CBD oil in New York? A buyer’s guide
If you are out there for the purchase of CBD oil, we always advise buying it online. There have been numerous occasions where the local vendors were found selling substandard products. Such products can be a health hazard for you.
But if you have decided to buy it from a local vendor, don’t worry. You can always check out the reviews of the place you are going to buy from. Following are a few resources that can help you in this regard:
- Google Maps
- YELP
- Yellow Pages
- Asking a friend or an acquaintance
Online CBD Shops in New York
Hemp Garden
Located in New York City, this store has a wide variety of products. You can find CBD oils, edibles, body-care products, beverages, and even some products for your pets. The owner is an amiable person, as well.
They have a rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 36 reviews.
Address: 158 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Website: https://hempgardengroup.com/
Come Back Daily
Not only do they have a cool name, but they also have a cool store. You can find everything you can think of. They have everything here. Vapes, tinctures, edibles, beauty products, oils- you name it.
The store has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 52 reviews.
Address: 301 Canal St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Website: https://comebackdaily.co/
Green Angel CBD
This online store is one of the highest-rated stores. They sell certified organic CBD products, including CBD oils, CBD paste, topicals, sprays, vapes, tea, and even CBD coffee beans. If you are looking for some high-quality CBD products, then this is one of the best stores to visit.
They have a rating of perfect 5 out of 5 based on 120 reviews.
Website: https://www.greenangeloil.com/
Vireo Health
They have several stores around New York, and they also provide their services online. They have got tinctures, suppositories, oils, ingestible products, etc. You can also get a virtual appointment on their website. Their physical stores are also open during the Covid-19 pandemic.
They have a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 332 reviews.
Address: 89-55 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11373, United States
Website: https://vireohealth.com/ny/
Local CBD Oil Stores in New York
Cloud 99 Vapes
This store specializes in all the products related to vapes and smoking. You can choose from a wide variety of products. The staff is friendly, and the customer service is excellent.
The store has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 104 reviews.
Address: 50 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, United States
Artemis
This small Greek themed shop is one of the most beautiful shops you can visit. The staff is super-knowledgeable, and you can find every CBD product, including oils, creams, pastes, etc.
Ten reviewers have rated this place 4.9 out of 5.
Address: 87 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Natural Relief CBD
As the name implies, they specialize in fully organic CBD products. Their arsenal includes tinctures, skincare products, edibles, disposable vapes, CBD pods, and many other products.
They also have a perfect rating of 5 out of 5.
Address: 247 E 77th St, New York, NY 10075, United States
Hemped NYC
When you enter the store, you get hemped. You’ll find one of the finest quality CBD oils here. All of their products are entirely natural and organic.
The store has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 59 reviews.
Address: 247 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014, United States
