It’s no secret that our CBD gummies here at Medterra are changing lives across the country. From helping people sleep better to easing anxious thoughts, melting stress away, and relieving aches and pains - the possibilities are endless with the right gummies.
But how old do you have to be to buy CBD gummies? This is one of the most common questions our customer service team fields here at Medterra, so we wanted to address it once and for all. You have to be 18 years old to purchase CBD isolate gummies, and 21 years old to buy THC and CBD gummies.
There’s a bit more to the story than initially meets the eye, though. There are differences in federal vs state regulations, nuances related to hemp-derived vs marijuana-derived gummies, and more. Learn all about how old to buy CBD gummies online below, or shop Medterra now!
Overview of the Current CBD Laws
First things first - are CBD gummies illegal? Definitely not! The 2018 Farm Bill changed everything, as it removed hemp (which is defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight) from the federal Controlled Substances Act.
This basically legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids, like CBD, and any products made from them - they just have to meet strict standards. This act also opened the door for interstate commerce of hemp products, so long as they comply with federal and state regulations.
That said, legalizing hemp did not create a universal, unrestricted CBD market. The FDA is still the authority figure over consumer products, especially foods, supplements, and ingestible items, and states may impose stricter rules.
For instance, there are still some states that limit whether CBD or hemp-derived products with “intoxicating cannabinoids” can be sold or require minimum age limits.
But for the sake of simplicity, just know that CBD gummies can be legally purchased online as long as they’re made from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. But how old do you have to be to buy CBD gummies online?
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy CBD Gummies?
As frustrating as they can be, age restrictions are in place to protect minors and limit youth access to psychoactive substances. Yes, hemp-derived CBD is considered non-intoxicating - in other words, you can’t get high no matter how much of it you use.
Now, do CBD gummies have THC? The problem is, a lot of CBD gummies are made with a full-spectrum extract, which means they contain traces of THC. That’s the cannabinoid that produces those notorious, mind-bending effects cannabis has come to be known for.
It’s also worth noting that, to some extent, some states are still living in the past. Even though our broad-spectrum CBD gummies have zero THC content, cannabis still has a lingering stigma. So, how old do you have to be to buy CBD gummies?
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy CBD Gummies Made From Hemp?
The Farm Bill is the federal law for hemp-derived CBD gummies. It doesn’t explicitly state any minimum purchase age for hemp-derived CBD products. So technically, there isn’t a federal age requirement to buy CBD gummies derived from compliant hemp. It falls under state law.
In that sense, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer on how old to buy CBD gummies legally. It’s either 18 years old or 21 years old, depending on 1) the retailer and 2) the state you’re shipping to.
For example, California enacted emergency rules requiring consumers to be 21+ to purchase hemp-derived “final food products,” including edibles. Georgia is another state that made it illegal to sell consumable hemp products to those under 21.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy CBD Gummies Made From Marijuana?
Are the laws on how old to buy CBD gummies legally different as it pertains to marijuana gummies? These are available exclusively through licensed dispensaries in states with a structured medical or recreational marijuana program. They’re subject to the same rules as hemp in your state for the most part.
That said, there are some nuances since some states have both a medical and recreational marijuana program. California, for instance, requires you to be 21 years old to buy marijuana gummies at a dispensary. But if you get a medical marijuana card (which anyone can get these days), the age drops to just 18.
Are the Age Requirements Different for CBD Oil or Other Products?
We know you came here specifically asking how old to buy CBD gummies, but the same rules apply to CBD tinctures, CBD capsules, and everything in between. Retailers typically apply a blanket 21+ rule for all ingestible CBD, not distinguishing by format.
That said, CBD topicals are in a separate category since they never have the potential to get you high, even if they’re made from full-spectrum CBD oil (which, they almost never are). These are just applied to the skin for healing purposes.
How is Your Age Verified When Shopping for CBD Online?
What exactly is stopping a 16-year-old from logging on, using their parents' credit card, and placing an order for CBD gummies? Most brands have strict age verification methods in place, such as:
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Date of birth entry during checkout
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ID upload or scanning (driver’s license, state ID)
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Third-party verification services that cross-reference data
Most of the time, though, the biggest deterrent from underage cannabis sales online is that you’ll have to show a valid ID upon receiving your package. Some brands block orders from addresses in states that restrict under-21 purchases.
International and Travel Considerations
Age rules may change if you travel or ship CBD across borders. Some countries ban CBD altogether, while others require medical prescriptions. Even within the US, cross-state shipping may trigger your destination state’s cannabis laws.
This is to say you should always check your destination’s cannabis and hemp regulations, including age limits and THC thresholds, before ordering or packing CBD gummies for travel.
Tips for Legally Navigating the Online CBD Market
Buying CBD gummies online can be simple and safe if you know what to look for. A little due diligence protects both your purchase and your peace of mind.
Verify Third-Party Testing and Label Accuracy
Every reputable CBD brand provides third-party lab results, also known as Certificates of Analysis (COAs). These are non-negotiable for buying CBD online, because they show you the exact cannabinoid profile, verify the absence of contaminants, and validate that THC levels fall within the federally legal 0.3% threshold.
We here at Medterra go above and beyond to make sure you have easy access to lab test results by linking to batch-specific COAs on every single product page.
Check Product Type Before Purchase
Not all CBD gummies are the same. CBD isolate gummies are pure CBD with no other trace cannabinoids, while broad-spectrum CBD gummies contain everything from cannabis except THC. Full-spectrum gummies do have THC, and thus, can get you high depending on dose.
Understanding which you’re buying matters, especially if you’re specifically trying to get OR avoid THC. We sell every type of CBD product here at Medterra, so you can rest assured we’ve got what you’re looking for - and our customer service team can help you find it!
Read Store Policies
Online retailers set their own rules around purchase age, shipping destinations, and return eligibility. Always review these details before buying to avoid compliance issues or shipment delays. At Medterra, we clearly lay out our age requirements and shipping policies upfront.
Stay Updated
CBD laws continue to evolve at both the federal and state levels. Remember, California and Georgia just recently implemented 21+ purchase requirements for edible hemp products. This industry is constantly changing right before our eyes!
Safety and Parental Considerations
CBD products are intended for adult use. Parents should store gummies safely away from children, just as they would with vitamins or supplements. If your teen or child might benefit from CBD, always consult with a pediatrician. They’ll be able to determine if it’s worth trying.
Shop With Peace of Mind at Medterra!
We’ve built Medterra around transparency, compliance, and trust. Every batch is US-grown, third-party tested, and crafted under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards to guarantee safety and purity. We’re US Hemp Authority certified, too.
Whether you’re looking for a THC-free formula or a balanced full-spectrum option, we make it easy to shop legally and confidently from the comfort of your home. We’ve earned the trust of over a million customers and counting, and once you shop with us you’ll see why.
Take a look and see what we have in store for you today!
Final Thoughts on How Old to Buy CBD Gummies
So, how old do you have to be to buy CBD gummies online? In closing, the rules for buying CBD gummies aren’t one-size-fits-all. They depend on where you live, the type of CBD you choose, and how responsibly you shop.
Generally, most states and retailers set the age limit between 18 and 21, especially for full-spectrum or THC-containing formulas. You can take all the guesswork out of the process by shopping with a trusted, transparent brand that prioritizes compliance and safety - like Medterra.
Stay safe, stay compliant, and experience CBD the right way with Medterra today!
Frequently asked questions
What age can you buy CBD gummies?
Most retailers require customers to be 18 or older. Some states and stores raise the age requirement on edibles to 21+, depending on local laws.
In what states can you buy CBD at 18?
You can typically buy hemp-derived CBD at 18 in states that have not imposed stricter age rules. Any state that has a medical marijuana program typically allows sales of CBD to those 18 years of age as well.
Are there age restrictions at the federal level for buying CBD gummies?
No. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD but did not set a federal age limit. Age rules come from state law or retailer policy.
Can I give my 14-year-old CBD gummies?
No. CBD gummies are formulated and marketed for adults. Parents considering CBD for minors should talk to their child’s doctor first.
Can a 9-year-old have CBD?
Again, it’s not recommended unless you’ve gotten the go-ahead from your child’s pediatrician. Over-the-counter CBD products are not approved for children, and dosage and safety data are limited.
What are the health risks of CBD for minors?
While generally well-tolerated, potential risks include drowsiness, changes in appetite, or medication interactions - the same risks for adults.
Do the same age restrictions apply for CBD pet products?
No. Pet-specific CBD products are formulated for animals, not humans, and have no human age restriction. You can shop pet CBD products online at Medterra as well!
