Marijuana is still a Schedule I substance ; CBD is not scheduled itself, but as a substance derived from marijuana." But for the DEA to reschedule cannabis-based CBD, it must apply the change to the entire cannabis plant.
Marijuana and hemp are different strains of the Cannabis sativa L plant. Any Cannabis sativa L plant or derivative from such a plant with a higher THC level is considered marijuana, which remains a Schedule I substance – the most stringently regulated category of narcotics – under the Controlled Substances Act.
CBD on the other hand, is not psychoactive. "Pure CBD " is not a controlled drug for the purposes of the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act. Products falling within Schedule 2 will contain varying quantities and ratios of THC and CBD and may be available in a range of pharmaceutical forms.
It is true that section 12619 of the Farm Bill removes hemp -derived products from its Schedule I status under the Controlled Substances Act, but the legislation does not legalize CBD generally. As I have noted elsewhere on this blog CBD generally remains a Schedule I substance under federal law.
Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects. There is no "high" or other mind - altering effects from CBD. On the contrary: CBD on its own has calming, anti-anxiety effects—one of the reasons why it's been identified as a useful supplement to treat insomnia and other sleep problems.