How CBD All Began
Cannabis history dates back to
500 BC in the Central Asia region. It eventually made its way into other countries,
such as Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Cannabis cultivation dates back to
the early colonist of America. Back then, hemp was widely grown for rope, textiles,
and food. In Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Virginia areas growing hemp was a
requirement for farmers early in the 1600s.
Early versions of the hemp plants had tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but at low levels. But there is evidence back then, and even earlier, in 500 BC, people had the ingenuity to grow versions with high levels of THC for religious ceremonies and healing. Cannabis has a long history of being an herbal medicine as well. It is thought to be effective for many different conditions. However, despite the benefits, its legalization of the CBD form is still questioned in a few states.
Cannabis Legal Woes
Recreational weed smoking wasn’t
always illegal in the US. In the early 1900s, there were smokers throughout the
US using marijuana for recreation and medical purposes. It wasn’t until 1931
that 29 states outlawed weed. That was followed by the Marijuana Tax Act of
1937 at the federal level. This was effective in prohibiting hemp products, except
for industrial use. If that wasn’t a loophole, what is? Wisconsin was the last
recipient of commercial US hemp fields in 1957. Wisconsin should be known as
the birthplace of Industrial Hemp! First grown in Wisconsin as early as 1908,
by 1920, Wisconsin leads the US in hemp cultivation. Wisconsin had more acreage
in just four counties than all the other states in the US combined. By 1937 when
the tax act happened, Wisconsin farmers could get a stamp to continue growing
hemp. But by 1948, the US government stops subsidizing hemp, causing a blow to
Wisconsin growers. Then by 1970, the Controlled Substances Act made marijuana
illegal at the federal level. Wisconsin stayed in the legal fight for Hemp and
Marijuana. By 1977 several ordinances and referendums were passed in the
Madison, WI area to legally possess small amounts of pot in a private place.
All this drama was in Wisconsin alone. Nationwide the next big move with cannabis
was in 1996, when California was the first state to legalize medicinal
cannabis. That was followed by a similar action in Washington DC and 29 other
states and US territories. Today at the state level, the legal use of cannabis
continues to spread across the US. Unfortunately, at the federal level,
cannabis continues to be illegal.
Cannabis Uses and Benefits
Though it remains illegal, research is increasing on the effects of hemp and marijuana. For example, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD at the federal level (2018 Farm Bill). This research is starting to tell us that CBD may be effective in many areas, including some of the following.
- Sleep quality (NIH Sleep Case Study)
- Pain Relief (NIH Pain Case Study)
- Anxiety and depression (Frontiers Anxiety Case Study)
- Skin health (NIH Skin Case Study)
- Seizure frequency (AAN Neurology Case Study)
- Inflammation (NIH Inflammation Case Study)
Is CBD Legal?
At the federal level, a simple yes. In some states, not so much. An important point to mention, good quality CBD with a THC level of 0.00% is legal on the Federal level and in all 50 states. If the CBD has a THC level of 0.3%, it is permitted on the Federal level and legal in most states. Idaho still does not allow CBD products with THC levels greater than 0.00%. The only other states in question about the legality of CBD are South Dakota and Nebraska. Check your local laws to verify if CBD is legal in your state.
Will CBD show up on a drug test?
If you are using a Full-Spectrum Tincture, there is a greater than zero chance that the trace and legal amount of THC in the product could cause you to test positive for THC. CBD products with 0.00% THC are not expected to generate a positive result for THC. Please consider there are two types of drug tests used on urine to test for cannabis:
- Immunoassay test: Tells you whether the breakdown product of THC is present.
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) test: Tells you the type and amount of all compounds present, even CBD.
You will test negative if you have received an immunoassay test, provided you have only consumed CBD (0.00% THC). However, the more complex GC-MS test can detect the presence of CBD if required.
If your work requires drug testing, understand their list of banned substances before consuming CBD. Better safe than sorry.
Tips For Buying CBD
So many choices and people are trying to get your money. Buyer beware. Many CBD items are not what they claim to be. It’s essential to ensure you have a high-quality item that is not full of the things you don’t want and higher THC levels than you expected. Lookout for some of the things below.
- Production Methods
- It’s crucial to understand the extraction methods used. For example, some of the highest quality CBD uses an alcohol extraction.
- Review
- Reviews are good for understanding how your peers used the product and their results. Some newer companies may not have a customer base yet, so make sure they have some certifying agency behind their business practices, such as their Better Business Bureau rating. This ensures they have good business practices that put the consumer first.
- Company Transparency
- Where are they sourcing their CBD? Do they have 3rd party testing proof? What is their return policy? Do they have a mailing address and contact phone number? Are they responsive to your email request?
Overall Thoughts
I have found CBD to be an excellent option for me versus over-the-counter medication. CBD along with mindfulness helps manage the pain and calms some of the stress and anxiety. Some of the best quality CBD available can be found at https://www.adornwellcbd.com.
