Stern Ruling
Tough news today for those selling CBD products in Ohio, now prominently found throughout the state, from holistic stores, head shops, coffee shops and even some grocery stores. The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy has issued a statement regarding CBD oil's legality in Ohio:
"All marijuana products, including CBD oil, can only be dispensed in a licensed Medical Marijuana Control Program dispensary. Those marijuana products will have to comply with the rules and regulations of the program. All products must have a known source, as well as known quantities of active ingredients. Testing procedures will be conducted by testing laboratories licensed by the Ohio Department of Commerce."
What this means, essentially, is that patients who currently use CBD products will be required to get a medical marijuana card in order to use and access CBD products, which will be sold in state-licensed dispensaries. This will, no doubt, surprise and upset the CBD patient community, which includes veterans and those suffering from insomnia, depression and anxiety -- three ailments that CBD is known to treat.
What is the difference between THC and CBD?
The term "marijuana" refers to the dried leaves, flowers, and stems from the cannabis plant. When consumed, marijuana offers a wide-range of therapeutic benefits. But what is it about this special plant that makes it so valuable as a medicine? The simple answer is cannabinoids, uniquely structured chemicals found exclusively within the cannabis plant. Although marijuana contains more than 70 different cannabinoids, most of the medical benefits of the plant are attributed to the two most prevalent cannabinoids; THC and CBD.
The chemical makeup of CBD and THC are similar to the body’s own endocannabinoids, which allows them to interact with the endocannabinoid system’s cannabinoid receptors to alter the release of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Despite their similarities, CBD and THC have distinct differences that influence how they interact with the endocannabinoid system and subsequently the natural effects they elicit.
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol, often shortened to "THC,” is the cannabinoid most often associated with medical marijuana. THC elicits the psychotropic (“high”) effect in users. The therapeutic potential of THC is significant and expansive. The compound can act as an anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, appetite stimulant and sleep aid, among other benefits.
Most individuals find the "high" from THC to be very enjoyable in moderation, but others find the feeling to be slightly unpleasant. With that said, medical marijuana still offers significant medical benefits to people who want to avoid the "high" feeling. After all, THC is just one of many cannabinoids. Evidence suggests that use of the cannabinoid CBD can elicit many of the therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana without having the euphoric or dysphoric effects.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as “CBD,” is the major non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, and it has been found to offer a wide range of medicinal benefits as an anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antiemetic, anxiolytic and antipsychotic agent. It also has the potential to provide neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-tumor effects. Other benefits of CBD include pain and inflammation relief, antipsychotic effects, reduction of anxiety, aid to fight cancer growth, relieving nausea, treating seizures and other neurological disorders, lowering incidence of diabetes, and promoting cardiovascular health.
Although THC does have certain benefits that cannot be achieved through CBD use alone, studies have shown that a combination of high CBD with lower THC levels result in the medicinal benefits of both, without any noticeable psychotropic effects from THC. So, for those who are interested in the benefits of medical marijuana, but are wary of feeling the “high” associated with THC, you can be assured that there are medical marijuana products available to meet their needs.
Why is CBD used more than THC for medical treatments?
THC is classified as an illegal drug with considerable immediate and long-term cognitive side effects, including impaired thinking and reasoning, reduced ability to plan and organize, altered decision-making, and reduced control over impulses. In addition, chronic use of THC can be associated with significant abnormalities in the heart and brain.
CBD lacks the euphoric cognitive effects of THC. In fact, CBD counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC, both in plant form and when administered from extract. Cannabis plants containing small amounts of CBD and high levels of THC result in a stronger “stoned” feeling, while plants with more CBD and less THC create a weaker “buzz.” Given the increasing popularity of medical marijuana, breeders are currently creating strains with higher CBD to THC ratios to minimize the psychoactive side effects.
Overall, the lower health risks of CBD in combination with its lack of euphoria make it an ideal candidate for patients worried about feeling high. However, in combination with low doses of THC, CBD can deliver even greater medical benefits.
What happens next for CBD patients and sellers?
It is unclear if shop owners will still be able to sell CBD products in their stores, but some states have had law enforcement crack downs, while lawmakers have worked to shift laws in CBD's favor. According to Cleveland.com, police in Indiana raided several stores that were selling CBD products. This eventually prompted lawmakers to pass legislation that protected CBD sales.
Hopefully we will soon see a bill drafted by Ohio lawmakers that protects CBD derived from hemp. You can click here to contact you local politicians and ask for them to support pro-CBD legislation. In the meantime, stay tuned for more medical marijuana news. If you're interested in getting an Ohio medical marijuana card, our certified medical marijuana doctors can help. Schedule an appointment today.