MOUNT VERNON — More Mount Vernon stores are carrying CBD (cannabidiol) products in 2019. CBD is an ingredient derived from hemp plant that contains less than .3 percent of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD is not psychoactive and does not cause a “high” like recreational marijuana or other THC products.
CBD has been explored for epilepsy and seizure treatment. The first CBD-derived seizure medicine, Epidiolex, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June. But for the most part, CBD is commercially used to reduce anxiety, pain and insomnia and cannot be marketed as medicine.
“The question, of course, is why is Family Video selling CBD?” Assistant Manager Austin Miller acknowledged. Reportedly, CEO Keith Hoogland began to introduce CBD to his stores after positive experience with the products helping with his own condition. The CBD water, which reportedly helps with headaches and other conditions is popular among customers for ease of consumption, according to Miller.
Oil, softgels and lotion are some other common delivery methods. Down to Earth co-owner Suzie Singrey said that softgels are most popular among their customers. Meanwhile John Shoemaker at Nature’s Kratom CBD credited tincture as their most frequently purchased item.
According to Shoemaker, he sees more mature customers over the age of 30 in the store. Customers who have purchased CBD pain relief cream for arthritis and carpal tunnel have reviewed the products positively.
When asked about the difference between CBD pain relief and traditional painkillers, both Nature’s Kratom CBD and Down to Earth cited CBD’s natural property as an advantage.
“You just feel it (being more effective),” said Shoemaker.
“CBD is working to balance the body’s endocannabinoid system, not masking the symptoms (like painkillers),” Singrey said.
Singrey said customers reported positive feedback about CBD helping with anxiety, sleep and pain, but was conscientious about not making any medical claims.
The FDA does not currently test for the purity and safety of CBD products before they enter the market. However, FDA has issued a number of warnings to approximately 40 firms that have made false or questionable claims about their CBD products. The list of warning letters can be found on FDA’s website.
Harvard Health Publishing cautions that some products may contain other unknown elements, and there is no scientific consensus about the most effective dosage of consumer CBD.
Certain manufacturers voluntarily provide third-party test results on their products’ quality and purity. Family Vidoe’s source, Natural Native, is a self-proclaimed state regulated manufacturer that includes a QR code on each product tracking quality reports.
“It gives us a peace of mind,” Miller said. Family Video also does not sell CBD to minors, according to company policy.
Down to Earth said that the CBD products in their store are third-party tested and certified. The owners also noted that the manufacturer of their products use hemp seeds from Europe that are grown outdoor and without fertilizer.
In terms of hemp farming, Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill on July 30 to legalized hemp production in Ohio. Farmers can now legally grow industrial hemp with a license. However, there has not been enough time since the legalization for local farmers to obtain licenses and raise the crop into maturity. The CBD products found in stores, if sourced in the U.S., are made with hemp from Colorado, Kentucky, Oregon, Maine and other states.
There are currently over eight stores listed in Mount Vernon that carry CBD products, including Walmart and GNC, as well as a few tobacco and vaporizer stores.
Vaping is another way to consume CBD products, through an electronic vaporizer, or vape-pen. This device might colloquially be known as an e-cigarette, but it is important to note that CBD likely uses a different delivery system than nicotine and should not be consumed through a nicotine-delivery e-cigarette. Liquids for e-cigarettes are typically water or alcohol-based, whereas CBD needs an oil base to dissolve properly.
Because of the controversy and safety concern, Family Video does not sell any vaping products, said Miller.
Singrey said Down to Earth does not carry any CBD vapes. Co-owner John Singrey said that they source their products from one of the top CBD companies, CV Sciences. CV Sciences’ consumer brand Plus CBD Oil does not currently manufacture any vaping products.
“CBD is, in a sense, in its infancy,” John Singrey said.
There are several issues on the FDA’s docket concerning CBD. According to the FDA website, it is currently illegal to market CBD by adding it to a food or labeling it as a dietary supplement — a status quo John Singrey suggested is unlikely to change anytime soon.
