Can you send cbd products through the mail
The legality of sending CBD products through the mail is a bit complex and depends on several factors. Here's a breakdown:
Federal Law:
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp and its derivatives, including CBD, at the federal level. However, the bill also maintained the FDA's authority to regulate CBD products as food additives, dietary supplements, and cosmetics.
Shipping CBD Products:
The USPS (United States Postal Service) and UPS (United Parcel Service) have different policies regarding the shipping of CBD products:
- USPS: The USPS allows the shipping of CBD products, but only if they are labeled as "hemp-derived" and contain no more than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). However, the USPS may require additional documentation, such as a Certificate of Analysis (COA), to verify the product's THC content.
- UPS: UPS has a more restrictive policy, prohibiting the shipping of CBD products that contain THC or are marketed as having therapeutic benefits. However, UPS may allow the shipping of CBD products that are labeled as "hemp-derived" and contain no more than 0.3% THC, as long as they are packaged and labeled in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
State Laws:
Some states have their own laws and regulations regarding the sale and shipping of CBD products. For example:
- California: California allows the sale and shipping of CBD products, but requires a license from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell CBD products.
- New York: New York prohibits the sale and shipping of CBD products that contain THC or are marketed as having therapeutic benefits. However, the state allows the sale and shipping of CBD products that are labeled as "hemp-derived" and contain no more than 0.3% THC.
Best Practices:
To ensure compliance with federal and state laws, it's recommended that businesses and individuals follow these best practices when shipping CBD products:
- Verify the product's THC content: Ensure that the product contains no more than 0.3% THC and is labeled as "hemp-derived."
- Comply with labeling requirements: Follow applicable labeling requirements, such as the FDA's guidelines for dietary supplements and cosmetics.
- Obtain necessary licenses and permits: Obtain any necessary licenses and permits from the state and local authorities.
- Disclose the product's ingredients and potential risks: Clearly disclose the product's ingredients and potential risks to customers.
- Comply with shipping regulations: Follow the shipping regulations of the USPS and UPS, and ensure that the product is properly packaged and labeled.
In summary, while it is possible to send CBD products through the mail, it's essential to comply with federal and state laws, as well as the shipping regulations of the USPS and UPS.