When the United States Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, and President Donald Trump signed it into law, industrial hemp farming got a boost, even though it had already been grown in this country for centuries. It is a versatile agricultural product, prized for its strong fibers and for its high content of CBD, recognized as a dietary supplement and touted for a variety of perceived medical benefits.
Cannabidiol, known as CBD, is a natural compound derived from the cannibus plant. And, that’s where it gets complicated. Scientists have confirmed that more than 100 identifiable cannabinoids exist in the cannibus plant; CBD and THC are the best known, and they are quite different.
Hemp and Marijuana
Cannibus is also the plant better known as Marijuana, and Hemp is, essentially, the same plant. The two are sometimes described as “first cousins” because hemp is, technically, the non-flowering, male version of the plant. There are important differences: The psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is THC. Hemp contains less tha 0.3% THC, while marijuana can contain as much as 30%. The seeds and oil extracted from the hemp plant cannot make a person high.
Is CBD legal? The answer is yes. Under current federal law, CBD oil without THC can be legally produced and sold as a by-product of the hemp plant. However, it is still considered a regulated substance under federal law, and its authorized used is as a dietary supplement, not as a drug or medical treatment. It is not regulated by the FDA, and state laws regarding its distinction from marijuana may still be a bit muddy. It can be complicated.
Uses for CBD Oil
CBD is not currently approved as a medical treatment, and there is little control over the quality of available products. There is even less agreement on the part of scientists and medical professionals about verified benefits. The body of existing evidence seem to confirm that CBD oils have beneficial effect, but specific products can still be in the realm of “Buyer Beware.” PubMed.gov is an excellent primary resource with hundreds of of the latest studies available to read.
Where to Buy CBD Oil
In many states, CBD Oil can be purchased in the homeopathic remedy sections of health food stores, or perhaps even in drug stores in some areas. Because CBD oils are growing in popularity, specialty stores with a variety of edible or ingestible products as well as salves and tinctures are also open in many cities.
CBD oil should not be considered a panacea for all ailments, but there is almost no evidence that it will cause harm. However, it is still wise to check with a medical authority to discuss possible risks and realistic expectations.
