CBD is a component of hemp and cannabis, but it is mainly found in hemp. CBD is a short form of cannabidiol. Both CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are active compounds of cannabis called cannabinoids. THC is a major psychoactive ingredient that makes users intoxicated after use, while CBD is not a psychoactive ingredient. CBD has minimal side effects when used, unlike THC. CBD is often used to treat seizures, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, sclerosis, diabetes, and skin conditions like dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, and eczema. The forms of CBD available in Michigan are oils, flowers, extracts and topicals, tinctures, balm, capsules and pills, edibles, vapes, and pre-rolls. In Michigan, CBD is legal if obtained from hemp and does not contain more than 0.3% THC.
In Michigan, only hemp-derived CBD oil is considered legal, while cannabis-derived CBD is illegal. CBD derived from marijuana is considered illegal. CBD became formally legalized in Michigan in 2019 after the enactment of the Michigan Hemp Research and Development Act/mileg.aspx?page=home). The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development regulates the use and production of hemp-derived CBD products.
The CBD laws are entrenched in three house bills in Michigan, including House Bill 6330, House Bill 6331, and House Bill 6380. These laws permit the use, possession, distribution, sale, and cultivation of hemp intended for CBD. House Bill 6330 specifically authorizes licensed growers to grow industrial hemp basically for research purposes. House Bill 6331, passed in 2018, clarifies the difference between industrial hemp and marijuana. House Bill 6380 further differentiated industrial hemp from marijuana plants. It required the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to set out rules for the sale of industrial hemp products, including CBD.
Despite hemp-derived CBD being legal in Michigan, CBD cannot be used as dietary supplements in food and beverages. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is yet to review its regulations in this regard. Dispensaries can sell hemp-derived CBD in Michigan since it is legal.
In Michigan, there is no possession limit for hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC. The use of hemp-derived CBD has no age limit. It is available to both adults and minors, but it is suggested that the minor's pediatrician's opinion is sought beforehand. Any minor who will use marijuana-derived CBD must have a medical condition confirmed by a licensed doctor. The minor must possess a medical marijuana card.
Doctors may only recommend but not prescribe CBD oil to patients. Michigan residents do not necessarily need a doctor's prescription to buy CBD oil. Michigan approves the use of CBD oil to treat certain medical conditions, including:
Since the FDA prohibits the use of CBD oil for food supplements, Michigan doctors cannot prescribe it for dietary purposes as well.
Michigan requires residents to obtain a hemp grower's license to grow hemp for CBD. Residents who want to process hemp-derived CBD in Michigan are required to obtain a hemp processor-handler license. To grow cannabis plants for CBD, intending growers must obtain a permit from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and complete the Hemp Grower Registration Application. A completed application and its attachments are to be mailed to:
Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
P.O. Box 30776, Lansing
MI 48909-8276
Required attachments include birth certificate, valid Michigan-issued identity card, background check, and location map. An applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. An applicant will be required to provide the following information:
The grower application fee is $100, while the processing fee costs $1350. If adults aged 18 and over want to grow hemp at home, they will be required to grow it indoors or in a space that is free from public view. Basic requirements that should be included in CBD labels are brand name, product identity, business address, ingredients, net quantity of contents, caution/warning statement, disclosure of material facts, and usage procedure.
In Michigan, dispensaries, grocery stores, wellness centers, and vape shops sell CBD oil and other CBD products. CBD can also be bought from online stores, which are even more common than physical stores. Consumers should check whether the products they intend to get from online stores meet the required THC content of no more than 0.3%.