How Legal CBD Oil Transformed Indiana
Over the Past Six Years
Six Years of CBD Oil: Indiana’s
Legal Cannabidiol Milestone
Listen: Indiana’s Legal CBD oils
Summary
- CBD oil has been legal in Indiana for almost six years, since the signing of Senate Bill 52 in 2018.
- While CBD is legal, marijuana remains illegal in the state.
Cannabidiol oil, commonly known as CBD, has been legal in Indiana for nearly six years. It was in 2018 when Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed Senate Bill 52, which legalized the use of CBD oil. Since that landmark decision, many Hoosiers have turned to CBD oil for medicinal purposes, including parents seeking relief for their children.
CBD vs. Marijuana: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to distinguish that while CBD is legal, marijuana is not. Both substances are derived from the cannabis plant, but they are fundamentally different. CBD lacks tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana that produces a “high.” Consequently, CBD oil is non-psychoactive and offers numerous benefits without altering mental states.
Real-Life Impact: Naughdeia’s Story
Take the example of Laura Davis, who cares for her 16-year-old daughter Naughdeia. Naughdeia struggles with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and her teacher suggested CBD might help manage her symptoms. Since then, CBD has become a crucial part of Naughdeia’s daily routine, helping her stay calm and focused throughout the school day.
“It’s out there; it works, and people need it,” Davis shared. “It helps keep her more calm and focused throughout the school day.”
Availability and Safety Concerns
Following its legalization, CBD products have become widely available in Indiana, often found in corner stores. These items range from food and drinks to beauty products, all claiming various medicinal properties. However, it’s essential to perform due diligence when choosing CBD products.
Dr. Brent A. Bauer of the Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of sourcing CBD from reputable manufacturers to ensure both quality and safety.
The Only FDA-Approved CBD Product: Epidiolex
Despite the abundance of CBD products, the only one approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is Epidiolex, a prescription oil. Licensed Practical Nurse Lora Benns, who cares for a 12-year-old girl named Journee, highlights the importance of consulting medical professionals before administering any CBD products to children. Benns noted that Journee uses Epidiolex to manage her seizures, but only after extensive testing and a waiting period.
“Journee didn’t immediately get put on Epidiolex,” Benns said. “She was on a waiting list and had to undergo testing to make sure it would be effective before it became a part of her medication list.”
The Shift in Accessibility
Before CBD was legalized in Indiana, some residents took drastic measures, such as relocating to states like Colorado, where CBD was already legal, to treat their children with epilepsy. Liz Gordon, a CBD distributor in Richmond, Indiana, assures that her products comply with both local and federal laws, containing no more than 0.3% THC. She emphasizes transparency, providing full lab reports for consumers to verify product quality.
Legal and Safety Considerations
As CBD becomes more accessible in Indiana, it’s crucial for consumers to understand the legal and safety considerations. The 2018 bill marked a significant shift, but regulations and oversight are still evolving. Ensuring quality and legality is paramount, especially since products can be tampered with to contain THC levels beyond the legal limit.
For children like Naughdeia and Journee, CBD offers potential relief from symptoms that traditional medications may not adequately address. With proper regulation and informed use, CBD continues to shape the landscape of medicinal options in Indiana and beyond.
Indiana residents should always seek retailers who provide proof of their products’ credibility. Authentic CBD products come with lab results and detailed product insights. As CBD continues to evolve within the legal framework, it holds promise for many seeking alternative medicinal solutions.
By staying informed and sourcing responsibly, Indiana residents can safely explore the benefits of CBD, contributing to its growing acceptance and regulation.
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