In December of 2018 the final version of the farm bill was passed that makes it legal to grow hemp in the US. One of the bill’s key supporters was Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, yes the tobacco state.
So what’s the big deal, two come to mind, farmers can parlay from tobacco crop (which is dying) to hemp (which is increasing) and second, more start-ups can get into making CBD products with less concern of federal restriction.
Is this great news for companies that are currently or would like to use industrial hemp to make consumable products, well sort of. The feds said ok, but left the legality and enforcement with the Department of Agriculture that consults with U.S. Drug Enforcement and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so one can easily see how things can get confusing in language interpretation, enforcement and management.
So far CBD anything has been an increasingly growing category with consumers seeing it as more holistic and health beneficial than it’s sibling THC (it’s not, but seen that way). One can ship CBD products across state lines through mail order etc. without the fear of the Feds knocking at the door. However, right now many states are placing hemp and marijuana in the same restricted category until they can sort things out.
To understand the underlying concern of cbd, one first need to better understand the differences between cbd and thc and how each is derived, CBD Origin breaks it down clearly.
CBD and THC have the exact same chemical makeup of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms. The two are nearly identical in makeup. What differentiates the two is the arrangement of a single atom as see below as illustrated.
Cannabidiol does not offer psychoactive effects where Tetrahydrocannabinol does. Consumers prefer the health benefits that each has to offer, however, many would rather remain in “clear state of mind” while enjoying the benefits and that’s when CBD comes forward as more holistic.
The THC in marijuana is enjoyed by consumers that want to get “high” first and reap the benefits secondly, with the exception of drawing in smoke if that is the delivery method. CBD tends to be marketed for healing, rebuilding etc. and that is why many are getting into the business.
One of the issues some states are facing is a manufacturer proving that the CBD is derived from hemp as opposed to marijuana. Some CBD products will contain a percentage of THC even though the label states CBD in prominent letters and that is not allowed in some states.
Under the US Farm Bill of 2014, CBD derived from hemp is federally legal. While this is a federal law, it does not legalize CBD derived from marijuana, and it does not overrule state law. So the issue for you the manufacturer is proving the CBD used in your edible product comes from hemp.
There are currently 85 known cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant, here is a wheel put out by Leafly which serves as a resource to determine which cannabinoids may help treat symptoms associated with mood, eating/gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders, pain, sleep disorders, and other medical conditions.
If you would like to make a CBD consumable such as ice cream, then schedule time with Darryl. He will work with you to make your product the best it can be.
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