As CBD becomes a household name, many people are asking: Can you buy CBD over the counter? The answer is yes—but there’s more to understand about where, how, and what kind of CBD is available without a prescription.
At West Country Herb, we’re dedicated to providing clear, honest information about CBD products and how to safely and legally access them. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of buying CBD over the counter, what regulations affect your purchase, and which types of products are easiest to find.
What Does “Over the Counter” Mean for CBD?
When we talk about “over the counter” (OTC) purchases, we’re referring to products that can be bought without a prescription. Just like pain relievers or supplements you might find in a drugstore, over-the-counter CBD products are sold directly to consumers through:
- Health and wellness stores
- Pharmacies
- Grocery stores
- Gas stations and convenience stores
- Online retailers like West Country Herb
So yes, you can legally buy CBD over the counter in many parts of the U.S., as long as the product complies with federal and state laws.
Is CBD Federally Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-derived CBD legal at the federal level—as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis). This means CBD products that meet this criterion can be manufactured and sold nationwide.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently classify CBD as a dietary supplement or allow its inclusion in foods or beverages without approval. This creates some regulatory gray areas, especially when it comes to how CBD is labeled, sold, or advertised.
Despite the lack of FDA approval for CBD in food or drink, many states allow over-the-counter sales of topicals, oils, capsules, gummies, and other CBD wellness products.
Where Can You Buy CBD Over the Counter?
You can find CBD products at a variety of retail locations. But not all sources are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
Pharmacies
Major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid sell CBD topicals only in select states. They do not offer ingestible products like oils or edibles in-store due to FDA restrictions.
Grocery Stores and Health Shops
Many natural food stores and independent supplement retailers carry a variety of CBD products, including tinctures, gummies, and capsules. Always check that the store provides lab-tested, verified products.
Gas Stations and Convenience Stores
CBD sold at gas stations may be cheap and easy to access, but product quality and safety can be questionable. Avoid products without third-party lab testing or clear labels.
Online Retailers
Buying CBD online from a reputable brand like West Country Herb offers convenience, transparency, and access to third-party testing. Online shops also offer the widest selection of product types and potencies.
West Country Herb specializes in high-quality, lab-verified CBD oils, gummies, capsules, and topicals—all available over the counter and shipped directly to your door.
What Types of CBD Products Are Available Over the Counter?
CBD comes in many forms. Most are legal to purchase without a prescription if they are derived from hemp and contain no more than 0.3% THC.
CBD Oil Tinctures
Taken sublingually (under the tongue), tinctures offer fast absorption and accurate dosing. They’re one of the most popular OTC options available at West Country Herb.
CBD Gummies and Edibles
Gummies are pre-dosed, tasty, and easy to use. Though not always found in pharmacies, they’re widely available online and in specialty wellness stores.
CBD Capsules
Capsules and softgels offer a precise, supplement-style experience, great for daily routines.
CBD Topicals
These include creams, balms, and roll-ons designed for localized relief. Most topicals are sold OTC at pharmacies and grocery stores.
CBD Flower and Vape Products
These may be available in smoke shops and dispensaries in states where smokable hemp is legal. Not all locations allow over-the-counter sale of inhalable CBD products.
CBD Pet Products
Specially formulated for animals, CBD pet treats and oils can be purchased over the counter in pet shops and online retailers like West Country Herb.
Do You Need a Prescription for CBD?
No. In the United States, hemp-derived CBD products are available over the counter and do not require a prescription. However, one CBD-based medication—Epidiolex—has FDA approval and does require a prescription to treat rare forms of epilepsy.
If you’re using CBD to manage a specific medical condition, it’s always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider, especially if you’re on medication or have underlying health concerns.
How to Safely Buy CBD Over the Counter
Buying CBD doesn’t have to be complicated, but you should follow a few best practices to ensure you get a high-quality product:
Look for Third-Party Lab Testing
Always buy from brands that provide independent lab results, also known as Certificates of Analysis (COAs). These confirm the product’s:
- CBD and THC content
- Purity
- Absence of pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents
West Country Herb provides transparent, batch-specific lab results with every product.
Read Labels Carefully
Check the label for:
- CBD content per serving
- Type of CBD (full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate)
- List of ingredients
- Usage instructions
Know the Type of CBD You’re Using
- Full-spectrum: Contains all cannabinoids, including up to 0.3% THC
- Broad-spectrum: Contains multiple cannabinoids but no THC
- CBD isolate: Pure CBD with no other plant compounds
Each type may offer a different experience. Beginners often start with broad-spectrum or isolate products.
Choose Reputable Retailers
Avoid products that:
- Make outrageous health claims
- Don’t provide lab test results
- Lack proper labeling or contact info
- Are suspiciously cheap
West Country Herb is proud to meet strict standards for transparency, quality, and compliance.
Can You Travel with Over-the-Counter CBD?
Yes—but with caution. You can travel with hemp-derived CBD within the U.S., but some states may have different laws. Always carry:
- Product labeling
- A copy of the COA
- Documentation showing it contains less than 0.3% THC
For international travel, always research the destination country’s CBD laws.
Benefits of Buying CBD Over the Counter
There are several advantages to buying CBD OTC, especially from trusted brands like West Country Herb:
- No prescription required
- Accessible and easy to find
- Wide variety of products
- Can try different forms to find what works best
- Ideal for general wellness and non-medical use
For people exploring natural solutions for stress, sleep, or mild discomfort, OTC CBD offers a safe entry point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you buy CBD over the counter at a pharmacy?
Yes, but typically only CBD topicals are sold in major chain pharmacies. Edibles and oils are more commonly found online or in wellness stores.
Do you need a prescription for CBD?
No. Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is available over the counter and does not require a prescription.
Is CBD approved by the FDA?
Only one prescription CBD drug (Epidiolex) is FDA-approved. Most over-the-counter CBD products are sold as supplements and are not FDA-regulated.
Can minors buy CBD over the counter?
Most retailers, including West Country Herb, require customers to be 18 or 21 years old depending on local laws.
Is CBD safe to use with other medications?
CBD may interact with certain medications. Always consult your doctor if you’re taking prescription drugs.
How can I tell if a CBD product is legal?
Check for THC content (must be 0.3% or less), source of hemp, and third-party lab tests.
Is it better to buy CBD online or in-store?
Buying online gives you access to a wider range of products, better pricing, and full transparency. West Country Herb offers everything you need with fast, secure shipping.
Final Thoughts: Can You Buy CBD Over the Counter?
Yes, you can legally buy hemp-derived CBD products over the counter without a prescription in most parts of the U.S. Whether you’re shopping in a wellness store, pharmacy, or online, it’s important to choose trusted brands, read labels, and ensure the product meets all safety and quality standards.
At West Country Herb, we make high-quality, lab-tested CBD products accessible to everyone—from beginners to experienced users. Our oils, gummies, topicals, and capsules are available without a prescription and backed by transparency, education, and care.
Ready to experience premium over-the-counter CBD? Visit West Country Herb to explore our full product range and shop with confidence.