What do you all think about the new CBD legislation that just passed in the US?
Regardless of where you stand on legal marijuana, I think it’s important to talk honestly about this…and how it affects the entire industry of herbalism. I have a lot to say about this; so, I will try to keep it succinct. It brings up larger topics around health options, small businesses, lab testing, and government oversight.
Let’s start with the obvious: the cannabinoid industry has had its fair share of bad actors. We've all seen gas station CBD…products full of mystery extracts that haven’t been properly tested, sometimes containing solvents, pesticides, or mold. Many brands ignored the rules around THC limits. And the rush to sell Delta-8 (a lab-synthesized cannabinoid) boomed in a legal gray area since federal law only restricted Delta-9. So, I can see why lawmakers want more oversight.
And … it’s undeniable how beneficial this plant is; whether it’s for nutrition, fiber, building materials, pain, sleep, inflammation, immune support, epilepsy (the list goes on), or just plain recreational fun. Hemp and cannabis are truly multi-dimensional and have been at the center of regulatory debates for years.
On one hand, yes—bad actors should be weeded out (pardon the pun). On the other, it’s a slippery slope when access to plant medicine is limited. We can’t afford to let alternatives to big pharma disappear. This legislation hits a $30 billion industry (and yes, most of that is made up of small farmers, labs, extractors, and formulators). The hoops they’ve had to jump through to stay in business are astronomical; and this hurdle may devastate an already struggling industry. Despite the fact that legitimate companies that were selling through legal channels were already doing their due diligence and lab testing to comply with their banking and credit card processor rules. Rather than tighten the ropes, why not enforce testing requirements?
I’m curious: What do you all think about this new legislation? Do you see it as a setback for access and innovation?
And while we’re talking about hemp…I want to share my favorite quick plant-based drink: homemade hemp milk.
Hemp seeds are rich in nutrition, packed with healthy fats, complete protein, magnesium, and minerals. It supports energy, brain health, satiety, is soooo easy to make.
Just add hemp seeds to a blender, cover with good drinking water, add a splash of vanilla and a dash of salt, blend, and strain. Drink right away—yum!