How CBD is Complicating the War on Drugs

The ongoing craze about CBD or Cannabidiol is complicating the gains made in the long-running War on Drugs.

CBD is a type of Phyto-compound or cannabinoid found in marijuana and hemp. Cannabidiol has sparked interest among consumers due to its non-psychoactive medicinal abilities.

Besides consumers, a number of Consumer Packaging Goods (CPG) companies are making big money selling a wide range of CBD products in the market.

The manufacturers working in the sector specifically hail CBD as a wondrous cannabis compound that will not get you high.

According to Nielsen, the less controversial CBD has been found effective in relieving different kinds of pain and inflammation.

Records show legal cannabis is purchased by people of all age groups and gender throughout the country.

Some of the main reasons why a growing number of US adults use legal cannabis include:

• Treatment of chronic pain (arthritis, back, neck, cancer, and feminine pain)
• Mental health improvement
• Physical and psychological relaxation
• Sleep aid
• Motion sickness
• Enabler for smoking cessation

Studies also suggest CBD can treat serious cases of epilepsy such as the Dravet Syndrome.

According to the Denver Post, US health regulators approved the Epidiolex medication for the treatment of two forms of childhood epilepsy.

Epidiolex is produced from isolated pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil.

The effectiveness of the drug was studied by the British based GW Pharmaceuticals and tested on more than 500 children and adults suffering from an extreme seizures.

How CBD is complicating the War on Drugs

Reports indicate that law enforcement officials are dazed by the newly legalized strains of cannabis.

Extracts of products with CBD are showing up in different places leaving the authorities with more questions than answers.

The Dallas Morning News reported about a recent 100lb drug haul in New York, which the police mistook for an illicit pot shipment. The haul containing a funky green plant was purchased from a farm in Vermont by a Brooklyn based CBD shop.

The arrest followed a tip from a FedEx employee who alerted the authorities in New York that a truck was moving marijuana from a farm in Fox Haven, Vermont to a shop in New York.

The shop owner, a Mr. Oren Levy was immediately arrested when at the police station when he went to seek clarification. He pleaded not guilty of possessing marijuana and was released after the facts were laid bare. A thorough investigation showed the package contained legal industrial hemp.

A police test revealed the consignment contained traces of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is a controlled marijuana cannabinoid.

However, the testing systems used by police are unable to differentiate between legal hemp and illicit marijuana.

Industrial hemp was delisted as an illegal substance in 2018 by the government.

The US Department of Agriculture followed the approval with a memorandum informing states to give trucks carrying hemp free passage.

According to the Washington Post, CBD is now widely sold in specialty shops and large retail chains as drugs, creams, supplements and human and pet food.

The market is projected to hit $20 billion by 2024.

However, the government is yet to craft a legal path that will see the cannabinoid regulated based on proven scientific research.

Before the compound is approved for use in food and therapeutic purposes, a string of laborious clinical trials must first be undertaken.

CBD also has a potential risk that users should be wary of.

The most acknowledged side effect is liver damage, which can arise when high doses of the compound are consumed.

Taking doses of CBD thrice at mealtime could also cause the levels of CBD to build up to potentially disastrous toxic levels.

The US government and health authorities also fear undeclared ingredients and impurities in certain CBD products may contain the psychoactive compound, THC.

Reports also show the producers of various CBD products are in a bind due to the legal misconceptions arising from the 2018 farm bill that legalized the use of CBD with very low indications of THC.

As a strategy to safeguard the safety of consumers, the Washington Post report suggests giving the FDA absolute enforcement discretion to approve CBD products used in food. This will ensure only products that match set quality standards enter the consumer market.

The criterion used in approving CBD foods should also cover the manufacturing process, safety levels of Cannabidiol and traceability.

Lastly, the CBD products must be subject to limited enforcement periods and manufacturers disallowed from making unconfirmed medical or therapeutic claims.

Although the FDA is facing mounting pressure to act quickly, the process of approving responsible CBD food makers will take considerable time since it touches on consumer safety.

Promoting a drug-free society through education and mentorship

Drug overdose and misuse among teenagers and young adults have always been a big concern to parents and society at large.

Cannabis Sativa ranks top in the list of drugs used by teenagers.

The other devastating drugs include methamphetamines, heroin, and ecstasy.

The teens who take up drugs do so for a number of reasons ranging from peer pressure and experimentation to the need to manage chronic physiological and psychological pain.

Parents can play a leading role in preventing teens from being trapped in the endless drug cycle.

Some of the practical solutions include fostering a trusting relationship; acting like good role models and being honest and open when discussing drug issues with children.

Acting as a good role model to children means doing several things, including avoiding illicit substances and drinking responsibly.

Youth education is another important pillar of overcoming drug use.

A number of organizations have established a scholarship to support the education of young people.

By easing the tuition burden, scholarships can help young people improve school performance and achieve the dream of obtaining a college degree.

A case in point is the Rusty Tweed Drug-Free Scholarship, which is in its second year.

Leading economist, mentor, and CEO, Rusty Tweed is the sponsor of the program. Many youths have gone through his mentorship program and become successful entrepreneurs and people of good standing in society.

Rusty Tweed’s philanthropic efforts are also trained on health, financial advising and community volunteerism. His investment seminars cover financial management, taxation and real estate investing.

On volunteerism, Rusty has helped raise money for several non-profit initiatives dedicated to fighting drug abuse such as the New York and New Orleans Detox Centers. Rusty maintains a blog and an active presence on social media where he can be easily reached.

Additionally, Rusty is an avid supporter of Drug Free World and believes achieving a drug-free world starts with education.