Today is Opioid Misuse Awareness Day, and this week, CBD Hacker took a look at some of the ways that CBD might play a role in fighting the epidemic.
But while CBD could be a lifeline for people who are dealing with opioid dependence, this weeks news reminds us that it’s extremely important to buy from a reputable manufacturer.
Earlier this month, police found fentanyl-spiked products being sold as CBD in a Jackson, Mississippi-area convenience store. Fentanyl is an opioid anesthetic that is 30-50 times more potent than heroin.
The tainted vape additives were labeled as natural CBD oil and sold under the “Diamond CBD” brand.
So, how can consumers avoid products with dangerous synthetic additives? Look for companies that provide third-party lab test results, and research their reputation before you buy.
The Democratic Party in Vermont is calling for expanded cannabis legalization. At the party’s convention on Sunday, delegates added language to their platform reading: “We believe that marijuana should be legal, taxed and regulated in the interests of consumer and public health, and economic opportunity.”
The state of Illinois saw two big cannabis-related advancements this week. On Sunday, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill that will allow farmers to grow hemp for non-drug uses, including paper, fabrics, biodegradable plastics, construction materials and food. With this new law, Illinois joins 16 other states that have legalized the crop.
And on Tuesday, Rauner signed a bill that will make it easier for patients to access medical marijuana. It expands the state’s list of qualifying conditions, and allows doctors to recommend cannabis for patients who have been prescribed opioids like OxyContin, Percocet or Vicodin. The bill also removed some of the strict restrictions that have prevented patients from participating in the program.
Over the weekend, Ohio regulators took steps that will make it more difficult for consumers to access CBD in the state. The Ohio State Board of Pharmacy issued guidance saying that CBD oil may only be sold in a state-licensed dispensary.
But Ohio’s dispensaries are months away from opening, and the state’s medical marijuana program has a very short list of conditions. That means that even when the state’s dispensaries open their doors, many CBD users will not be able to qualify for access.
On Monday, California passed a bill that will allow children with specific medical conditions to consume medical cannabis on school grounds. Under the law, parents would be able to visit schools to administer prescribed liquids or capsules to their children.
Seed-to-shelf CBD products are on the rise, with established brands like Lazarus Naturals and Green Gorilla implementing their own hemp-growing operations this year. Growing their own hemp will allow CBD companies to control of every stage of production.
BuzzFeed News reported on Wednesday that the White House has assembled a secret committee tasked with portraying cannabis in a negative light. Last month, the committee reportedly directed leaders at the DEA and other federal agencies to submit data “demonstrating the most significant negative trends” related to cannabis use and legalization.
Mexico legalized medical marijuana last year, and its common-sense approach to CBD could make history, according to Forbes. The new law will allow manufacturers to treat CBD as a supplement, as long as the final product contains less than 1% THC.
In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo will host a series of cannabis legalization listening sessions to get input from communities on the details of cannabis legalization. The state’s Regulated Marijuana Workgroup will incorporate this input into a draft of legislation for adult-use cannabis legalization in the state.
CBD Deals and Promos
This weekend only, Kat’s Naturals is offering 20% off their flagship product Heal. Use the code 20LaborDay to get the deal.
Save 15% on your entire Palmetto Harmony order until Monday, September 3, 2018. At checkout, just use the code Labor15 to claim your savings.
Bluebird Botanicals is offering 30% off vape oil and CBD isolate. Hurry, this promotion is only available while supplies last. No discount code needed, the sale price is live on the website.
