Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating compound derived from the cannabis plant. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help regulate mood, pain, and sleep. CBD is sold as oils, gummies, and lotions, and people sometimes use it to manage anxiety, sleep disorders, and specific forms of epilepsy.
In California, licensed cannabis retailers can legally sell CBD products. However, there are times when people are charged with CBD-related drug crimes in California. Seek legal help if you are arrested for a CBD-related offense. Meet with a Los Angeles drug crimes lawyer familiar with what CBD is and what it does. Your attorney may help you avoid a criminal conviction.
What Does CBD Stand for?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis. It is a key component of medical marijuana. As one of hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD does not cause a high on its own.
Generally, CBD is considered safe. In certain instances, CBD users can experience fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, changes in appetite or weight, and other side effects. In addition, CBD can interact with medications, including those metabolized by the liver.
Consult with a healthcare professional if you want to find out what CBD is, what it may do for you now and in the future, and if you’re a good candidate for using it. This professional can give you insights into how CBD is used and whether you could benefit from it.
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How Is CBD Used?
In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved cannabidiol as a drug under the name “Epidiolex” to help treat seizures in children with severe forms of epilepsy. Today, people use CBD for various ailments, including:
- Chronic pain and inflammation: Many CBD topical creams and oils are designed to help people manage neuropathic pain and arthritis.
- Anxiety: Research suggests that CBD may help reduce social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression symptoms.
- Sleep disorders: People may take CBD to help with falling and staying asleep.
- Addiction: CBD may help reduce cravings, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms associated with addiction to opioids and tobacco.
CBD is marketed in foods, cosmetics, lotions, capsules, oils, and other products. Learn about CBD before you use any of these products, as this will help you make an informed decision on whether they’re right for you. Alternatively, if you have been charged with a CBD drug crime, partner with a criminal defense attorney who can start building your legal defense immediately.
Is CBD Legal in the United States?
CBD is typically legal at the federal level as long as it’s derived from hemp and doesn’t contain more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Meanwhile, the FDA has strict regulations regarding how CBD is marketed.
In California, CBD is legal, but there are regulations regarding how it is produced, sold, and ingested. Statewide, CBD products derived from industrial hemp containing up to 0.3% THC are legal. Marijuana-based CBD products are available for adults 21 and older via licensed California dispensaries.
On September 23, 2024, California’s ban on intoxicating hemp products took effect. With this, California banned the sale of industrial hemp food, beverages, or dietary products that contain any detectable amount of THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids. If you live in California and possess, sell, or distribute a CBD product that violates this ban, you can face criminal penalties.
What Are California’s CBD Drug Crime Penalties?
The penalties for driving high and other drug-related offenses in California vary based on the severity of the crime and other factors. A drug crimes attorney can give you insights into the criminal penalties if you possess, use, sell, or manufacture CBD products illegally. These penalties can include jail time, a fine, and community service.
Have an experienced drug crimes lawyer handle your case if you’ve been charged with a CBD-related criminal offense. Your attorney will prioritize your legal rights and best interests throughout your litigation. They can look for ways to dispute the prosecution’s case against you.
Your attorney could negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor in your CBD drug crime case. If you get a plea bargain, review the proposal with your lawyer. Together, you and your attorney can weigh the offer’s pros and cons. Or, if no plea deal is available, your lawyer can craft an argument that makes it tough for the prosecution to prove that you should be convicted.
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Want More Information About What CBD Is and What CBD Does?
Criminal defense lawyers can be great resources for those who want insights into what cannabidiol is and what CBD can do to users. They can also provide legal services and support to those who have been arrested for drug crimes.
Simmrin Law Group has decades of legal experience on staff. We can give you information about what CBD is and what it can do. For those dealing with the ramifications of an arrest for a CBD-related drug crime, we can examine your case and discuss your legal options with you. Contact us today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form