#420OHIO
Is Store-Bought CBD Safe?
Exploring whether that grocery store CBD you keep seeing is full of relief or full of junk.
There’s a lot of CBD on the market in Ohio right now. Too much, to be honest. You can even step into video rental stores in the Buckeye State and be treated to the latest movies and games … and a sizable CBD display.
That trend isn’t confined to just Ohio, either. It’s practically nationwide! The Great CBD Gold Rush is upon us. And thousands of retailers, farmers and manufacturers are clamoring to take part. But is all CBD created equal? And is there a difference between hemp CBD and medical cannabis CBD? #420Ohio dives into both topics.
Hemp Legalization in Ohio
Until most recently, hemp and CBD were not legal products in Ohio. Only Ohio medical marijuana cardholders could buy CBD products. And those products were to be purchased only from licensed Ohio medical marijuana dispensaries. That all changed in the summer of 2019 as Ohio lawmakers officially legalized hemp and CBD derived from it.
Many crops in Ohio have become untenable due to overworked soil or the damaging effects of climate change. Hemp could be the last great hope for many Ohio farmers whose crops were ravaged by this season’s heavy rainfall. But legalization also affords Ohioans an opportunity to enjoy the medicinal benefits of CBD.
CBD Everywhere!
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid derived from either the hemp plant or cannabis plant. It has been shown to provide relaxation of the joints and muscles, provide stress relief, and help with sleep.
You’ve likely been seeing CBD in Ohio while it was still illegal. It has been widely available since around 2014 or 2015. Many retailers simply ignored the restriction knowing that Ohio hemp legalization was just around the corner. While there were some instances of retailers being busted for selling CBD, most of these cases simply resulted in a warning or confiscation of the products.
However, now that CBD is legal, you are likely to see it literally everywhere. The other day, I went into a coffee shop, and they were selling shots of CBD straight into your coffee!
As CBD hits the market, it will get cheaper and cheaper. As more CBD hits Ohio, and the price wars begin, quality is sure to drop as well, so be weary.
What Else Comes From Hemp...
Beyond CBD, there will be hundreds, if not thousands, of new products derived from this amazing crop. Hemp can be grown and harvested multiple times a season. It can be turned into just about everything, from alternatives to plastics and paper, to effective medicines, soaps, creams and even foods.
That’s to say nothing for what hemp could do to the textile industry. Clothing, rugs, ropes, mats, coats, hats … you name it, it can likely be made from hemp. Hemp is a breathable fabric that holds up well under stressful conditions, so many textile companies are eager to work with this now legal crop.
Do Your Homework Before You Buy CBD
Know your CBD. Seriously. CBD is not FDA-approved, and manufacturing can range from top quality organically grown CBD to bottom of the barrel junk that’s barely even effective (or even CBD at all). Look at the product label and write it down or take a snapshot. When you get home (or on your phone), search the product online. Seek out reviews and other educational materials about the CBD you are buying.
There will be many, many retailers selling CBD, and not all of those retailers will have an idea about whether the CBD they are selling is actually safe to use. Some products can be mixed with other chemicals and are less effective as a result. Some hemp has been farmed using pesticides or other potentially harmful treatment chemicals. Patients using CBD for their health will want to find the finest quality CBD they can buy, no matter the cost. Anything less could be seriously harmful to your health.
With little regulation, the CBD market could become a race to the bottom, so stay aware that not all CBD is created equal. That grocery store hemp-dervied CBD may be tempting, but make sure your grocery store has done their homework and provided their customers with a good quality product.
Is There A Difference Between Medical Cannabis CBD & Hemp-Derived CBD?
Oh yes! While hemp does have ample amounts of CBD, it only contains trace amounts of other psychoactive compounds, like the acid, THCA.
THCA, when heated, converts to THC, another cannabinoid. This chemical compound can create a sense of euphoria and energy while providing relaxation, reduced inflammation and increased pain tolerance.
In many ways, using medical cannabis provides the best of both worlds. Patients can enjoy the benefits of both THC and CBD in combination, and use each knowing that Ohio has a proper testing system in place to quickly catch any flaws. This means that patients know where their cannabis is coming from, and how it was grown. If there’s a recall, patients are informed quickly and allowed to return the product for a refund.
When Is CBD Right Right You?
Some patients may be sensitive to the effects of THC. And some may prefer those effects at night, not while they’re working, caring for children or doing chores around the house. CBD does not create a sense of euphoria, simply a sense of relaxation. For that reason, some patients may want to try CBD only, or use a low-THC, CBD-dominant strain.
Many Ohio dispensaries sell CBD-dominant strains, or low-THC strains/products, designed to have all the benefits of CBD without overhwelming the senses with the psychoactive effects of THC. These products, grown by Ohio cannabis cultivators, like organic cultivator Galenas, are sent through a rigorous testing process to ensure that patients are getting a product free of dangerous pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
Know Your CBD
Whichever route you choose — buying CBD products from an Ohio dispensary or buying over-the-counter CBD — make sure you know what you are buying! It can be easy to impulse-purchase some CBD gummies at the local corner store, but that CBD might not be right for you. Or worse, it could be harmful to your health. But if your local store is selling a quality product, it might be worth a try to see if CBD provides relief.
Ohio medical marijuana patients can consult their physician or their budtender to see which strains are perfect for your condition. In the meantime, you can read my review of Triangle Kush, from Ohio cultivator, Josh D. It’s a wonderful indica strain that every Ohio medical marijuana patient should try out.
The educational materials, editorials and reviews found on this site are provided for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for patients or recreational cannabis users and their actions. Please consult your medical marijuana physician or pharmacist about how to properly medicate with medical cannabis, or to learn how to get your Ohio medical marijuana card.
Medical cannabis in the Buckeye State is finally becoming more affordable… But will patients return?
“Some strains … they just grind perfectly. And as expected, the tiny nugs from my bottle did just that.”
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