CBD Oil in Maryland: Everything You Need to Know in 2020

Disclaimer: All of the information in this guide is based on our own research into the topic. We have done our best to use accurate and up-to-date information from respected and credible resources. However, we cannot claim to be a legal authority, and none of the following information should be taken as legal advice.

A Guide to CBD Oil in Maryland

• Maryland is still struggling to develop a hemp-growing program.
• People are enjoying CBD products of all kinds from several retailers and dispensaries.
• Unfortunately, disreputable companies are taking advantage of inadequate regulations in Maryland.
• You can buy CBD online, where you can thoroughly research your products.
• CBD products must contain 0.3 percent THC or less in order to be legal in Maryland.

Is CBD Oil Legal in Maryland?

You can purchase CBD all over Maryland. There are shops that specialize in just selling CBD products like edibles, vapes and pet treats; retailers sell CBD at their cash registers; medical marijuana dispensaries sell CBD-infused products; and you can even fill your gas tank and buy CBD when you pay. 

Some consumers are happy to purchase CBD without a second thought, while others are concerned about whether their purchases are legal. You may be reading this article to find out who is right. The truth is that both are. CBD laws inhabit a confusingly gray area, and no one seems to know what the reality is—even lawmakers.

The definitions of marijuana and hemp are one source of conflict, because even though the 2018 Farm Bill delineated the difference, some legislators still confuse the two plants—likely because they are both cannabis.

Hemp is defined as a cannabis plant with up to 0.3 percent THC, and marijuana is defined as the same plant with more than 0.3 percent THC. Hemp is non-intoxicating, and CBD derived from the plant has no psychoactive effects.

The other issue with creating clear regulations is the fact that the FDA cannot approve a substance for food, supplement or medical use if it is already contained in an FDA-approved drug. CBD is the active ingredient in Epidiolex, a drug used to treat certain severe forms of epilepsy. 

So, we are stuck with unclear laws, while it is up to states with other priorities to try to figure out how to regulate and enforce a product that has exploded onto the market.

Are There CBD Laws in Maryland?

Maryland has a robust medical marijuana program, and dispensaries across the state sell CBD. It is not immediately clear whether the CBD these locations sell is derived from hemp or marijuana. Marylanders can buy CBD in almost any retail location, and products of all kinds are legal to possess.

There are few if any consumer protections in the Free State, and no special license is required to sell CBD. Maryland does not currently have a hemp-growing program registered with the USDA. The state appears to generally follow federal guidelines in reference to its CBD and hemp policies, but these are not entirely clear.

CBD in Maryland: Understanding Different Types of CBD Products

CBD Oil

Most CBD companies sell CBD oil. It is the most basic form of CBD, and it is highly versatile. Some brands sell full-spectrum CBD, but these are often pungent and bitter. Penguin’s broad-spectrum CBD oil is mild and smooth. 

Simply squeeze a few drops (or a whole dropperful) under your tongue and hold it there for fast action, or add it to your food or beverage for a mealtime boost.

CBD Capsules

If CBD oil is not for you—or even if you are just looking for a product that fits your lifestyle better—Penguin’s CBD capsules are super convenient, and you can take them anywhere. They contain the same ingredients you find in our CBD oils, but in an easy-to-swallow gelcap. Simply toss them into your bag and go, so you have them with you on even the most hectic days.

CBD Gummies

CBD gummies are another popular CBD product that lots of companies carry. You can find gummies containing full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate. At Penguin, we use isolate to create the most delicious CBD gummies around. Our customers love their flavor and texture, and their bright, cheerful colors are sure to put a smile on your face.

CBD Cream

Show your skin a little love with Penguin’s CBD cream. Our CBD cream is infused with relaxing lavender and soothing peppermint to lift your spirits. Because you deserve to be more radiant.

Industrial Hemp in Maryland

Maryland is still feeling its way around a viable hemp-growing program. It had initially begun operating under regulations provided by a 2014 federal bill that allowed growers to work with universities to research best growing practices in each state. Maryland permitted growers to find university sponsors and apply directly to the USDA, but the USDA offered no application capabilities.

Maryland has not submitted paperwork to the USDA for authorization to conduct growing operations under the regulations set forth by the 2018 Farm Bill, and it is unclear what the legal status is. The state has yet to have a growing season for the crop, and farmers know little about what to expect.

Meanwhile, the Maryland Hemp Exchange is vying for exclusivity with Maryland growers, noting that their seeds can produce multiple products in one plant. Hemp seeds are a popular food item, the stalks produce strong fiber that can be used for paper and fabric, and CBD can be processed from its sticky flowers.

The details need to be hammered out, and growers will likely not fully know what cultivation in Maryland looks like until they get a season under their belts. However, this is an exciting time for Maryland growers. The hemp market is expanding and will no doubt continue to expand in the future. 

Can I Purchase CBD Online in Maryland?

Purchasing CBD

There are several purchasing options when you are looking for CBD in the state of Maryland. Medical marijuana dispensaries offer CBD products if you have a qualifying illness and a recommendation from a doctor. 

You can also get hemp-derived CBD from specialty shops all over the state that carry a wide selection of products and usually have fairly knowledgeable staff. Or you can get CBD at almost any retail location.

Despite these options, it is still advisable to get your CBD online for now. That way, you can research the companies you are considering from the comfort of your own home, instead of going through the frustration of trying to find sparse information while standing in a store. 

Many disreputable CBD companies get away with selling bunk products more easily in brick-and-mortar locations, because it is more challenging to do your homework under pressure.

CBD Oil in Maryland

As of right now, there are virtually no CBD regulations in place in Maryland. The laws and the hemp program are in their infancy, and legislators are still working to get a grasp on the full scope of the industry. While all this is happening, companies are easily taking advantage of a lack of information and consumer curiosity.

You can protect yourself from being scammed by looking for key bits of information that will clue you in to a company’s dependability and quality. It is important to know where your product’s hemp was sourced. If the package or website does not specifically say domestic or U.S.-grown hemp, it may have come from another country where regulations are not as strict.

Additionally, you should look for a certificate of analysis. This verifies that your CBD products were tested by a third-party lab, and the product has been confirmed to have accurate labeling.

Penguin

At Penguin CBD, our products were developed by a team of experts who care about your safety. We know that every satisfied customer becomes a loyal customer, and only by providing you with pure, effective products will the stigma surrounding CBD begin to fade.

Penguin’s products are made with our customers in mind, with naturally grown hemp and a simple extraction process for the purest products on the market. You can feel good about buying CBD from Penguin because all of our products come with third-party analysis results and a 30-day guarantee.

Final Thoughts About CBD in Maryland

When it comes to buying CBD in Maryland, the laws can seem confusing. It is clear, however, that you can legally buy products all over the state as well as online. The Free State has been struggling to get a grasp on CBD and hemp, but legislators are merely concerned about what is best for Maryland residents and farms.

There are very few consumer protections in Maryland as of yet, and retailers do not need a license to sell CBD unless they are operating as a medical marijuana dispensary. When you are shopping, therefore, it is essential to do your homework so that you do not fall victim to a bogus CBD company selling ineffective or dangerous products.

If you really want to ensure you’re getting a trustworthy CBD product, it is best to shop online, where you can easily access information about a company’s reputability and its lab reports. Visit Penguin CBD’s website today, to see what a difference quality can make.