Yes, cannabinol (CBN) is federally legal in the US. But while CBN isn’t a controlled substance under federal law, it must be derived from hemp (cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3%THC) to be federally legal.
Additionally, individual states have placed restrictions on other hemp-derived cannabinoids (especially THC) that are commonly in CBN products, so certain hemp-derived CBN products may not be federally legal everywhere.
In this article, we’re going to discuss how CBN is legal, which types of products are legal, and where you can buy these products.
Is CBN Legal?
Yes, CBN is federally legal in the United States as of the 2018 Farm Bill, which made all hemp-derived products legal on the federal level.
Hemp is a variant of the cannabis sativa plant that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Apart from the difference in THC content, it’s genetically the same as federally illegal cannabis sativa, which is referred to by the government as marijuana.
How is CBN Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp and hemp-derived products federally legal.
The difference between hemp and marijuana has to do with the THC content: otherwise, both plants are the same cannabis sativa plant. CBN is found in both. CBN can be extracted from hemp and added to products like gummies or oil.
Additionally, unlike with cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 8 THC), neither the federal nor state governments have issued any statements or created any legislation referencing CBN, specifically.
Therefore, it’s assumed that CBN falls under the same category as CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids do.
Which Types of CBN Products are Legal?
As you know by now, CBN is federally legal, but only when derived from hemp.
However, marijuana-derived products (typically referred to as cannabis products, rather than hemp products) are legal at the state-level in about half of US states, and CBN products like oil, gummies, and flower can be found in most dispensaries.
Here’s what you can know about the legality of each CBN product type:
- Hemp-derived CBN products (containing less than 0.3%THC) are legal in most US states. However, some states have placed restrictions on CBD products that would also likely apply to CBN; for example, Idaho only allows CBD if it’s THC-free. Therefore, likely only broad-spectrum (no THC) or isolate CBN products would be legal in Idaho.
- Marijunana-derived CBN products (containing more than 0.3% THC) are legal in some states but restricted illegal in others (some states require less than 0.6% THC, while others match the federal standard of 0.3% THC or less).
This means you need to be cognizant about whether you’re buying a hemp-derived or marijuana-derived CBN product so that you know where you can and can’t take it legally.
Where to Buy Legal CBN Products
There are two main places you can buy hemp-derived CBN products::
Brick-and-mortar retailers
Most CBD stores and similar retailers carry CBN products. And if you’re in a state where cannabis (containing more than 0.3% THC) isn’t legal, the CBN products you’ll find in these stores will most likely be hemp-derived.
If you’re in a cannabis-legal state, though, dispensaries and other retailers likely carry CBN products higher in THC, which are fine to use in your state but won’t be legal in many other states. To find retailers near you, Google “CBN near me.”
Online companies
Your other option is to buy CBN online. There are lots of companies that sell hemp-derived CBN oil, CBN gummies, and other products (including us!).
The benefit of shopping online is that you have more options: you can compare potencies, blends, and prices to find the best product for your situation. A retail store might only have a handful of CBN products. Online, you’ll find hundreds.
Conclusion: CBN is Most Likely Legal Where You Live
While CBN appears to be federally legal at the moment, there is some future uncertainty on how it will be regulated.
Neither the government nor most states have referenced it specifically in their laws, so we can only assume it’s legal, given the legality of CBD and similar hemp-derived cannabinoids.
That being said, it’s important to research the legality of CBN in your state before purchasing it.
State laws are always changing, and, while we’ll keep this article up to date and add state-by-state information as it becomes available, doing your own research is always the best way to ensure what you’re buying is legal.
Is CBN Legal: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about the legality of CBN.
Is CBN psychoactive?
Yes, CBN is slightly psychoactive and will get you high. It’s about ¼ as strong as delta 9 THC and tends to be more sedative.
Will CBN show on drug tests?
While CBN isn’t a target analyte on drug tests, it may show up on drug tests as THC due to its chemical similarity.
Is CBN oil legal?
Yes, CBN oil is federally legal in the US as long as it’s hemp-derived and contains less than 0.3% THC.
Is CBN legal in Texas?
Yes, CBN and CBN products are legal in Texas as long as they are hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% THC.
Is it legal to fly with CBN?
Yes, it is legal to fly with CBN, given that it’s federally legal. However, remember that CBN products that contain more than 0.3% THC are considered marijuana, which is federally illegal and shouldn’t be taken on a plane.
Is CBN legal in the UK?
No, CBN is not legal in the UK. The UK considers all psychoactive cannabinoids controlled substances, and because CBN is slightly psychoactive, it fits into this category and is therefore illegal.
