California is one of the most cannabis-friendly, progressive states. But, when it comes to hemp, the Golden State has some of the most restricting and complicated laws in the nation.
Consumers can have marijuana edibles in California or include CBD from marijuana in their drinks, but can't do the same with hemp.
Can you buy hemp flower in the Golden State? Let’s take a look at California’s hemp laws.
Is Hemp Flower Legal in California?
California hemp regulations don’t address the manufacturing, processing, or selling of hemp smokables. The state doesn’t ban the use of hemp flower, but it also doesn’t explicitly allow it. The same goes for products such as hemp cosmetics and CBD vapes.
California has strict laws regarding the growth, manufacture, and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products. The state bans the use of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) in food products because the CBD component has not been FDA-approved and labeled as safe to use in food products.
On the contrary, California hasn’t regulated the sale and possession of non-food hemp products such as hemp flower and hemp smokables.
According to a statement by the California Department of Public Health (CDFA), “California law does not currently provide any requirements for the manufacturing, processing, or selling of non-food hemp or hemp products.” [1]
The CDFA recommends manufacturers and sellers to check in with their local health agency before selling hemp smokables to make sure the product is allowed to sell.
The newest hemp law signed by Governor Newsom, SB 153, takes effect on January 1, 2020, and requires the state Department of Agriculture to develop and submit a hemp plant to the USDA. [2]
While it’s legal to buy pot in the Golden State, the law is murky regarding the sale and possession of hemp smokables.
Where to Buy Hemp Flower in California?
The hemp market in California is still developing, so many people find the most quality hemp flower online.
Best Hemp Flower on the Market
Here are the hemp strains from reliable companies we recommend and use:
1: Sour Space Candy from Mr. Hemp Flower
Sour Space Candy is a CBD-dominant strain with nearly 17% cannabidiol (CBD) content and a unique flavor profile. This strain is great for relaxing after a long day because it contains the main hemp terpenes such as alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, limonene, and linalool.
WHERE TO BUY?
MRHEMPFLOWER.COM
2: Western Berry from Industrial Hemp Farms
With total cannabinoid content of 17% and beautiful golden-green buds, Western Berry offers a great flavor and smooth effects. This outdoor strain is ideal if you’re looking for something to help you unwind before going to bed.
WHERE TO BUY?
INDUSTRIALHEMPFARMS.COM
3: Remedy from Dr. Ganja
In case you want something more potent, Remedy is a sought after strain for her strong therapeutic effects. This strain contains almost 20% cannabinoid content and can be used both in the morning and at night.
WHERE TO BUY?
DRGANJA.COM
Is CBD Legal in California?
Hemp-derived CBD is also in a legal gray area in California. Aside from the ban of hemp CBD in food, the state hasn’t implemented a law that explicitly prohibits the manufacture, sale, or consumption of hemp CBD. That said, it also doesn’t allow the lawful use of hemp CBD.
The current hemp CBD regulations in California are based on federal law. The state prohibits adding CBD to foods or dietary supplements, as well as marketing CBD products under medical claims.
Marijuana CBD is not prohibited in California. You are allowed to buy CBD oil derived from marijuana that contains more than 0.3% THC.
FAQ on Hemp Flower California State Laws
California doesn’t limit the quantity of hemp flower you allowed to purchase at once in the state. That said, California is in the process of adopting new hemp regulations.
If you are buying for personal needs, you don’t need a special license to purchase hemp flower in California.
The sale of hemp flower remains in a legal grey area in California. The state neither banned nor allowed the sale of hemp non-food products, such as CBD smokeables.
CBD from hemp is also in a legal gray area in California. On one side, the state banned the use of CBD in food products. On the other, California doesn’t regulate the use of non-food hemp CBD products such as hemp in cosmetics, hemp flower, and other hemp smokables.
Hemp flower is unregulated in California, so many people purchase hemp flower with less than 0.3% THC online.
Marijuana-derived CBD oil that contains THC levels higher than 0.3% is legal in California. Hemp-derived CBD oil cannot be used in food or as a dietary supplement in this state.