The Great CBD Debate - Part 1

By now, you have probably heard about cannibidiol, CBD for short, and all the legal issues surrounding it. In this 5-part Series I want to talk about what some of the issues that are surrounding this wonderful and natural substance.

**DISCLAIMER: this is not to be used as legal advice. I am not a lawyer, consult with one if you feel the need before buying or selling CBD products in your state.**

The Farm Bill of 2014 is often referenced when making the claim that CBD made from industrial hemp is legal. This bill only legalized a very narrow set of hemp cultivation activities in some states. This list is ever changing and growing. It is legal to grow hemp under a state pilot program or for academic research. It is also legal to cultivate under state law "in which such institution of higher education or state department of agriculture is located and such research occurs." Well that doesn't apply to many of us. However, I do not want you to think that CBD is illegal. It isn't. The bill was written in such a vague way that it is open to interpretation. I want you to be aware of what is happening.

As long as you stay within the legal guidelines for your state and are under the 0.3% THC content (which is what we carry on our website) you should be fine. If you live in a state where legislation is "iffy" please do your research. It seriously changes daily. Here in WI it changed 3 times in one week.

Classification

There are 2 "kinds" of CBD. One derived from "marijuana" which is only legal in some states. Crazy enough some states legalized marijuana but CBD is still illegal. The other is derived from "industrial hemp" which is legal at the federal level and under many circumstances at the state level. Again, check with your state's laws.... it changes a lot. To make it even more confusing, both come from the cannabis sativa plant. However the concentration of THC (the part that makes you high), and which part of the plant the substance comes from is what classifies it as marijuana or industrial hemp in the eyes of the law. Like I said above, it all comes from the same exact plant. Hemp CBD that contains 0.3% THC or less technically makes it federally legal. Where as marijuana CBD will have a THC content of 12% or more, maybe as high as 19-27%.

In an article written by NPR.org, Dr. Ester Blessing states using CBD is not the same as using marijuana. Even though CBD is extracted from the same plant, it does not lead to altered perception and cognition like marijuana. "Drugs can be non-psychoactive and still have an effect on the brain," Blessing says. "CBD does have an effect on the brain, but it seems to affect the brain in possibly medicinal ways."

Please make sure you are buying INDUSTRIAL HEMP, which is legal. Know the laws of your state, even your town. Some towns are making up their own laws which can cause issues for you. Here in WI, we just passed murky legislation on May 4, 2018. You can read the article DOJ releases guidance on CBD oil: Local stores concerned. Then clarification titled DOJ issues warning on sale and possession of CBD oil, upsetting hemp farmers, which didn't actually clarify anything was issued on May 5, 2018. Even individual towns are getting involved, like this article, City of New Richmond outlaws CBD oils. Things are ever changing, it's a good idea to make sure you know what is going on.

I strongly urge you to contact your state officials and advocate for yourself. If you truly want access to this amazing, non-psychotropic substance you need to speak up. That way you will also know what is happening in this industry. I will help in any way I can.

Now that it is legal to sell again here, I have it back on my WEBSITE, along with other products you can buy from my supplier. Rest assured I use these products and know they are what they say they are. Should you have any questions, please send me an email at melissa@sweetwillowspirit.com. Have a wonderful day.

Love and light!

Melissa

Caution: The material on this page is not meant to take the place of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified medical practitioner. Since the actual use of this product by others is beyond our control, no expressed or implied guarantee as to the effects of their use can be given nor liability taken. Use at your own discretion. Any application of the recommendations is at the user’s risk. Sweet Willow Spirit, LLC disclaims any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of this information and assumes no responsibility for any actions taken. This should not be used in place of traditional therapies but solely as a complementary means for bringing well-being. The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made as to any medicinal value of any oil, product or modality.