Is Buying CBD Oil Legal in California? (2023 Guide)

Where to Buy CBD Oil In California

California is somewhat of a cannabis pioneer. The state decriminalized possession of under an ounce of marijuana way back in 1975 and it was the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. Marijuana usage might have become common in the state by the 90s, but CBD remained an overlooked compound until the Farm Bill came into effect in 2018.

Today, people use CBD across the United States of America, and cannabidiol products are in-demand in California too. From inflammation and aching joints to anxiety, sleep management and a daytime focus — the reasons that people rely on CBD are many and as more research emerges, new uses are discovered.

Buying CBD oil in California is relatively easy thanks to the high concentration of dispensaries, hemp stores, and pharmacies that carry cannabidiol products. For the best deals found anywhere, you’ll want to browse online.

Buying CBD Oil in California: The Best products

• Balance CBD Oil – Best CBD Oil Overall
• Mixed Variety Pack – Best CBD Gummies
• Balance CBD Oil for Pets – Best CBD Oil for Pets
• Full Spectrum Capsules – Best CBD Capsules
• Dani Pepper Sleep Gummies – Best CBD for Sleep
• Balance CBD Muscle Relief – Best CBD Cream

   

Is CBD Legal In California?

Yes. CBD is federally legalized in the United States and though states have their own cannabis laws, it’s legal to buy hemp derived CBD from coast to coast. Legal CBD in California must meet the following criteria:

• Contains less than 0.3% THC.
• Derived from hemp

California’s CBD laws go a little further than other states as it’s legal to infuse CBD into any food, dietary supplement, or beverages. Yet, California has also lagged in some regards and efforts to pass expanded CBD bills have met resistance.

Guide to Buying CBD Oil In California

Californians may have access to a wider range of products than consumers in other states, but the inclusion of THC products requires due diligence on the part of shoppers.

• Lab Results: Independent Laboratory testing offers a window into your cannabidiol products; through these reports you can verify THC and CBD potency, other cannabinoids, and confirm the products are pesticide-free. If a brand is using an in-house lab, then there’s a definite conflict of interest. When shopping in person, inspect the packaging before you purchase to see that there’s a QR code so you can personally verify the results.
• Full-spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum vs. CBD Isolate: CBD oils are available in a variety of formulas, and also with infusions of botanical oils, minor cannabinoid tinctures, and flavors too. Most CBD Oil fits into one of the following categories.

Full spectrum: Full spectrum CBD oils offer the greatest potential benefits because these tinctures contain all beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, and 0.3% THC — a non-psychoactive concentration — to provide benefits of other all plant compounds. This can produce an entourage effect.

Broad Spectrum: Broad spectrum CBD products blend CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids; there’s THC content, but trace amounts could exist in these products.

CBD isolate: Isolate oils contain pure CBD and a carrier oil such as coconut oil. These CBD oils have zero THC. These are great for people who are new to CBD and want to test it out or those who want absolutely no other compound in their system.

• CBD Strength: CBD products are sold in varying potencies, from low 300 mg products designed for mild to moderate needs to very high extract strength products such as Balance CBD’s 5000 mg tincture. It’s wise to compare the potencies of one brand against another to ensure that the price tag makes sense of the product’s potency.
• CO2 Extraction: Extraction methods are extremely important. CO2 extraction is considered the best method for extracting CBD because the process is solvent free and cleaner for the environment; the CO2 is often recycled and reused for later extraction. Unfortunately, some companies use ethanol extraction instead, and the process requires the use of solvents, something that is difficult to ascertain when shopping in person.

How Old Do I Need to Be To Buy CBD In California?

The legal age to buy CBD in California is 18 years of age for most stores. Federally, the legal age requirement is 21 years.

Where’s The Best Place To Buy CBD Oil In California?

Shopping online is the best option for buying CBD. There are certainly stores in California that have a large collection of cannabidiol products from multiple brands — the selection will always pale in comparison to what’s available online. When shopping online, you can pick and choose between brands and products and compare prices and potencies.

As well, shopping online allows you to take advantage of consumer friendly policies that empower shoppers. Just don’t try to buy CBD oil on Amazon, because the products featured under the CBD label are actually just hemp.

Buying CBD Oil Online Checklist:

Shopping online is preferred for CBD products. Before you begin, there are some policies and incentives that you’ll want to watch out for:

• Free-shipping: If you’re spending upwards of $75 on products then you should receive free-shipping. Most brands have some form of free-shipping, but this policy is solely dependent on which online store you’re browsing.
• Transparency: Companies that make wellness products must operate ethically. Whether it’s openly displaying ingredients, using third-party lab testing, or certifying that products are vegan and pesticide-free — the more information you receive, the better.
• Money-back Guarantee: Shopping online is not without its drawbacks. Verifying that a brand is trustworthy based on a quick glance is difficult to say the least. Satisfaction guarantees enable consumers to try a product for the first time and get a full refund if unsatisfied. Every reputable CBD brand offers such a guarantee.
• Sales: BOGO (buy-one-get-one) sales and discounts shouldn’t only apply to in-person stores. If your go-to CBD company doesn’t offer frequent sales, then they’re taking your loyalty for granted.

Where Can I Buy CBD Oil In California?

Anyone who’s set on buying CBD oil at a local store should stick to the most dependable options: CVS and Walgreens. If you’re wondering why Walmart didn’t make the cut, that’s because Walmart has yet to allow the sale of CBD.

#1 Walgreens – Los Angeles, CA

Departments: Pharmacy, Photo

Address: 1500 E Gage Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001, United States

Hours: 8am – 10pm

Health and Safety: Staff wear masks and get temperature checks; disinfect between visitors. Safety dividers at checkouts. Curb-side pickup

Phone: +1 323 581 0964

#2 Walgreens – San Francisco, CA

Departments: Pharmacy, Photo, Mini-Mart

1333 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

Hours: 8am – 10pm

Health and Safety: Customers and staff wear masks. Staff get temperature checks; disinfect between visitors. Safety dividers at checkouts. Curb-side pickup

Phone: +1 415 826 8533

#3 Walgreens – San Jose, CA

Departments: Pharmacy, Photo, Mini-Mart

Address: 780 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112, United States

Hours: 8am – 10pm

Health and Safety: Customers and staff wear masks. Staff get temperature checks; disinfect between visitors. Safety dividers at checkouts. Curb-side pickup

Phone: +1 408 287 0600

#4 CVS – San Diego, CA

Departments: Pharmacy, photo, grocery.

4829 Clairemont Dr, San Diego, CA 92117, United States

Hours: 7am – 11pm

Health and Safety: Mask required. Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits. Safety dividers at checkout.

Phone: +1 858 273 5300

#5 CVS – Riverside, CA

Departments: Pharmacy, grocery

Address: 3440 La Sierra Ave, Riverside, CA 92503, United States

Hours: 7am – 10 pm

Health and Safety: Mask required. Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits.

Phone: +1 951 352 1933

#6 CVS – Menifee, CA

Department: Pharmacy, Grocery

Address: 26973 Newport Rd, Menifee, CA 92584, United States

Hours: Open 24 hours

Health and Safety: Mask required. Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits. Curbside pickup.

Phone: +1 951 301 6356

Medical Marijuana in California

Under Proposition 215, Medical Marijuana became legal in 1996 for compassionate usage. While there’s no prescription required for CBD in California, consumers have the choice to sign up for medical cannabis in California. Medical marijuana approvals are provided for the following conditions:

• AIDS
• Anorexia
• Arthritis
• Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Migraine
• Severe nausea
• Persistent muscle spasms (multiple sclerosis)
• Seizures

To start the process, you’ll need a physician’s recommendation and to fill out an application form. Once you’ve completed your application, you’ll need to organize your health documents, make an appointment with the health department, and await for approval.

There are circumstances when an individual may qualify for medical cannabis without one of the listed conditions but that’s dependent on you and your physician.

CBD In California: Which Products Can You Buy?

CBD shoppers should find it easy to locate quality CBD in California and chances are that if you can find a product online, there’s something similar at a local store. Most products fit into these categories:

CBD Tinctures

Oil tinctures are featured in almost every CBD store, whether online or in person. Tinctures are great for shoppers who are on a tight budget, who want the highest strength products, and who want more than one formula. At Balance CBD, we carry Isolate CBD tinctures, a full spectrum CBD oil, and our exclusive Harlequin Terpene Infused oil. Tinctures also provide a greater potency range than other product types.

CBD Gummies

If you’re a candy lover inquiring about cannabidiol products, gummies are likely the best product for you. Made with real fruit juices and high quality cannabidiol — CBD gummies deliver a tasty dose of CBD that’s precise, and ideal for discreet ingestion; in the workplace or at home with company. Gummies are typically a low strength CBD option, but they’re also economical; our CBD gummies equate to just $1 per gummy, each with 25 mg of CBD.

 CBD Capsules

Capsules provide a dose of CBD in a time-tested format. Given that many consumers are comfortable with the idea of swallowing a pill, capsules are perfect for CBD newbies who have reservations about taking oil from a dropper; they’re discreet too and swallowing with water is optional. Balance CBD has extra strength capsules and Winter Relief Capsules for a boost during the cold months of the year.

CBD Topicals

CBD topical creams cater to consumers who have localized aches and pains or who want to avoid ingesting cannabidiol. Topicals come in multiple forms including muscle creams, massage oils, lotions, and suppositories.

CBD for Pets

Pet owners are always searching for unique options for their four-legged friends as age sets in. CBD products for pets are some of the best products out there because they provide real relief that you can see in your animal’s reaction. CBD pet products must have a delicious taste and that’s why we infused our oils with salmon oil flavor and added peanut butter to our CBD dog treats.

CBD Lube

CBD personal lubricants are rare on the cannabidiol market — but not at Balance CBD. We offer an Original Sex Oil and a CBD lube to help people with their sexual health. If you’re shopping in person then finding a CBD lube will present challenges, and shopping online is a far better option.

CBD Flower

Whether you call it flower or buds, CBD flower is a product that many people confuse with marijuana; the buds are very similar, but the effects are completely different. You can smoke or vape CBD flower and you’ll feel the benefits within 5 minutes of inhalation.

CBD Vapes

Vape cartridges are filled with CBD oil and designed for inhalation. This product is less popular than it was only years ago, and though some people really enjoy CBD vapes, it’s hardly the best option for your daily dose.

Summary of Buying CBD In California

Can you buy CBD oil in person in California? Yes, and it’s very convenient in some pockets of the state. Those in rural areas or shoppers who want a large selection should peruse what’s available online before committing to in-person stores, possibly selling unregulated products. For the best CBD available today, shop at Balance CBD and see how our prices outshine the competition.