In many countries around the world, the use of recreational marijuana is strictly illegal. There are, however, several countries where its use is legal, including Canada and the Netherlands.
In contrast, many other countries choose to legalize only the medicinal extracts of marijuana and criminalize the high-THC products. For example, companies can sell low THC-CBD like delta 9 hemp derived gummies products in the US state of Alabama. However, it is illegal to deal with recreational marijuana.
Interestingly, it is illegal to sell CBD products (to some extent) in Canada, but dealing in recreational cannabis is legal. Canadian law strictly controls the importation and distribution of CBD products within its boundaries. There is a good chance that the CBD oils you buy at your local store have come from illegal channels.
Things might be subject to change in the coming months as Health Canada is in the process of reviewing the existing laws. This includes selling CBD products that would not need the oversight of a practitioner.
However, the three-year-long review does not mean it will be legal anytime soon. The committee still wants assurance on three main issues:
It might take a while before it is okay for Canadians to sell and buy CBD products freely.
Why can’t hemp lovers buy CBD products over the counter? Well, that is down to several factors:
It might take a long time before Canada legalizes the sale and use of low-THC CBD products. The regulators might take their time to learn from the mistakes of US regulations.
In the USA, dealers are taking advantage of loopholes and confusing laws to sell high THC products with the full awareness that it is illegal.
The Canadian authorities will probably take their time to ensure that they approve a CBD industry that is safer and more efficient than the US industry.