It’s not that often when a product comes out that causes such a reaction as Cannabidiol (CBD) has. CBD has been around for some time. In the last couple of years, sales have skyrocketed everywhere. It is sold in stores and online. It is legal for anyone over 21 to buy and in some states, the age to buy is 18. You can legally buy CBD products in Oregon.
The marijuana and hemp plants are cousins, but they have differences. CBD is a cannabinoid found in both plants. The cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is also found in both plants. Marijuana contains more THC, and hemp contains more CBD. THC will make you high, but CBD will not.
For many years marijuana and hemp were both illegal in the US because it was thought both plants caused intoxication. Once it was discovered hemp did not contain enough THC to cause intoxication, the 2018 Farm Bill was passed. The bill removed hemp from the Schedule I Controlled Substance list in the US. It made it legal to grow hemp and to manufacture and sell CBD products nationwide. The one catch is that hemp plants and hemp CBD products can not exceed 0.3% THC.
What Is CBD Used For?
There have been many studies done concerning CBD and the medical benefits it could potentially have.
So far, there has been only one CBD-based medicine that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It is called Epidiolex, and it is used to treat the rare forms of epileptic seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). These types of seizures don’t usually respond to anti-seizure medications. In several studies, CBD reduced the seizure numbers and some instances, stopped them completely.
Though studies with CBD are still inconclusive for the most part, there has been some evidence it can be helpful to treat inflammation and pain. Many people are using CBD products to treat conditions like arthritis which can cause pain and inflammation. Other conditions CBD could be beneficial for are inflammatory bowel diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Some people are afraid of becoming addicted to prescription pain medications. Some people just don’t like the side-effects caused by opioids, such as constipation.
More potential uses of CBD are to treat mental and emotional conditions. CBD is thought to produce calm and relaxation. This could be useful to treat anxiety-related illnesses. These conditions include
general anxiety, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Many people already use CBD to treat these conditions, but the FDA has not yet approved it for these issues.
Last but not least, it seems many people also use CBD to help with sleep disorders. Humans have an endocannabinoid system. This network of cannabinoid receptors is in the central nervous system and brain. CB1 And CB2 are the primary receptors. Cannabinoids in marijuana and hemp can attach to these cells and produce various effects. Some research implies that the cannabinoid CBD may react with some receptors. This can potentially affect the sleep/wake cycle. Since CBD may also help relieve pain and anxiety, it may help get better sleep.
Why Is CBD Sometimes Illegal?
CBD from hemp is legal everywhere in the US as long as the THC level does not exceed 0.3%. However, CBD derived from marijuana is a different story. Marijuana and CBD products derived from marijuana are still illegal on the federal level. Eleven US states have legalized marijuana for recreational and medical use.
At least 14 US states have decriminalized marijuana and marijuana-derived CBD products. This does not mean you won’t face small fines and civil penalties, but there is less chance you will serve jail time if the amount you are caught with is small.
There are over 30 states that have medical marijuana programs. With a doctor’s recommendation and state approval, you may have access to marijuana or marijuana-derived CBD products that have more than 0.3% THC. Marijuana and CBD derived from marijuana will cause intoxication.
Current CBD Laws In Oregon
Oregon voters decided to make limited amounts of marijuana legal for recreational use on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, with Measure 91. Just like in California, anyone 21 years and older can use marijuana and marijuana-based products.
Outside of the home, you can possess up to one ounce of marijuana. Adults may gift specific amounts of marijuana and marijuana products to anyone 21 and older. However, they can not be compensated for these transactions. Adults can possess up to 8 ounces of marijuana and grow no more than 4 marijuana plants at home.
Marijuana businesses in Oregon are regulated by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. The commission oversees marijuana producers, processors, wholesalers, and retailers. Marijuana retailers are allowed to sell their products to anyone 21 and older.
As for CBD-derived from hemp with 0.3% THC or less, anyone 18 years of age and older can purchase it in Oregon. CBD from hemp was legalized in Oregon through the 2014 Farm Bill. Laws relating to hemp and hemp products are currently followed in Oregon the same as federal law dictates. Under the Oregon hemp program, a business does not need to apply for a license or registration to sell hemp as long as the products meet federal requirements. They can contain no more than 0.3% THC and can not be advertised as a dietary supplement.