Gov. Mike DeWine has signed the bill for legalizing cannabinoid oil and hemp production allowing farmers to cultivate hemp. Despite the legalization, Ohio farmers seem to be waiting for the green signal for growing the cannabis plant. 

The law permits farmers to cultivate hemp with a maximum level of 0.3% THC, the psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. THC or tetrahydro cannabinoid is the chemical in the cannabis plant which is responsible for causing ‘high’ when users smoke pot or weed. The chemical alters brain activity and causes hallucinations. If taken in high potency over a long period of time, THC can lead to permanent mental disorders or cause deteriorating mental health. 

Contrary to the effects of THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound which does not produce any hallucinations irrespective of what form it is being consumed by the user. There are plenty of medical benefits of CBD; from treating acute pains to chronic ache to inflammation to swelling to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, CBD offers a plethora of treatment options. 

Commonly known as CBD, the cannabinoid is an anti-inflammatory compound. It is being used in various products, ranging from topicals, ointments, creams, tinctures, oils, skin creams to chocolate bars, gummies, candies, cookies, cocktails, salad, beer, and much more. 

Despite the federal regulations legalizing hemp-derived cannabinoid, and removing it from the list of Controlled Substances, the Food and Drug Administration has yet to change its regulations. The FDA prohibits companies from infusing CBD in edibles and food supplements. Anyhow, business leaders seem to avoid the warnings by the agency and continue to create an array of CBD infused products that may not fall under the legal category of FDA regulations. 

The executive director of the National Hemp Association, Erica Stark, says that it is encouraging to see Ohio join the CBD bandwagon with more than 40 other states that have legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids. 

Stark says that the Farm Bill in 2018 has triggered a dramatic increase in the inclination towards CBD amongst consumers. Not only has the Farm Bill being able to pave way for companies to step into a booming industry but also gained traction in the consumer section. 

Many people have started using CBD as alternatives to opioids, painkillers, anti-inflammatory medicines, antidepressants and replaced their ongoing prescription with the much renowned CBD. However, with the growing interest and faith in CBD, law enforcement agencies are concerned about the alarming levels of CBD- there is no scientific research as such which supports the claims of the medical benefits of CBD. 

The FDA stands firm on its decision to prohibit CBD infused edibles and beverages as it says that public health and safety is their first priority. Before they allow companies to enter into the consumer market, they need to ensure its safe levels, and any side effects of CBD that could impact the overall health of a user in the future. 

Later this fall, the USDA will unveil its guidelines for the federal industrial hemp program. Farmers are suggested to wait until there is a clear law and situation in place from both federal and state regulations, or else they could face charges. 

Stark recommends Ohio farmers to proceed with caution- not only in growing hemp but also in making sure that they fully understand the rules and permitting process as they unfold gradually over time. 

Stark added that it is best for farmers who are new to this domain i.e CBD to start small- going full 100% or even growing hemp in 20,50,100 acres directly could cost them a lot and impact their entire CBD farming lifecycle. While many farmers realize the power of hemp cultivation and are witness to the booming industry, they should maintain a safe distance from any legal charges or penalties anyhow. 

She points out that cannabidiol or CBD is a more labor-intensive and is quite similar to growing tobacco, while hemp fiber cultivation is relatively simpler and resembles that of a traditional row crop, planted much like soy or corn. 

Stark added that on one hand, there’s CBD cultivation and then, on the other is fiber and grain cultivation, and both are quite different business models.

According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the agency will start issuing a license for hemp cultivation and processing permits by next spring. 

CBD is everywhere! From chocolate shops to gummy bears, CBD infused salad to CBD infused beer, and now a company is launching non-alcoholic shots with CBD.

CBD has sprawled across the entire globe, let alone different countries and companies are leaving no chance of taking advantage of it. The compound is basically a hemp-derived formula which has anti-inflammatory properties and is non-psychoactive in nature.

This means that CBD does not produce any mind-altering effects which lead to hallucinations or the ‘high’ that people experience while smoking weed or marijuana. The compound responsible for causing the ‘high’ is known as THC or tetrahydro cannabinoid which has been restricted by all law enforcement bodies. THC is highly dangerous for consumption and if used in high potency for a long period of time, it leads to permanent mental disorders.

CBD has been associated with plenty of medical benefits. It is widely popular to treat stress, depression, anxiety, panic attacks and severe mental health disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. People have also been relying on CBD for their daily needs like acute pain, aches, inflammation, swelling, recovery from an accident and even Cancer sometimes.

But the lack of evidence and scientific proof is what worries governments and law enforcement officials all around the world. From the United States Food and Drug Administration to the government of the United Kingdom, all the countries on the verge of legalizing CBD or already dealing with it seems to be tensed about public safety.

Though there are some studies that suggest how effective CBD is and how it can work as an alternative for opioids, there’s hardly any internationally recognized study or research which supports the claims of CBD.

A company in the United Kingdom has launched non-alcoholic shots with CBD in 3 different flavors: ‘Zest’, which is marketed as a product to improve heart health and low blood pressure; ‘Spice’, which is marketed as a product that helps to increase concentration and ‘Bloom’, which OTO claims is a product that will help in improving the quality of sleep and reduce anxiety.

Each shot of 60ml contains 50mg of “high-quality” CBD. Each shot is priced at £6.99. The company already sells a wide variety of “high-strength” CBD-infused cocktail bitters.

As per the figures from the Cannabis Trades Association United Kingdom, the number of cannabidiol users has almost doubled from 125,000 in 2017 to nearly 250,000 in 2018.

The range of drinks has been curated by a team of industry leaders including Antonia Jamison, a founding director at the Sipsmith Gin, Dr. Ketan Joshi, food scientist, Gemma Calao, managing director of OTO and James Bagley, CEO of DMD Ventures, which is the owner of drinks retailer 31 Dover.

The CBD for the shots is derived from organically grown hemp plants, while each of the flavors is infused with botanicals handpicked to complement the effects of cannabidiol such as ginger, turmeric, lavender, cinnamon, and lemongrass.

Gemma Colao, co-creator said that the new RTDs are an elegant and simple way to enjoy the perfect dose of CBD, whether it is consumed in a shot or mixed with a cocktail. Gemma further stated that they have created 3 unique blends which perfectly complement the needs of their customer’s, from improving their health to creating a balance in their everyday lives.

Joshi added that the company has carried out intensive research and trials to evaluate the right dosage and determine the optimum daily dose of cannabidiol. Their continuous trials have proven amazing medical benefits of CBD, with users experiencing fantastic benefits from increased focus, better sleep to reduced anxiety.

The company seems to be confident about their product and says that their new RTDs will prompt more people to incorporate CBD into their daily routines in a simple and effective manner- and enjoy the benefits of improved health and wellbeing overall.

The shots are now available on both off-trade and on-trade from the OTO’s website.

Kylie Jenner has the Midas touch—anything she takes a liking on becomes a hot new commodity. One product that has earned a place on her Instagram page is the CBD-infused Happy Tea, which highlights its positive effects on mental health and anxiety relief.

Earlier this week, the cosmetics mogul and social media celebrity gave a shoutout to the brand in one of her Instagram Stories, increasing its probability of hitting it big as everyone on Insta clamors to share it on their feed.

Detox Teas

Fit Tea is the brand that sells Happy Tea and introduces it as one of its teatox items. The brand has been enjoying immense popularity following endorsements from big celebrities like Cardi B, the Kardashians, and other Instagram influencer models. Even Sarah Palin took sponsored photos of the brand, which she shared on her social media, too.

While detox teas are a fitness fad, many health professionals are critical about such products. Doctors are concerned that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate dietary supplement ingredients such as in detox teas. Some common tea components like valerian root and Garcinia cambogia are known to have serious side effects.

While nutrition experts note that teas are a combination of herbs, most will give a caffeine boost at best, or a bad case of loose bowel movement at worst.

All About Happy Tea

Happy Tea is a detox tea, and many people are wondering whether it works and if it’s safe to use.

Since there is a significant lack of clinical evidence and FDA regulations, there is no proven claim for Happy Tea as of yet.

The brand is said to contain 10 mg of cannabidiol or natural hemp extract as indicated on the label. It is a non-psychoactive component in both marijuana and hemp. The company claims that the tea reduces anxiety, alleviates stress and abates inflammation.

Michael G., the founder of Fit Tea, said he formulated the drink to solve his own mental health issues and anxiety.

He writes on the website how advice from blogs and articles like therapy, mantras and guided meditations to help calm the mind, but discloses that none of it works for him, which is why he developed a ‘real’ solution that is the Happy Tea.

While the ‘real’ part is debatable, there have been several studies on CBD efficacy in different conditions such as opioid addiction, but there aren’t that many clinical evidence on the said substance.

Happy Tea is essentially a detox tea with all the many caveats such drink faces. The regulatory framework for CBD use in drinks, food, and supplements. Without it, manufacturers can write any claims about their products. In just this past year, officials had to warn several CBD companies for unwarranted claims, such as treatment of Parkinson’s disease or cancer, which aren’t backed up by any clinical proof.

On the other hand, Happy Tea does not make any of those claims; the only problem is that there is not much regulation and research to say what it really does and doesn’t do.