Hemp is legal this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s new

While the hemp plant has been federally illegal for over fifty years, this close cousin to marijuana has a treasured history in the United States. Founding fathers George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew the useful plant on their estates while Benjamin Franklin used the plant in the production of paper. There is a very good chance the first drafts of The Constitution were penned on hemp paper. Although the plant may seem new, in Jamestown, one of America’s earliest colonial settlements, all farms were ordered to grow hemp all the way back in 1619. The plant became illegal in the 20th century, with the last field planted in 1957. Prohibition of the hemp plant ended with the introduction of the 2014 Farm Bill which reopened the industrial hemp market. The 2018 Farm Bill has further reduced restrictions on the plant, removing it from the Controlled Substance Act, legalizing interstate commerce beginning in 2019. A plant once loved by the founding fathers, can finally be grown by Americans again.

CBD, or Cannabidol, is one of over 100 cannabinoids present in the hemp plant like THC, the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD lacks psychoactive effects. CBD can be extracted from hemp with extremely low, or no THC, since the federal government defines industrial hemp as a cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC. Which means it won’t get you “high” which is why you can legally drive a vehicle after using a CBD product. In the last few weeks the TSA has even allowed these products on planes, giving frequent flyers a new legal tool in dealing with the anxiety of flying.

Do you smoke it?

Although it can be dried and smoked like traditional marijuana flower buds, hemp derived CBD is typically found refined through tinctures, oils, lotions, capsules, nasal sprays, shampoos and so many other products. CBD can be added to food (though the FDA has yet to establish firm guidelines) as well as topical creams and salves.

Is it safe for pets?

All mammals have an endocannabinoid system, which means cats and dogs can also benefit from the effects of CBD. Hemp World and many pet stores in the area carry CBD oils intended to reduce stress in dogs, caused by loud noises like fireworks, or separation anxiety. CBD derived from hemp is safe to use to help ease your four-legged pal’s stress, while avoiding the possible side effects of strong medications.

Where can I go for more answers?

With a sea of questions surrounding the legalization of this surprisingly old plant and its new bi-products, who has some answers? Since CBD was only discovered in 1940, and has been a schedule 1 drug according to the Controlled Substance Act until this year; CBD has not had the rigorous study that such an interesting substance deserves. While there aren’t many academic papers with scientific rigor to back up the claims surrounding CBD, there are still locations where you can find quality answers. Hemp World in the Vancouver Mall is one such place.

Hemp World is not a dispensary. You don’t have to go to a special location behind a locked door. Just stop by their new shop in the Vancouver Mall, on the second level next to Gold’s Gym. Since opening on January 17th, their kiosk has seen over 800 happy customers, and now that they have a larger space they hope to welcome even more!

Owner David Niccum and his partners, Aubrey Belisle, and Chris Sanchez, have over 25 years of experience in the cannabis industry, going all the way back to medical legalization in Colorado. Growing their business from 16 patients and 96 plants in 2009, to six store locations and an acre and a half production farm, before moving to hemp this year. All the products they sell are third party tested to ensure purity and accurate dosing information. At Hemp World, David and his team want to avoid the confusion surrounding this new industry. Hemp products are now in grocery and department stores, but the cashier is hardly a trusted expert. With so many promised side-effects online, inconsistent or mislabeled doses, and many new producers, you need an expert. Hemp World only purchases directly from manufacturers, developing a relationship with the companies that grow and produce all the products they sell. The owners personally test each product before choosing to sell it to customers. Hemp World carries a wide range of products including tinctures derived from locally grown hemp, and trusted growers in Oregon and Colorado.

With so much misinformation online, David, Aubrey, and Chris at Hemp World recommend just coming down for a quick conversation to clarify how this newly legal product works.

“We personally use all our products and have seen great benefits. Come talk to our team about the positive effects we’ve seen from using these products.” – David Niccum, Owner

A conversation with an expert at Hemp World is completely free. Mention this article for 20% off your next purchase!

Visit their website at shophempworld.com

Call their store at (360) 903-0512

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CBD can have negative side effects when paired with certain medication. CBD is not a replacement for medication. Please consult with your doctor before use. Any statements in this article have not been approved by the FDA and are not intended as medical advice.