The current CBD Frenzy in the U.S.
CBD has become the current super craze sweeping the nation. As more and more people experience relief by using this non-psychoactive compound, the demand for CBD has grown. Whether trying to find a less costly alternative for relief or adding it to coffee in trendy cafes in California there are still things to consider when it comes to any hemp derived CBD sold outside of a licensed cannabis retailer.
Any CBD sold outside of the cannabis industry (smoke shops, head shops, coffee shops, or other CBD trendy spots) is almost certainly going to be hemp derived. These places are not allowed to sell anything with THC, one of the big distinguishers between hemp and cannabis. Whereas CBD has helped people with inflammation, anxiety, discomfort, and a wide array of other issues; where and how it’s grown can turn it into something that does more harm than good.
Standards and Regulations
In legalized states such as Washington, Oregon, or Colorado all cannabis production is regulated and overseen. These regulations put restrictions on pesticides and other variables that could have an impact on public health. I sat down with Mick who is our North Renton Marijuana Dispensary manager, who is also an experienced grower with a lot of years in the industry under his belt. “Widespread use of hemp derived CBD is both exciting and concerning.” His hesitation’s partially due to the sudden and intense craze around it without there being much education pertaining to possible risks. “The first thing I want to know is where was it sourced from, also what pesticides were used to grow it?”
Imported CBD could be a potential Red Flag.
Unlike the United States cannabis laws, some countries which grow hemp en masse don’t have many regulations around how it’s grown. Some smoke shops which have started carrying hemp derived CBD products with no THC in them are getting them from China unaware that the heavy metals and residual pesticides in their product are a serious health concern. Above all, we need to be conscious of what may be going into our bodies along with whatever product we’re ingesting.
Our director of purchasing and cannabis industry veteran, Danny Khuu, tends to agree with these sentiments. “Hemp derived CBD itself isn’t really the problem. It’s the lack of regulations when it comes from outside of the U.S.” In short, if you don’t know where it’s coming from then maybe think twice before hopping on the bandwagon.
If you want to make sure you buy the right hemp/CBD product, visit one of our Evergreen Market Cannabis Shops. You can find us in North Renton (right next to Renton Airport), South Renton (near Ikea), or Auburn (across the street from the Iron Horse Casino.)
Written by: Nikki Marangon
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