All about CBD

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. As we’ve discovered more about the human species as well as the plants that we’ve learned of the immense health value that CBD brings to the table. It has quickly become a staple supplement for millions who seek a natural alternative to dangerous pharmaceuticals, alien to nature’s perfect remedies.

Sublingual CBD Oils – also known as CBD Tinctures or CBD Hemp Oil – are the most popular type of CBD products, because of their high bioavailability and rapid absorption. There are many other kinds of products as well, including CBD edibles, CBD topicals, and even CBD-infused Coffee. CBD products have gained immense popularity in health and wellness circles thanks to their natural support of our endocannabinoid system (ECS).

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD?

It’s important to note that many of these studies were carried out in vitro (outside the body), or were preclinical in nature, reducing the reliability of the results. However, the chemical antioxidant properties of the CBD molecule, as well as its antiepileptic properties, are well-established in the scientific literature.

While research into the effects of CBD on specific conditions is important, a broader perspective on the relationship between CBD and the human body is necessary to understand how this unique compound works. Interestingly, many of the conditions that are supposedly helped by CBD have no well-understood cause, from acne to Alzheimer’s disease. However, one of the few common denominators between these conditions is the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in their causes.

The ECS is responsible for setting the baseline activity levels of our immune system and nervous system, which then work to maintain our health. When the ECS falls out of whack, the systems that are regulated by it can begin to malfunction. CBD promotes the normal health and function of the endocannabinoid system, so it’s possible that CBD can help to alleviate the symptoms of conditions that are caused by dysfunction of the endocannabinoid system.

HOW ARE CBD PRODUCTS FORMULATED?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of 113 cannabinoids unique to the hemp plant. CBD is produced by the leaves and flowers of female hemp plants. Hemp is defined as all cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC by weight. Because hemp has such low THC levels, it is non-psychoactive by definition.

While CBD can be extracted from non-hemp varieties of the plant, hemp-derived CBD is less restricted by the government because of its inherently low levels of THC. CBD from hemp is legal for sale in most US states, while CBD products derived from non-hemp varieties can contain noticeable amounts of THC, and are therefore subject to stricter laws and regulations.

CBD and other cannabinoids are produced by the hemp plant because of their unique aromatic and antioxidant activities, which protect the plant from insects, fungus, bacteria, and changes in the environment.

Where does your CBD come from?

All CBD products start out the same way: as an extract from the leaves and flowers of cannabis plants. At Harmony Jo, we only extract CBD from hemp, defined as any variety of cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Cannabinoids and terpenes are produced by tiny glands on the leaves and flowers of cannabis plants known as trichomes. The compounds produced by these trichomes give cannabis both its rich aroma and its nutraceutical effects.

Users of CBD have found that CBD products help them with a wide range of health problems such as insomnia, physical pain, and anxiety. CBD has also been studied for its anti-seizure properties and its ability to combat brain damage caused by opioid addiction. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in the process of approving a CBD-based epilepsy medication which will make it the first cannabis-derived prescription medication in the United States.

Is CBD Oil Legal?
While the popularity and overall acceptance of CBD have skyrocketed in recent years, state laws on CBD vary widely. The most important factors determining CBD legality are whether it is derived from hemp or marijuana and if it is produced by a state-licensed grower.

Even though hemp contains virtually no THC, the answer to the question, “Is hemp oil legal?” is not that simple. As of 2019, CBD derived from hemp is legal nationwide at the federal level. This includes all hemp-derived CBD products like oils, edibles, and ointments. However, some states have laws on CBD from hemp that are restrictive. In some states, CBD derived from marijuana is completely legal; but in most states, its legality depends on a number of different factors and conditions.

Where is CBD Legal?

There are currently ten states where cannabis is entirely legal for medicinal and recreational use. If you live in one of these ten states, you can use CBD that comes from hemp or marijuana. These states are Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

As of 2019, there are only three states with restrictions on all cannabis and cannabis-derived products. These are Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Even though hemp is likely to become more accessible in these territories soon, if you are in one of these states, it is crucial that you know how hemp-derived CBD extracts are treated.

As mentioned before, state laws related to CBD vary significantly. If you are not sure about your state’s laws, navigate through our map to learn more.

The 2018 Farm Bill

The Agricultural Act of 2014, more commonly known as the 2014 Farm Bill, opened up new doors for the hemp industry by legalizing some cultivation activities that have since allowed the industry to grow in unprecedented ways.

Following the success of various pilot programs made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill, hemp is now widely accepted by the public and most lawmakers. In 2018, the US Senate introduced The Hemp Farming Act in its version of The 2018 Farm Bill. Among other things, the act sought to make hemp an agricultural commodity, give states the power to oversee hemp production, and take away the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) authority over hemp.

The 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law in December 2018, effectively legalizing hemp at the federal level by removing it from the federal list of controlled substances and classifying it as an agricultural commodity. As a result, CBD from hemp is legal nationwide. The Hemp Farming Act, included in the 2018 Farm Bill, is considered the most important victory in the history of the hemp industry in the United States.

Courtesy Disclaimer:

*The legal landscape around CBD is unclear and changing rapidly both at the Federal and State level. The information on our website and any other communication regarding legality which you may receive from any representative of Harmony Jo is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You must make your own judgment regarding whether you should purchase CBD in your jurisdiction. You should contact your attorney to obtain more specific guidance.*

CBD COMPLIANCE

HOW HARMONY JO STAYS COMPLIANT IN THE HEMP INDUSTRY:
While the federal legalities surrounding hemp and CBD continue to become more favorable, several states have initiated their own laws prohibiting the cultivation of hemp. Others have added to the federal restrictions on industrial hemp cultivation without completely prohibiting the practice.

For example, the state of Indiana requires that, for CBD products to be legally protected, the packaging must include a means of establishing that the product is indeed compliant with federal regulations.