The use of CBD oil, which has been touted as a cure-all product for ailments ranging from arthritis to anxiety, is a growing trend across the nation, especially in Kentucky. And while some call it a medical miracle, others question whether it's legal in the state because of its association with marijuana.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oil, according to healthline.com. CBD is drawn from the flower of the hemp plant, and both hemp and marijuana are derived from cannabis sativa. It's that connection to the cannabis plant that leads to a common question about the safety and legality of CBD oil: "Can you get high off CBD oil?"
The answer? In short, no, you can not get high from cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD. CBD lacks the large amount of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the crystalline compound that is the main active ingredient of cannabis or marijuana.
And while you can't get high off the products, many do claim it helps lessen pain associated with everything from multiple sclerosis to epilepsy, to skin disorders like psoriasis.
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According to Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, hemp brought in $57.75 million in gross product sales last year, up drastically from 2017, which saw $16.7 million in sales.
Some of those sales have been from local chains, like Rainbow Blossom, a series of health food stores in the Louisville area. But as the demand for CBD products rises, you're more likely to find it on a store shelf where you'd least expect it. Walgreens welcomed CBD products into almost 1,500 stores earlier this year, and CVS also began selling the CBD products in 800 stores.
Soon you might be able to grab a CBD lotion or other beauty product off the shelf during your next Target run. Superstores like Target and Walmart have started "initial discussions" with CBD manufacturers, according to an April article on nypost.com.
The NY Post article also stated the chains, which include supermarkets such as Kroger, "are requesting samples of CBD products, along with lab results and pricing information."
But don't get too excited yet. Target said the company has no "immediate plans to carry." Similarly, Walmart said it is "not carrying CBD products right now," according to a "Today" show report.
It's safe to say hemp and CBD oil aren't going away anytime soon in Kentucky. But what is it? And is it legal? Or safe? Here's our guide to help you learn everything you need to know about CBD oil in Kentucky:
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What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oil, according to healthline.com.Is CBD oil legal in Kentucky?
As long as CBD is derived from industrial hemp, it is legal to own CBD oil under KRS 218A.010.When the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 was signed into federal law, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed for “the production and marketing of hemp” and other derivatives of cannabis with low amounts of THC, defined as less the 0.3%.
This percentage was previously set in the Agriculture Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill also removed hemp from the controlled substance list.
Hemp vs. weed: Can you get high off CBD oil?
In short, no, you can not get high from CBD, which is drawn from the flower of the hemp plant. Both hemp and marijuana come from the same plant, cannabis sativa. The difference between these lies in the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in them.The Agriculture Act of 2014 stated hemp may contain 0.3% of THC. Marijuana, however, contains 42 times more THC than hemp.
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Can you grow hemp in Kentucky?
Yes, but you’ll need a license. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture requires a license be issued to any person growing, handling or processing industrial hemp derived plants, seeds, leaf or floral materials.Without a license issued by the department, growers could face the same penalties as those who violate policies related to marijuana.
Can CBD oil be manufactured in Kentucky?
CBD oil can be manufactured in Kentucky. The licenses issued by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture apply to both growing hemp and processing products like CBD oil.Questions regarding whether CBD oil can be manufactured in the state are often raised because Indiana’s law okays the sale of hemp-related products, it doesn’t explicitly mention manufacturing CBD oil.
Is CBD oil safe? Is it addictive?
Though many users and some health professionals tout the successes and benefits of CBD products, a lot of facts remain unknown, but it isn’t addictive. This is due to the lack of THC in CBD oil. Though rare, the content of THC in marijuana can cause addiction.In a previous Courier Journal report, James Patrick Murphy, former president of the Greater Louisville Medical Society, noted that of 175 patients who tried CBD oil spray or pills, 90% reported benefits including fewer migraines, tension headaches and more tolerable leg or back pain.
Some of Murphy’s patients also reported more restful sleep and less anxiety following use. However, Murphy said a small number of his patients stopped taking it after experiencing dizziness.
Some didn’t experience any relief from their severe pain of migraines.
It is recommended to speak to a doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication or supplement, especially if you have a preexisting condition.
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Will CBD oil help or hurt my anxiety?
Because CBD oil is fairly new, there haven't been any confirmed studies on whether it hurts or helps anxiety. Some patients have reported less anxiety or depression after use, including more restful sleep.How will CBD oil affect my heart? Will it affect my medications?
Murphy warned that CBD treatment may not be for everyone, including those with heart conditions or those who take blood thinners.CBD can potentially interact with any pharmaceuticals you're taking because of its inhibition on cytochrome P450, a family of liver enzymes. According to Project CBD, cytochtome P450 metabolizes the drugs we consume. CBD can temporarily deactivate these enzymes, which would alter how the drugs are consumed.
Does CBD oil show up on a drug test?
If a drug screening only tests "positive or negative" for THC and not the amount, there's a chance your CBD oil intake could cause you to fail the drug test.Reach intern Laurel Deppen at ldeppen@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Laurel_Deppen.
"Hemp, Hemp, Hooray"
WHAT: "Hemp, Hemp, Hooray: A Celebration of Kentucky Cannabis," will allow attendees to speak with hemp farmers, producers and industry representatives to learn about the plant's history, growing methods and what it does to the body, a press release for the event stated.WHERE: Rainbow Blossom, 3728 Lexington Road
WHEN: Noon to 4 p.m. June 8
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