CBD Health

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Durée & Company, Inc.

954-723-9350 / purecraft@dureeandcompany.com

“Pure Till the Last Drop”

San Diego – Jan. 11, 2021 – When it comes to exceptional entrepreneurs, Jason Navarrete is at the top of the list. He built a massive cannabis conglomerate in Southern California worth more than $250 million — with 120,000 square feet across three industrial warehouses focusing on high-tech hydroponic indoor cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and retail. This masterful magnate sold that empire in early 2020 and transitioned from cultivating cannabis to creating the purest CBD products on the market with his newest venture called Pure Craft CBD.

What sets Pure Craft CBD apart from other CBD companies is its dedication to purity. Pure Craft products are 90% bio-available, where most CBD companies offer products that are no more than 18% bio-available. That’s why Pure Craft’s slogan is “Pure Till The Last Drop.” Being highly bio-available means Pure Craft products enter the body at a much quicker rate that’s more effective than other products because they are highly nanotized, broken down into particles that the body can absorb immediately.

Most CBD companies attempting to nanotize their product have gotten their products to 150 – 200 nanometers. Pure Craft CBD has broken that threshold to below 100 nanometers and, in some cases, as low as 5 nanometers.

Navarrete is also a stickler for transparency and consistency when it comes to what’s in Pure Craft products. All Pure Craft products come with third-party lab COAs (Certificates of Analysis) so consumers know exactly what’s in them and how they were tested consistently every time. Pure Craft CBD offers 16 different cannabis products and free two-day shipping.

Working closely with MIT researchers, Navarrete and his team have also developed nanotized water-soluble soft gels and nanotized CBD-infused vegan gummies, as well as a water-soluble nanotized CBD with nanotized melatonin to help with sleep. They’re also working on a full line of nano water-soluble tinctures from 600 – 3,000 mg with flavor profiles in peppermint, tropical, strawberry mojito, orange cream, blueberry and vanilla.”When it comes to CBD, a lot of companies online are looking at the money aspect of an emerging industry,” says Navarrete. “I’ve been cultivating cannabis for eighteen years. This industry is sorely lacking cultivation experts. That’s why scientists have reached out to work with me in their research.”

Navarrete explains a key factor in how he oversees his “seed to sale” process. “We only partner with farmers that understand the importance of genetics and science in regard to cultivating premium hemp biomass. Our products are made following the strictest guidelines and quality control measures, allowing us to call them pharmaceutical grade.”

Navarrete is also sharing that wisdom with young entrepreneurs as an adjunct professor at the Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, Fullerton. He teaches young entrepreneurs about business basics from his streetwise experience and time-tested skills. “I’ve learned these lessons the hard way,” he explains. “Teaching these young students the insights, skills and tricks of the trade makes me feel as if I am contributing to their entrepreneurial dreams to help them become more successful faster. The way I look at it, everything is a game and how much money you make is how you keep score.”

About Pure Craft CBD

Pure Craft CBD believes in a “seed to sale” philosophy to offer high-quality products consistently made with full transparency. Its mission is to lead the industry in bringing high-quality hemp cannabidiol (CBD)-based products to the marketplace and educate the world on the benefits of hemp extract. Its product line includes nano-optimized broad spectrum water-soluble CBD tinctures along with soft gels, gummies, CBD with melatonin, CBD pet tincture and CBD broad spectrum oil.

Pure Craft: A Company Committed to Excellence

Tight quality controls and consistent manufacturing—All products are manufactured in a GMP compliant facility that is also FDA registered.

Pharmaceutical grade—All products are manufactured following the strictest guidelines and quality control measures, meeting the criteria of pharmaceutical grade.

Highest purity—All products contain no binders, fillers, excipients, dyes or unknown substances.

Consistency—All CBD comes from the same strain which ensures uniformity. Plus, CBD oil comes from the exact same extraction process in the same facility ensuring a product that’s reliable, predictable and effective.

Rigorous and thorough standards—Every CBD oil batch is tested in house and then by a third party for complete transparency to ensure products are of the highest quality available without any metals, pesticides or THC.

Proudly grown in the U.S.A. and organic—Many CBD companies grow their products overseas and manufacture and process them domestically. Pure Craft holds itself to rigorous farming standards and oversees every step of the production process to deliver high-quality products that are responsibly made.

BOCA RATON, FL ― (Jan. 6, 2021) ―  ACS Laboratory, the largest hemp and cannabis testing facility in the Eastern U.S., received 21 Emerald Test Badges in Fall 2020 for precise and reliable results. This designation marks the second year in a row ACS Laboratory has received 21 badges, totaling 42 Emerald Test Badges in the past two years, and ranking ACS Laboratory at the top of the nation based on Emerald Scientific’s Inter-Laboratory Comparison proficiency test.

“In 2019, ACS Laboratory received 21 Emerald Test Badges and 21 again in 2020, solidifying our position as the top laboratory in the country. The results are a credit to our team’s dedication to accuracy, transparency, and consistency, whether we’re testing oils, flower, edibles, beverages, or topicals,” said Roger Brown, president and founder of ACS Laboratory.

The Emerald Test, developed by Emerald Scientific, compares the efficacy of labs like ACS Laboratory to bring a higher level of standardization across the industry. This fall, ACS Laboratory received awards for potency testing in hemp oils, gummies, and beverages. Additionally, ACS Laboratory passed several tests for accurately detecting contaminants such as residual solvents, heavy metals, molds, and pesticides in hemp and cannabis products.

ACS Laboratory is on a mission to support cannabis companies in their pursuit to deliver clean, safe, and innovative products that promote positive progress in the industry. Always ahead of the curve, ACS Laboratory is continually enhancing its testing methodologies and developing new tests for harmful toxins and therapeutic terpenes, and minor cannabinoids.

ACS Laboratory currently analyzes 20 major and minor cannabinoids, including EXO THC, Delta8 THCV, and Delta10 THC–an unprecedented quantity for U.S. laboratories. Due to its expansive capabilities and rigorous protocols, ACS has teamed up with medical cannabis companies and research universities nationwide to conduct human trials and pharmacokinetic studies.

In spring 2020, ACS Laboratory acquired Botanica Testing, Inc., a certified hemp and CBD testing laboratory, which added 500 new hemp and CBD clients to its rapidly growing portfolio. Thanks to its success, ACS Laboratory has undergone a 20,000 sq. ft. expansion and increased its reach to 47 states and four countries worldwide.

About ACS Laboratory

ACS Laboratory is The Most Trusted Cannabis and Hemp Laboratory in the USA™, earning more Emerald Test Badges for accuracy in testing than any other laboratory in the southeast. ACS Laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited, DEA licensed and CLIA licensed with the largest state-of-the-art facility in the region. Compliant with the USDA’s rules for hemp testing, ACS is also approved by the Florida Department of Agriculture as a “Designated Compliance Laboratory,” and deemed a “Certified Marijuana Testing Laboratory” by the Florida Department of Health. Beyond compliance, ACS is committed to innovation, which is why it tests for more cannabinoids than any lab in the region and continuously develops new protocols to analyze lesser-known toxins. Its facility utilizes industry-leading ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technology and proprietary protocols to ensure accurate detection.

Watch this video about ACS Laboratory, and read the blog for up-to-date information on cannabis science and lab testing for both the hemp and cannabis industries. For more information, visit acslabcannabis.com, or call (813) 670-9157.

The results of Canada’s public consultation on health products containing cannabis have been released in report form, showing strong support for allowing the sale of cannabidiol (CBD) outside the current cannabis restrictions.

The consultation on whether to modify regulations to allow the sale of CBD as a non-prescription health and wellness products was conducted earlier in the year by Health Canada, the country’s health authority. What was in question was essentially whether the sale of CBD products should be permitted outside the country’s legal cannabis regime, under which all derived products currently fall.

Health Canada said it had received responses from consumers (62% of responses), industry representatives (23%), and other interested parties (15%). A further 73 written statements that did not specifically respond to the questions posed were received from other groups.

The vast majority (93%) of consumers were interested in being able to purchase cannabis products intended to treat minor ailments–such as CBD creams for muscle pain–with only 2% opposed and the remainder interested, depending on having further information available.

“Consumers indicated a strong interest in products containing CBD throughout the online questionnaire. Moreover, 105 respondents provided additional comments in favor of access to CBD for therapeutic purposes without practitioner oversight,” Health Canada said. “Participants suggested CBD should not be regulated the same way as other substances or products, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), alcohol, or other pharmaceutical drugs, which they view to be more harmful.”

Interest in products for a wide range of ailments was reported, with the most common being some form of pain or inflammation, followed by mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, or stress.

Similarly, there was interest in most product formats, with oral items like extracts, tinctures, oils, capsules, and sublinguals leading the way, being highlighted by 61% of respondents. Topicals such as creams or lotions came in second, with 41% respondent interest.

Health Canada also noted interest in edibles/beverages and smoking/vaping formats, though these lagged far behind.

Many consumer respondents added that they would not want a completely unregulated market but would favor some level of oversight and regulatory control to remain.

“Respondents encouraged Health Canada’s approval of these types of products to ensure safety and quality, while allowing consumer choice and increased access to a wider array of products without practitioner oversight,” the report stated.

There was concern over retail place of sale for CBD and other non-pharmaceutical cannabis-derived health products if they were to be permitted. A number of respondents said it would make sense not to restrict sales to provincially- or territorially-authorized retailers or federally licensed cannabis sellers.

“Allowing CHPs [cannabis health products] to be sold at pharmacies, health stores, or other retailers would improve availability and deter from the stigma associated with cannabis use,” Health Canada summarised.

CBD products–particularly oral and topical–were also the main objects of interest to industry; 24 industry representatives indicated a desire to combine CBD with other cannabis-derived ingredients such as THC, flavonoids, and terpenes, as well as approved natural health products (NHPs) like vitamins, minerals, essential oils, and herbs.

“With respect to health claims of interest, industry representatives from all groups emphasized their preference for providing CHPs for pain relief, inflammation, sleep disorders, and anxiety,” Health Canada said. “Other areas of interest include skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis) and digestive issues.”

Evidence standards divided opinion among industry representatives, with a third of those addressing the issue highlighting the need for robust scientific interest and the remaining two thirds claiming such requirements would discourage research and innovation.

“Of these respondents, a few representatives from NHP and veterinary health products companies also mentioned that they would like to be able to use traditional evidence or make general health promotion claims on CHPs,” Health Canada noted.

Unsurprisingly, retailing restrictions were almost universally opposed by industry representatives in favor of the sale of CBD and other cannabis-derived health products outside the current regulatory framework. Limitations to provincially or territorially authorised retailers or federally licensed cannabis sellers would be a massive disincentive.

Many also said they had concerns that employees in licensed recreational facilities would not have the knowledge or training to assist customers. That added to the potential for consumer confusion between recreational cannabis products and cannabis-derived health products sold in such a setting.

There were also concerns that current packaging and labelling proposals would similarly stymie the industry, with respondents expressing a preference for a broader ability to promote and distinguish their products on the market.

“Respondents proposed that the requirements should be similar to any other NHP or over-the-counter drug to compete with the illicit market,” Health Canada said.

Industry representatives said the process offered an opportunity for Canadian regulators to differentiate between THC and CBD.

“About half of the written submissions from the cannabis and NHP industries proposed creating two distinct pathways for CHPs that appropriately reflect their risk profiles,” the report said.

“Specifically, they suggested establishing two different pathways for CHPs with THC and CHPs with CBD. Furthermore, each potential pathway would have its own requirements for packaging and labelling, retail environment, youth access, and evidence standards.”

Health Canada will now continue putting together a scientific advisory committee to gather further information on the safety, efficacy and quality standards for health products containing cannabis that would be safe for use without practitioner oversight.

Original article: https://www.cbd-intel.com/canadian-public-and-industry-back-plan-to-free-cbd-from-cannabis-regulation/

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CBD-Intel provides impartial, independent, and premium market and regulatory analysis, legal tracking, and quantitative data for the CBD sector.

We provide our clients with the tools to navigate this fast-moving sector, tailor their business strategy, optimize resources, and make informed decisions. In addition, we offer customized research and consultancy support.

When reporting on the hemp industry, it’s not uncommon for Latin American markets (LATAM) to be left out of the conversation entirely. This is largely the case because it is believed that LATAM hemp is in its early infancy. But, in reality, societal views towards hemp and its potential as a cash crop have begun to shift in pockets from Uruguay to Mexico. This progress has not been without obstacles, however.

According to an LATAM market report by the Brightfield Group, hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) sales could reach as high as $448 million by 2023. Although medical cannabis is deemed legal in multiple countries across LATAM, projected sales lag far behind CBD at $109 million by 2023. This massive divide can be attributed to negative views toward cannabis, which has long been tied to violent drug cartels.

Although it may be disappointing that cannabis legalization is a way off, hemp is not subject to the same stigmatization because it contains much lower THC levels, leading to a different classification altogether in the mind of society and the policies of government. In Mexico, for example, the legality of CBD products with <1% THC has increased access and boosted the market considerably.

And, in Uruguay, which fully legalized cannabis in 2013, the hemp market has blossomed, priming Uruguay to become one of the largest exporters of hemp-based products within LATAM in 2020–especially with increased investor interest in launching hemp-growing operations across the country. Up-and-coming hemp markets can also be found in Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Paraguay. Another stand out example is Colombia, where CBD products can be legally purchased through government-licensed retailers. Suffice it to say, interest in hemp products, such as CBD, is increasing across multiple LATAM nations.

Long-term projections indicate that, as in the US, skincare and beauty products are likely to take the lead in sales in LATAM. And, due to lower cost of these products, it is likely that interest among consumers will continue to grow.

Although it’s too early to make concrete predictions, hemp’s future in LATAM appears to be a bright one. As more LATAM countries continue to re-evaluate their legal stance on cannabis, the possibility of a robust hemp market coming to fruition becomes even more likely. In the interim, one can only hope that LATAM countries with fledgling markets will be able to find willing foreign investors to bolster a newly found industry.

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Earl Carruthers wasn’t always as passionate about cannabis, as he is now. Only after a successful college football career, a debilitating injury, a high-ranking position at JP Morgan, the reading of a new book, and a historic brush with the law, did he become the man, he is today.

Carruthers, now, is putting his time, invaluable knowledge, and resources into fighting the good fight against the stigmas of legal cannabis therapy. One step at a time…

Like most people who turn to the use of medical marijuana, an injury offset Earl’s path into cannabis therapy. While playing high school and college football, he endured a pelvic fracture and turned to natural alternatives versus pain medications and opioids. Hence, where his passion for cannabis arose.

After taking an 8-week crash course on all the in’s and out’s of how cannabis is medically beneficial for a wide range of ailments – Earl knew what he had to do. He took his entrepreneurial spirit that was nurtured with a degree in Finance and set forth into the growing medical marijuana business once legalized in his home state of Michigan in 2008.

It’d be nice if we told you that Carruther’s journey was smooth sailing from there. But, as stigmas still surrounded the use of cannabis it’s the eyes of the law that caused his first bump in the road. After a journey through the courts to prove his innocence and rights, Earl was pivotal in Michigan’s legislation concerning what ‘usable marijuana’ truly meant.

Notoriously termed ‘the brownie case’, Earl saw first hand what can happen when ‘legal-ish’ rights are threatened by those in power. His legitimate business Green Greener Grow was then entrapped in a raid, causing more legal issues to arise and even more stigmas to break. This ongoing fight not only took his first successful cannabis business out from under him, but fueled his fire to preach on legalities every conscious cannabis consumer should know.

Building from the ground up again brings us to the step that turned Earl into the face of an advocate. More than just being your average cannabis business owner, Earl’s history of cannabis is entrenched in the ‘grey areas’ that still remain and that he seemingly thrives in. So Carruthers has taken his lifelong path of building passion, back to his roots of what he does best – helping others.

Now, Earl’s journey is centered on spreading the good word, building a collective of like-minded consumers to more strongly ‘fight the good fight’. That includes educating and empowering those around him, to the truths behind cannabis use, legalities and successfully growing in the emerging industry.

To Carruthers, it’s not about competition or ‘giving away’ professional secrets – it’s all about elevating conscious craft cannabis for natural therapy. His hope is that over time, the fight for higher education and advocacy helps to banish stigmas that still remain for the beneficial and peaceful plant.

With the combined passion for helping others and the unique path that Earl’s endured, it’s no surprise the journey is only onward from here. From tackling social injustices to formulating ways his business can elevate cannabis therapy for conscious consumers, the good fight continues for Carruthers.

The Homegrown Weed Summit is just the next step on his path for using his past to improve the future for others. Carruthers developed this one-of-a-kind virtual event designed for the canna-curious, to the fellow canna-advocate who can benefit from cultivating their own craft crops (legally, of course).

Unlike most top executives working for their own personal gain, or those jumping into the cannabis industry for its now soaring growth, for Carruthers, this is personal. More important than Rolling Stone Magazine highlighting Earl’s spirit, it’s his close friends, family, and associates that know him best. And, as his good friends will tell you, “He’s committed to fighting the good fight. He’s definitely a trailblazer doing great things for the cannabis industry and community.”

So join Earl on his blaze of redemption for the legal right to blaze freely. Take part in the upcoming Homegrown Weed Summit, or see how else you can partner with his many consumer-forward cannabis ventures.

Original Article: https://www.cannabistherapynetwork.org/personal-journey-for-legal-cannabis/

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the US. Fortunately, new potential weapons against this cancer are still being discovered. And one of them may include cannabidiol (CBD).

Although this cannabinoid has not yet been studied extensively to completely understand its potential cancer-fighting capabilities, there is evidence that cannabinoids may be a formidable treatment for certain types of cancer.

CBD has been shown to induce controlled cell death, or apoptosis, in cancer in a dose-dependent manner.[1] CBD can also be quite detrimental to a specific pathway that plays an important role in the growth of cancer cells.[2] And there are several additional studies that have found similar results in lung cancer. However, these studies have been conducted in pre-clinical models, not humans.

A case review published in the journal SAGE Open Medical Case Reports described details an 81-year-old ex-smoker with a history of prostate cancer (in remission), chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and diet-controlled diabetes.[3] In October 2016, he was found to have a 2.5×2.5 cm mass in his lower left lung and many lymph nodes. The mass had grown to a 2.7×2.8 cm by that December.

However, almost a year later, the patient’s CT scan showed that the mass had almost completely resolved itself and that only a small spot of soft tissue remained, measuring 1.3×0.6 cm.

The patient relayed to doctors that he had started taking CBD oil from the beginning of September 2017. The product contained 2% CBD (200mg in 10 mL of a carrier oil). His dosage was two drops (0.06 mL; 1.32 mg CBD) two times per day for one week, and then he increased the dosage to nine drops (0.3 mL; 6 mg CBD) twice each day through September.

Although this represents a single case study, these data are promising and indicative that CBD could be an effective weapon against lung cancer in humans.

But, before it can be widely used by the health care industry, much more work is necessary to truly determine the precise nature and effects of CBD on lung malignancies as well as other forms of cancer.

Talk to your oncologist if you are interested in using CBD or medical cannabis as part of your cancer treatment plan.

Image Credit: Anna Shvets

Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-people-woman-internet-4225877/

References

1. Choi WH, et al. Cannabidiol induces cytotoxicity and cell death via apoptotic pathway in cancer cell lines. Biomolecules and Therapeutics. 2008;16(2):87-94.
2. Elbaz, M, et al. Modulation of the tumor microenvironment and inhibition of EGF/EGFR pathway: Novel anti-tumor mechanisms of cannabidiol in breast cancer. Molecular Oncology.2015;9(4):906-919.
3. Sulé-Suso J, et al. Striking lung cancer response to self-administration of cannabidiol: A case report and literature review. SAGE Open Medical Case Reports. 2019.

A major concern about cannabidiol (CBD) involves liver safety. And a study on this topic carried out by researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has had rippling effects across the CBD community, leading many to wonder if CBD is as safe as they thought.

Here, we break down the science of these results:

In this study, 8-week-old male mice (considered to be the equivalent age of adult humans) were given different dosages of a concentrated CBD-enriched extract.[1] Acute toxicity (24h) as well as sub-acute toxicity (10 days) was investigated. CBD doses were chosen to provide estimated equivalency to human doses.

The highest dose (2,460 mg/kg) showed clear evidence of acute liver toxicity. Lower doses did not show similar results administered acutely; however, given over a 10-day duration, lower doses also showed signs of liver toxicity.

The researchers concluded that “despite the beneficial effects of CBD in the treatment of certain therapy-resistant seizures, it poses a risk for liver injury. Furthermore, the probability of CBD-drug interactions appears quite high.”[1]

The results of this mouse study has raised a lot of eyebrows so we have outlined its limitations here:

The dose in the study was unrealistic.

The first point of contention is the dose of CBD that was used in this study. The maximum dose equivalent is way above what is normally consumed by most CBD users. The authors even noted that the dose of “200 mg/kg CBD is not applicable to most real-life scenarios.”[1]

Many drugs taken in excessive amounts could cause liver damage.

Paracetamol, which is a common over-the-counter drug, is known to cause liver damage when taken in high doses acutely or over a prolonged duration of time.[2] And this is true for many, many products.

Epidiolex^®, prescription CBD for epilepsy, can also cause abnormal liver values and there is indeed a warning on the medication label concerning elevated liver values. However, since this is prescribed for severe epilepsy (thus requiring a high dosage), a doctor must recommend the medication to a patient and monitor their liver values before and during treatment.

One study alone should not cause panic.

The results from this study should instead serve to inform the public that toxicity at high doses should be a concern as with other medications. Caution should also be exercised when taking CBD together with other medication, as it can cause interactions.

We always recommend speaking to your doctor before starting CBD or medical cannabis and always, always remember the tips on how to buy quality CBD.

Image Credit: Steve Buissinne

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References

1. Ewing LE et al. (2019): Hepatotoxicity of a cannabidiol-rich cannabis extract in the mouse model. 2019;24(9):1694.
2. Tanne J. Paracetamol causes most liver failure in UK and US. BMJ. 2016;332(7542):628.

After the EVALI crisis, many became very critical of inhalable cannabis products. Even though the culprit of this illness was vape catridges with unsafe Vitamin E acetate, the panic may have brought some users toward other methods like hemp cigarettes. But, do they pose any harm?

Unfortunately, there’s only been so much research concerning this topic. Not to mention, most of this research concerns cannabis that’s high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) rather than cannabidiol (CBD).

We do know that smoking cannabis, like any other substances, has the potential to lead to respiratory issues. According to the Harm Reduction Journal, a number of participants self-reported having respiratory problems from smoking both cannabis and tobacco cigarettes.[1] However, it should be noted that the purpose of this study was to find out whether or not vaporizing cannabis helped reduce respiratory symptoms.

The reason many of these participants self-reported respiratory issues is simply because smoke is harmful to our lungs, regardless of whether it’s cannabis or tobacco. As stated by the American Lung Association, “toxins and carcinogens are released from the combustion of materials. Smoke from [cannabis] combustion has been shown to contain as many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke.”

Beyond smoking itself, another concern hemp smokers must face is what they’re really inhaling. The Journal of the American Medical Association tested a variety of CBD products purchased online. It discovered that 26% of these products contained less CBD than were labeled on the product.[2]

Since the hemp and CBD industry remain unregulated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s been easy for shady companies to market ineffective products. Not to mention, it’s unclear whether these products have any other contaminants, such as heavy metals or pesticides, which would be dangerous to inhale into the lungs.

This is one of the aspects of the hemp plant that smokers need to understand. Hemp’s roots have the ability to absorb anything within the soil around it. If there’s happens to be contaminants in that soil, the hemp plant and buds it sprouts will become infected with this toxin.

Ultimately, you’re puffing at your own risk. So you must make sure you purchase hemp cigarettes from a reputable brand that goes the extra length to make sure its buds don’t contain any contaminants.

Image Credit: Mathew MacQuarrie

Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/lzcKZlVPYaU

References

1. Earleywine M & Barnwell SS. Decreased respiratory symptoms in cannabis users who vaporize. Harm Reduction Journal. 2007;4:11.
2. Bonn-Miller et al. Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online. JAMA. 2017.318(17):1708-1709.

The War on Drugs was an exercise in futility that only served to deepen the inequalities that exist in American society. It has overwhelmingly failed to reduce drug distribution and consumption.

In the US, despite similar rates of consumption and sales across racial and ethnic lines, African Americans are 4x more likely to be arrested for a cannabis offense.

A 2020 Times Union Review article revealed that, of cannabis-related arrests in Albany, New York, 97% percent of those arrested or ticketed were Black. This means that historical injustice is still rife.

If the legal cannabis industry is to achieve all that it was intended to achieve, BIPOC communities must be prioritized and this can only be done though representative leadership.

In other words, legalization in and of itself is not paramount to social justice.

Michelle Alexander in The New Jim Crow illustrates how black and brown communities have paid the highest price for the War on Drugs. This includes enduring massive arrests, jail terms, and hefty fines. As much as cannabis is now “legal” in several states, the BIPOC community is still negatively affected.

How so?

A cannabis-related offence on one’s record means:

• Limited eligibility for public housing
• Limited access to student financial aid
• Limited access to employment opportunities
• Negative effects on child custody determinations
• Negative effects on immigration status

In short, a cannabis-related offence could completely lock one out of any career or personal advancement opportunities. Unfortunately, this includes accessing the legal cannabis industry.

Additionally, a biased media who convey a message of criminality in relation to cannabis use haunts the BIPOC community. Hence, even when an injustice has been meted out it is made to appear as if it was “rightfully deserved.”

When it comes to females in the cannabis industry, the story of being locked out of leadership roles is all too familiar. The exact statistics on female executives in the industry is unclear, but some sources show that it is wanting with a mere 17% representation.

The factors mentioned above spell out one thing: the need for female and BIPOC leaders in the cannabis industry to tackle these historic injustices.

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Cannabidiol (CBD) oil and hemp oil are often used interchangeably, whether in conversations or product descriptions. However, these two are anything but the same and shouldn’t be confused.

To put it simply, CBD oil is an extract developed from the flowers and leaves of a hemp plant, where CBD and other cannabinoids are located.

On the other hand, hemp oil (sometimes referred to as hemp seed oil) is created through hemp seeds which contain no CBD. Hemp oil is still beneficial as it includes nutritional benefits.

As you shop for CBD, it’s important to know what you’re buying. Unfortunately, a lot of companies may advertise hemp oil as CBD oil.

Some of the following terms may be used when describing hemp rather than CBD oil:

• Hemp oil
• Hemp seed oil
• Cannabis seed oil
• Cannabis sativa seed oil

If you’re on the lookout for CBD oil, keep an eye out for ingredients such as “cannabidiol” or “CBD.” With that said, it’s still in your best interest to always look up the Certificate of Analysis located via QR code or on a company’s web site, which should list cannabinoids present.

Since these two types of oils are different, they also come with a list of different potential benefits.

To give you an idea of how hemp oil can benefit you, research has found its potential benefits to include:

• Nutrition – Hemp seeds have a high content of essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), along with other beneficial minerals.[1]
• Skin Conditions – Due to hemp seed’s omega-6 and omega-3 content, hemp oil has been found to help with certain skin symptoms, such as dryness and itchiness.[2]

On the other hand, the potential medical benefits CBD oil include:

• Mental Health Conditions – In a research paper of numerous different studies, it was found that CBD had a significant impact on people with conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder (PD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD).[3]
• Pain – Due to CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, it’s shown promise in helping ease symptoms of arthritis in pre-clinical models [4]
• Sleep – One study has found that CBD may promote deeper REM sleep. Many have also self-reported that CBD has helped with their insomnia and allowed them to rework their sleep schedule.[5]

It’s important to note that there may be overlap between benefits obtained from hemp and CBD oil and we need greater understanding to better understand those differences.

As you shop for CBD or hemp oil, it’s important to consider these differences between the two products. Before you buy, consider if you are interested in CBD alone or in trying hemp oil.

References

1. Hazekamp A, et al. 3.24 – Chemistry of Cannabis, Eds: Hung-Wen (Ben) Liu, Lew Mander, In: Comprehensive Natural Products II, Elsevier, 2010, pg. 1033-1084.
2. Callaway J. Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis.
   J Dermatology Treatment. 2005;16(2):87-94.
3. Blessing EM. Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836.
4. Nagarkatti P. Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future Medicinal Chemistry. 2009;1(7):1333-1349.
5. Babson KA. Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep: A review of the literature. Current Psychiatry Reports. 2017;19(4):23.

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