CANNABIDIOL: Are Products Containing CBD Legal?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is used in a variety of products, from additives to creams to vape oils. Before using products containing cannabidiol, here is what you should know.

What is cannabidiol? 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound of plants called “cannabinoids.” CBD occurs naturally in the Cannabis sativa plant (marijuana and hemp). However, it can also be done in the laboratory (synthetic). CBD preparations may contain varying amounts of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana), which is a controlled substance. The amount of THC depends on the Cannabis sativa plant from which the CBD is derived and the process used to extract the CBD from the plant.

Is CBD legal?

After the December 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law, questions are being asked about the legal status of CBD. The Farm Bill legalizes hemp by defining it as Cannabis sativa with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Since then, various CBD products have appeared on the open market. For more information on the regulatory status of CBD and other derived cannabis products, please visit the questions and answers section of the FDA web page.

Unless a third-party laboratory tests each batch of CBD products, there is no way to know for sure whether the product contains high levels of THC. If you consume something with enough THC, it can lead to a positive drug test.

CBD is the active ingredient in the FDA-approved drug, Epidiolex®, which is used to treat seizures in children, which means that CBD can be prescribed by a doctor for its approved use: controlling seizures. Some states have laws that allow certain patients to use CBD under medical supervision, but these laws do not change CBD’s status under federal law.

In November 2019, the FDA released a consumer update stating clearly: “It is now illegal to sell CBD by adding it to food or labeling it as a dietary supplement. » The same web page explains the FDA’s decision and explains what it is doing to learn more about the safety and other effects of CBD. 

Can I use it in the military?

For members of the profession, the message is simple: the use of products containing CBD (and hemp) is prohibited, regardless of the concentration of THC (except when the Epidiolex FDA-approved drug is prescribed). CBD products include topical products, inhalation (vaping), and oral products. For an in-depth look at the military policy, you can read OpJAGAF 2019-23 (Air Force specific, but informative). In addition, the use of synthetic cannabinoids (including CBD) is listed in DoDI 1010.01 as a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

What types of products can contain CBD? CBD products can be found in a variety of forms, including oils, capsules, gummies, syrups, teas, and lotions and creams, as well as pet products. CBD is often marketed to promote general health, well-being and vitality, but some products are marketed to prevent, treat or treat serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, etc., without any evidence to support these claims. Such claims make these promoted products “unapproved drugs.” As mentioned above, the FDA has approved a drug with CBD as an active ingredient: Epidiolex.

The FDA clearly states that CBD products cannot be sold as dietary supplements. Similarly, the FDA clearly states that CBD cannot be added to foods sold in interstate commerce.

Have other concerns about CBD-containing products? Although CBD cannot legally be added to food or dietary supplements, the FDA has received increasing reports of adverse reactions related to CBD products that consumers may mistake for traditional foods and beverages. . These types of products can lead to accidental or overdose of CBD. This applies to CBD products that are sold in forms that appeal to children (such as gummies, cookies, and candies).

According to the FDA, “…the use of CBD raises safety concerns, especially with long-term use. Scientific studies have shown that male reproductive systems can be damaged, including testicular atrophy, liver damage, and interactions with certain medications. The FDA hasn’t seen enough information showing how much CBD can be consumed over a long period of time before harm occurs. The FDA is concerned about the safety risks associated with the use of CBD by pregnant or breastfeeding women and its potential interaction with caffeine. For more information, read the FDA report.

CBD oil sold for vaping brings additional concerns. Reports of serious adverse reactions related to some “CBD” vaping products have led to testing, which found the presence of dangerous synthetic cannabinoids and, in some cases, no CBD at all.

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Federal Law Makes Marijuana Illegal For The Military

Although the legalization of recreational and/or medical marijuana is growing at the state level, it is important to understand that federal law has not changed in this area. This notice is intended to remind you that the consumption of marijuana, cannabidiol, cannabinoid derivatives and THC products is prohibited for military personnel. Unlawful use and/or possession of these items is illegal under Uniform Code of Military Justice section 112A.

In addition, AFI 90-507, Military Drug Reduction Program, para. 1.1.6 states the following: Studies have shown that hemp seeds and hemp oil products can contain varying levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana, which is identified as a component of the Aeromedical Research Program. To ensure military readiness, consumption of products containing or derived from hemp seeds or hemp oil is prohibited. 

Failure to comply with the requirements of this paragraph by military personnel is a violation of Article 92 of the UCMJ. Violations may result in non-criminal administrative penalties or civil penalties if applicable to related violations. Because the UCMJ can be applied in situations involving the possession or use of marijuana products and products, the Air Force Judge Advocate’s Office advises Airmen to be aware of the products they use. used.

“From a command point of view, the important takeaway is that we want our Airmen to be savvy consumers,” said Capt. Christina Zanic, 319th Air Base Wing commander, Office of the Military Justice Advocate. “Products containing cannabidiol and marijuana extracts are gaining popularity and availability quickly. Despite this, it is still important for Airmen to understand the law as it applies to them as employees. 

When using e-cigarettes, vaping products, etc., it is important to inspect them carefully and read the label carefully to ensure that there are no cannabinoids or other substances that produce marijuana included in the product. 

Additionally, please be careful when using other products that may contain CBD or THC, such as dietary supplements, foods or beverages.

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Growing Cannabis Indoors Produces A Lot Of Greenhouse Gases

The big idea 

Indoor cannabis production is a key factor in their greenhouse gas emissions, and the environmental impact varies depending on where it is grown, according to our new study.

Indoor plant lights use a lot of electricity, but the installation requires a lot of energy to maintain a healthy environment for plants. This means air conditioning or heating to maintain the right temperature. Young people also release carbon dioxide into the room to increase plant growth. This represents 11 to 25% of the greenhouse gas emissions from the installation.

But the great energy consumption comes from the need to constantly bring fresh air into the growing room. All of this outdoor material needs to be treated so that it has the right temperature and humidity. This is a very energy intensive process because the rate of air exchange is usually high. All of these inputs contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, more so in some areas than in others.

Using data from the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and industry, we found that greenhouse gas emissions are leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions in the North West, Midwest, Alaska and Hawaii as well as the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. This is because the climate is milder by the sea, so you need less heating or cooling and because boilers use cleaner energy. 

Cannabis grown in Southern California has the lowest emissions, with 143 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent per ounce of dried cannabis. Meanwhile, East O’ahu, Hawaii has the highest emissions, with 324 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per ounce. This is almost 16 gallons of gasoline.

Why is this important 

Policy makers and consumers do not pay much attention to the environmental impact of the cannabis industry. In Colorado, the weed industry generates 1.3% of the state’s annual gross revenue. This is similar to the results of coal mining and waste disposal for all states. Currently, there is little legislation regarding the consequences of growing cannabis seeds indoors. Consumers also don’t care about the environmental impact. In general, this industry is growing and expanding rapidly without regard for the environment.

What we don’t know 

The cannabis industry is so new that researchers don’t even know how much is being grown indoors. In addition, every pregnancy is unique. Some are old warehouses with outdated equipment, while others are more energy efficient. Growing cannabis outdoors or in a greenhouse can be a way to eliminate the need for lighting and environmental controls. However, researchers also do not know which greenhouse gas emissions are associated with these types of growth. These unknown factors make it difficult to develop the best management policies or procedures.

And when 

Our team’s mission is to define and explain the environmental impact of cannabis production so that those who want to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions are better informed. Our goal is to show the greenhouse gas emissions per minute of tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical that creates the “high.” Our preliminary results show that a concentration of THC – about 10 mg of dried flowers – can have higher greenhouse gas emissions than a single beer, wine, spirit, coffee or cigarettes, regardless of where the weed is grown.

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