CBD has found its way into a variety of markets, but none of them have been more successful than that of medicine. When labeled as a homeopathic remedy, it has sold in droves. People use a variety of mediums to ease symptoms of their anxiety, depression, and neuroticism. These mediums can include vaping, salves and ointments, and even food and drink. The FDA, however, has yet to conclude whether CBD even belongs in food and drink, so some states are choosing to preemptively ban any food or drink including the substance.
In early August, Washington became one of several states to ban any food and drink found to contain CBD. As one of the first states to legalize marijuana, it’s odd to see Washington take such a conservative stance on the issue. However, the problem may not lie so much in the safety of ingesting CBD itself – more so the other chemicals that may be coming with it.
In 2018, hemp was newly legalized for agricultural growth. Originally stigmatized as a marijuana plant, hemp can be grown to serve a variety of utilitarian purposes, including biofuel and fabric. Both THC (the chemical that gets you high) and CBD can be extracted from both cannabis and hemp plants, but there’s much more THC in marijuana plants … It’s a little confusing. The basic thing you need to know is that there’s a certain percentage marker at which hemp is legally viewed as marijuana. Because it’s federally illegal to add even legal drugs to consumables, CBD drinks will be in a bit of a limbo for awhile.
However, companies are tired of waiting for the federal government to sort itself out. Coca-Cola, Nestle and even Carl’s Jr. are eager to capitalize on the name recognition of CBD, which has infiltrated markets and niches of all types. However, they are sure to do so without making too many claims regarding CBD’s efficacy, as it means a bed of legal trouble and much public scandal if a company is ever found guilty of any snake-oil style sales techniques. The FDA has issued warnings to companies making false claims about the efficacy of CBD before, whose advertisements said the substance could cure serious diseases like Alzheimer’s or cancer.
Despite this risk, companies still want to market products featuring CBD, if only to say that they have it. CBD is a cool and modern trend, and one that feels healthy and natural to do. Most CBD users report a calming effect, which can induce muscle relaxation, head-clearing, and a sense of deep peace. Since the drug hasn’t been found to either A) be physically addictive in any way, or B) cause any sort of noticeable high, the drug has been legally sold in head shops and health stores as a homeopathic remedy. However, when faced with the question of whether CBD consumption is healthy or not, the FDA still doesn’t have a definitive answer.
