As confusion keeps on bubbling over the legality of CBD, big-box retailers are preparing themselves for entering the arena with a bang the day it gets branded with a legal tag. Top executives of market magnets like Target and Walmart have been meeting up with the manufacturers of topical creams, gummy bears, drinks and oils infused with CBD or
cannabidiol.

What Is CBD

CBD is extracted from marijuana plants but does not have THC content which is otherwise infamous for making us feel high post-consumption. Although massive controversies have taken shape regarding the legality of CBD, it has proved to usher in a calming effect which is helpful in relieving all signs of insomnia, anxiety and even pain.

Interest Of Manufacturers

Big supermarkets like Safeway and Kroger are inquiring about CBD product samples apart from it’s pricing information and lab results. This is happening despite the fact that the FDA ruled out the addition of CBD or THC in food and beverages in December. Transportation of this controversial chemical over state lines has also been prohibited by FDA rules. Christian Graversen, the brand manager of California-based CBDfx revealed that “We are
flying around the country, talking to all the big guys at their headquarters.” This 6-year-old the company holds more than 50 CBD-infused product variants under its kitty inclusive of a $10 package of eight gummy bears. Graversen further added that “We are going multiple times to the same companies, meeting with their senior buyers, legal departments and merchandising executives.”

Future Prospects

In spite of having an uncertain future, CBD definitely holds superb prospects in days to come which is causing more and more manufacturers to line up for basking in its benefits. According to experts, the net worth of the CBD industry is expected to reach $2.1 billion within the next year. The main reason behind this is the eagerness of consumers to shell out premium rates for CBD-infused products be it for treating ADHD or arthritis. Bigger chains like CVS, Walgreens, and GNC have started selling CBD-infused topical creams targeted at curing pain and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. These are being sold in States like New York which have received the green signal for the same. Walmart issued a statement elaborating on its CBD strategy by pointing out that, “We do not have plans to
carry CBD products at this time.”

A Target spokesperson revealed that “Like many companies, we know there is consumer interest in CBD products, and the conversation is evolving quickly. We’re following the discussion, but currently,  don’t have any immediate plans to carry them.” Other than carrying out proper due diligence, the chain is also devising plans for selling CBD.
Michael Kirban, the chief executive of Vita Coco was quoted as saying, “The major retailers are [designing] shelves, laying out space where CBD products will sit in their stores, but they aren’t buying any product yet.” This renowned coconut water brand is all set to roll-out a hemp-infused drink this summer. However, Kirban pointed out that this rollout will happen only in smaller stores as the bigger retailers are eagerly awaiting a permanent FDA the ruling of marijuana-based products which has a bleak chance of happening before this year
end.

Image Source: dailymail.co.uk

In spite of gaining worldwide popularity for its inherent health benefits, CBD oil is still an extremely unwelcome object at Disney World – “The Most Magical Place On Earth.” 69 year old North Carolina resident Hester Jordan Burkhalter came to know about the same in a harsh manner when she was arrested by the park authorities for possessing the controversial chemical.

Park Tour Gone Wrong

 The great-grandmother was found to possess “illegal narcotics believed to be THC oil” on April 15^th by the security officers at Disney World. This was confirmed by an arrest affidavit issued by the concerned authorities. The cannabis-based product was found in her purse by an off-duty Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy in a glass bottle. It contained a peppermint CBD tincture containing next to none THC content which is infamous for making you feel high after consuming marijuana and similar products.

Arthritis Cure

Burkhalter had been planning the Disney World trip since the last two years and ultimately got the chance to make it happen last month along with her family. However, the felony charge led her to face 12 hours’ custody confinement apart from the levy of a $2000 bond. All this happened in spite of Burkhalter carrying a doctor’s note subscribing the usage of the CBD tonic for her arthritis pain. She was quoted as saying that, “I have really bad arthritis in my legs, in my arms and in my shoulder. I use (CBD oil) for the pain because it helps.”

A Look At The Turn Of Events

Deputy Vernon Lebron”was working in an off duty capacity at Magic Kingdom” on 15^th April when he was suddenly notified by a park security personnel about someone being in possession of illegal narcotics. While inspecting her purse, Lebron enquired whether the product contained THC and Burkhalter refused to answer his question. According to the report, Lebron used a “marijuana presumptive drug test kit” to test whether the bottle contained THC. The positive outcome of the test indicated at the euphoric chemical component of the bottle which ultimately lead to Burkhalter’s arrest.

Legislative Confusion Over CBD

Industrial hemp was legalized by the 2018 Federal law and given the same standing as that of an agricultural product. This has led to the free sale of CBD-infused products in the Sunshine State. In spite of that, it has not gained a legal footing in Florida. State lawmakers are trying to create a proper industrial regulatory framework in the aftermath of passing the hemp bill. However, it needs the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis for gaining the solid footing of being treated as law.

Bottom Line

Burkhalter revealed that she “didn’t know what to think” while being arrested. She further added that, “I’ve never had one speeding ticket in my life.” Her attorney Jennifer Synnamon pointed out that, “a little drop of oil, with the CBD, is a felony. Meanwhile, you can have up to 19.9 grams of leaf-marijuana, and it’s a first degree misdemeanor.” All charges against Burkhalter were dropped ultimately.

Mondelez International, the parent company of Oreo, Chips Ahoy and Nutter Butter is a food industry mammoth which is weighing out its options for entering into the world of CBD. The Oreo maker wishes to cash in on this latest trend by adding a brand-new flavour to its existing menu chart which is bound to make the game more entertaining in upcoming days. CEO Dirk Van de Put was recently quoted as saying that, “Yes, we’re getting ready, but we obviously want to stay within what is legal and play it the right way.”

What Is CBD

Cannabidiol or CBD is a chemical which is derived from marijuana and hemp. However, it contains low levels of THC compound which does not make you feel high after its consumption. CBD is also believed to bring along certain therapeutic benefits which has led to its worldwide popularity for curing inflammation, seizure, anxiety and insomnia.

Clash Of Farm Bill& FDA

 The farm bill signed by President Donald Trump in December 2018 legalized the usage of products containing CBD. However, the Food and Drug Administration has stringently prohibited its addition in food or beverages. Van de Put was further quoted as saying that, “The space is not clear. It’s a bit clearer in non-food products. In food products, I’m hoping that the FDA will bring some clarity in the coming months.”

CBD- The Hottest Trend Of 2019

The massive popularity of CBD amongst people of all age groups have led brands to explore new options of benefitting out of the same. While everyone is trying to cure depression and similar problems which are slowly evolving into the reality of our mechanical world, CBD infused gastronomic wonders surely seem like a delightful solution to the same. Cannabis-infused foods and drinks has also been listed as the latest catchword by the annual report of National Restaurant Association. Maybe this is why more and more brands are trying to plan out their product lines around the same.

Uncertainty Of Future

Marijuana for sure holds the key to opening the floodgate for massive profits in days to come. But this is more of a catch-22 situation in reality. The food industry is more focused on the adverse impacts which THC – the active marijuana compound might have on the health of people consuming the same. They will continue to be wary about its usability unless proper research studies are conducted on the same.

Legalization Troubles Continue

The legalization of marijuana in different states also stand out as another big hurdle in the expansion plans of business houses. Although marijuana has been legalized in 34 states, 12 of them have imposed various restrictions on its possession and usage which has led to further chaos and confusion. A big gap is generating between the expectation of industries and the operation of government concerning this issue. If the gap keeps on growing, then it might be difficult for manufacturers to benefit out of this trend. Medicinal marijuana users will also be adversely impacted if things take a downturn.

What Happens Next

 Although the Food and Drug Administration has not regulated cannabis-infused products in an official manner, it is planning to hold public hearings on the same in the coming month. A large number of start-ups as well as established manufacturers have taken the risk and launched their CBD infused beverages and edibles.

Maybe this is why market players like Mondelez are dealing with the matter in a careful way. Although the sumptuous snacks are most likely to hit the shelves in “not-so-far future,” you need to wait for some time before getting your hands on the same as the CBD chemical might not be in harmony with the family friendly brand image of the company.