Is there still a stigma around marijuana sun care products? In many circles, yes—and it’s rooted less in how these products feel on the skin and more in the legal, regulatory, and scientific gray zones that surround them.

First, terminology fuels confusion. In the U.S., “marijuana” (cannabis with higher THC) remains federally illegal, while “hemp” and its derivatives—like CBD with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC—were carved out of the Controlled Substances Act by the 2018 Farm Bill. This opened the door for hemp-based CBD beauty products, including sunscreens, but did not remove federal oversight. The FDA continues to assert authority over CBD products and has signaled that a new regulatory pathway is needed to manage risks such as labeling, contaminants, and age restrictions.

Second, sunscreen is classified as a drug product in the U.S., and SPF protection comes from a short list of approved UV filters—not from botanicals. The FDA recognizes specific active ingredients for sunscreen, and any cosmetic that claims “SPF” or “broad spectrum” must meet strict OTC testing and labeling rules. Cannabinoids like CBD, if present, are treated as inactive ingredients and cannot raise the labeled SPF. This regulatory mismatch between marketing and science remains a major source of skepticism among dermatologists and consumers alike.

Third, enforcement headlines add to public doubt. The FDA has issued multiple warning letters to companies making unapproved therapeutic claims for CBD products and continues to monitor the marketplace closely. These actions keep “cannabis beauty” products under scrutiny and make large retailers cautious about stocking them.

Fourth, the broader hemp debate creates spillover effects. Crackdowns and court challenges over intoxicating hemp derivatives such as delta-8 THC blur the public’s understanding between non-intoxicating CBD skincare and products designed for psychoactive effects. This ongoing confusion can make consumers hesitant about any product labeled “cannabis,” even when it complies fully with regulations.

Fifth, the evidence remains early. While laboratory studies explore cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, there’s no clinical consensus that adding CBD to sunscreen improves sun protection beyond approved UV filters. Dermatologists still recommend proven behaviors: choosing a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher and applying it properly. For now, the benefits of cannabinoids in sunscreen are considered supplementary, not central.

To reduce stigma, brands must focus on compliance and transparency. Position CBD as a skin comfort or recovery additive, not as an SPF enhancer. Use clear labeling, provide third-party lab results, and align marketing messages with established dermatology guidelines. This approach builds consumer trust and helps bridge the gap between cannabis innovation and public perception.

Ultimately, the stigma surrounding marijuana sun care products isn’t a moral issue—it’s a rational response to unclear regulations, exaggerated marketing, and limited scientific validation. A cannabis-infused sunscreen can be safe and effective when it meets regulatory standards and focuses on skin health first. Until the science, regulation, and messaging align, a degree of skepticism will likely persist, even as consumers continue to explore these emerging products.