Cannabidiol (CBD) has become increasingly popular and in-demand in the last few years. It can be found as an active ingredient in lotions and oils. It is also used in consumables that can range from tasty desserts to a daily vitamin gummy. They are available to buy online and, more recently, shops have started opening that only offer CBD products. As of 2019, the use of CBD oil has been decriminalized in Ohio.

However, it doesn’t mean that you should buy it or that it is safe just because it is decriminalized. What is CBD oil? Can it help those who use it? If it’s decriminalized, does that mean it is legal to purchase and consume? Here is some more guidance on this substance.

What Is CBD Oil?

Cannabis and marijuana are words that are used to describe the same thing. You know that CBD oil is associated with the drug but what exactly is it and where does it come from? CBD is a chemical compound and it is the second most common active ingredient in cannabis. It is also an essential part of medical marijuana that is sold legally in some states.

CBD oil can be derived from either a marijuana plant or a hemp plant. Hundreds of components are found in both of these plants. CBD is just one small part. Once CBD is extracted from the plant it is usually collected in an oil form. This oil is then sold as-is or it is added to other products like lotions and edibles. CBD does not cause the “high” that is usually associated with cannabis or marijuana.

Is CBD Oil Safe?

There is scientific evidence that CBD oil can help certain conditions including:

  • Anxiety. CBD has been noted to help those with anxiety calm down a bit and lessen their worries.
  • Insomnia. There is promising evidence that taking CBD oil and help people with both falling asleep and staying asleep.
  • Chronic pain. Studies have been conducted in animals that show applying CBD on the skin through lotion can lower pain and reduce inflammation. This is good news for people with conditions like neuropathy and arthritis.
  • Childhood epilepsy seizures. Evidence shows that this is especially true in kids who have seizures that do not respond well to anti-seizure medicines. Generally, these people take the oil by adding a few drops to a drink or directly apply oil to their tongue.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indirectly endorsed the benefits of CBD oil. In 2018 they approved a drug that contained CBD oil and extracts from a marijuana plant. The medicine is to help treat a rare and severe form of epilepsy that commonly appears in children.

While the use of CBD oil is generally safe, there are a few known side-effects. These include nausea, irritability, and fatigue. It can also interact with certain medications like blood thinners. For this reason, you should always consult with your doctor before starting a new medicine or supplement that contains CBD.

Federal and Ohio CBD Oil Laws and Regulations

CBD oil is readily available and most states in the U.S. have legalized its use in some way. In 2019, the Ohio legislature passed a law that decriminalized all hemp use in the state. This law eliminated confusion on several factors including:

  • It allows retailers to sell CBD oil that is derived from hemp and contains less than .3% of THC to be sold
  • It is legal for Ohio farmers to grow and process hemp
  • It established a licensing system for farmers to follow if they want to get into the industrial hemp business
  • It assigns state leadership by designating the Ohio Department of Agriculture as the authority to create all regulations regarding hemp and to assign licenses
  • It allows state universities to cultivate and process hemp for research purposes

As with all drug laws, the federal government has its own regulations and each state can also make individual laws. The federal government’s take on CBD oil is confusing. It ultimately comes down to the source of the CBD in question. There should be no issues if the oil was extracted from a hemp plant. However, you could face fines if you are convicted of a federal drug charge for CBD oil that was extracted from a marijuana plant.

However, these types of federal charges are rare and it is unlikely that an individual would be federally prosecuted for having CBD oil that was derived from a marijuana plant. Sellers of CBD oil from this source would more likely be the target of any government raid or fine.

Contact the Cincinnati Drug Crimes Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC For Help Today

For more information, contact the drug crimes attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (513) 333-0014 or visit us at our Cincinnati Law Office.

Suhre & Associates, LLC – Cincinnati
600 Vine Street, Suite 1004
Cincinnati, OH 45202
United States