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.

If you thought that pot and weed parties were all about getting high, then it’s time to reconsider your vision. Baby boomers are slowly opening up to the healthy aspects of these medicinal parties and basking in the wisdom of knowledge which can be used for curbing pain and treating other ailments.

Inside The Party

Jasmine Viel of CBSLA visited a party recently where she saw grandparents learning more about the health benefits of cannabis. Catherine Goldberg has been sharing her knowledge about the positivity of cannabis amongst grandparents. She was quoted as saying that,“So what you guys are drinking is CBD water. It’s made from the hemp plant. It’s absolutely not psychoactive.” She further added that, “What we’ve found is that when you combine THC and CBD, that’s when you get the real benefits.”

Finding New Takers

Alan Brause attended one such party and revealed that, “I’m one of those people who never did any pot in his life 70 some years on.” However, his wife Lois had once presented him with a CBD salve for curing arthritis which was not of much help. While sharing his recent enlightenment on CBD, Brause added that, “It feels like it might be doing a little something but then after that I don’t know.” According to Goldberg, the hand salve used by Brause was not adequately strong. He would have benefited more had he opted for a mixture of THC and CBD in 1 to 1 ratio.

A Symbiotic Partnership

Guests do not experiment with psychoactive products in these parties although they are fully aware of the impact they can have on our bodies by making us high. Brothers Mike and Brian Davis, the creators of Mozen vape pens have been experimenting with marijuana since their teenage years and revealed that, “Mozen means balance in Hebrew.”

 The Davis brothers interacted with Goldberg last year while she was educating groups belonging to a temple on Friday and Saturday nights. Davis recalled the event stating that, “So I started these events called Pot Shabbat and High Havdalah.” They were completely floored by the simple explanations provided by Goldberg and gave her the option of joining the Mozen team.

According to Goldberg, “It’s this idea that you can create recipes with not only different amounts of THC and CBD but combine them with these terpenes. Then you get into these really cool effects.” She further pointed out that the Mozen vape pens constituted of terpenes as one of its chief ingredient which are organic molecules traced in plants imparting the distinct smell. Myrcene for example is a terpene which can be found in mangoes.

Bottom Line

Goldberg also revealed that, “We load up the good night pen with myrcene and there’s a little bit of linalool which is found in lavender. So, the good night pen will knock you out.” This definitely came in as a huge plus for seniors like Barbara Weinbaum who had been struggling with insomnia for years.

Barabara has been adding THC to her water and drinking it before bedtime for sleeping in peace. She also added that,“I do that and in addition I have a gummy and edible or a couple of hits off of the vape.” Goldberg advises everyone to have a broad mind-set and try out different possibilities by discussing the impact of cannabis with their health physicians.