Cannabidiol (CBD) oil products are the hottest new trend to hit the shelves across the states.
CVS Pharmacy has jumped on the bandwagon and has added its own line of cannabidiol products available for purchase in stores. These products have become available in over 800 stores in eight states, including Indiana. Some of these products include a variety of creams, sprays, and roll-ons.

CBD oil is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis. CBD is found to have non-psychoactive chemicals in the compound unlike other forms of cannabis such as marijuana. CBD oil has become a hot topic of conversation for treating a variety of different medical problems.

CBD oil can be used as an alternative medication for those who suffer from pain, anxiety, inflammation and a whole list of other medical conditions. Recent studies have shown evidence of CBD oil can be effective in treating epilepsy.
IU junior Lizzie Chirls is one of the 3.4 million people nationwide who suffer from epilepsy. Chirls has had symptoms since she was two-years-old. She says she has struggled for years dealing with symptoms of her condition which cause her crippling anxiety. She says she has always had issues taking medication, so she was attracted to something more natural. Chirls talks about how CBD oil has benefited her life. She says that CBD oil can be a viable alternative for college students who suffer from anxiety and are tempted to take more addictive prescription drugs such as Xanax.

In March 2018, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a measure legalizing low-THC cannabidiol oil in Indiana. The new law allows anyone to buy, sell and possess CBD oil as long as it meets label requirements and contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, which is the substance that produces a “high.” While the law requires manufacturers to test each batch ensuring less than 0.3 percent, the law says nothing about the legality of producing CBD oil in Indiana.

Since the passage of the law, stores specializing in CBD products have opened all across Indiana. In December 2018, Bell Family Dispensary opened in Bloomington. Bell Family Dispensary is known for its wide variety of products that contain CBD oil. Sales associate, Krystie Campbell, talks about the dispensary and how the use of CBD Oil can benefit any generation who are of need of an alternative source of symptom relief.

While CBD oil may be beneficial to some, there are also other major factors to consider when consuming anything containing  even trace amounts of THC. Managing a drug-free workplace has become a challenge for employers everywhere. Individual states are legalizing the use of THC for medical and even recreational purposes but it’s still up to employers what they will and will not tolerate in the workplace. Although CBD oil is legal and is not supposed to negatively affect drug tests, the risk remains. There have been several reports in which people have lost jobs because of positive drug screenings that included traces of THC. It is important to understand the risk that is associated with using these products as well as understanding your employer’s policies to avoid the risk of losing your job or future opportunities.

Consumer interests in CBD continue to rise as more evidence of medical benefits are being released. Retailers are taking advantage of the booming industry even though the legal status and health benefits remain foggy. According to Cowen & Co., CBD consumer products estimated sales of about $2 billion. They predict that retail sales could hit $16 billion by 2025.

Although CBD products have become legal, there is a lack of regulations regarding the products. Congress is forcing the Food and Drug Administration to consider writing new rules considering the uncertainty of products in this emerging industry. In many states, the regulations remain unclear leading businesses to pull products off shelves to avoid fines. Bigger players like CVS and Walgreens are sticking with skin creams and lotions where the FDA hasn’t specifically expressed concern. States have stopped selling food and drinks that contain CBD with the recent clarification that the FDA doesn’t believe the products are safe and has ruled it is illegal. Congress is pressing the FDA for more answers and businesses across the states remain frustrated with the uncertainty of regulations regarding CBD.

The FDA has recently released a statement announcing a public hearing that will take place May 31st that will evaluate the potential regulatory pathways for cannabis-containing and cannabis-derived products

While rules and guidelines are still being written, these CBD products remain mainstream and showing up in popular stores across America. Some people say touting the benefits of marijuana are next.