Empowering Consumers through CBD

CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, has been associated with numerous health benefits and is relied on as a treatment for various health conditions, including alleviating pain, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep. However, the lack of comprehensive regulations poses challenges for consumers seeking high-quality and safe products. The wide variability in CBD products, with different formulations and extraction methods, makes it difficult to establish uniform regulations that address these variations.

“The CBD industry has zero regulations as of today,” says Inesa Ponomariovaite, a holistic health practitioner and the founder of Nesas Hemp. “That means you can be a business owner and put whatever you want in your [CBD] bottles.”

Misinformation and conflicting laws

Some CBD manufacturers have faced criticism for unsubstantiated health claims that market the product as a “cure-all.” Such claims raise concerns about consumer safety and obscure the industry's credibility.

Additionally, disparities between state and federal regulations must be clarified for CBD consumers and distributors. While some states have embraced CBD and its derivatives, the federal government is yet to offer clear guidelines. This discrepancy stifles industry growth and hinders consumers' access to safe products.

Interactions with other medications

The potential interactions between CBD products and prescription drugs have caught the attention of healthcare professionals and regulators. Limited clinical trials and varying CBD formulations make it challenging to understand these interactions fully, further emphasizing the need for robust regulation.

Ponomariovaite clarifies, “When people have interactions with CBD and medications, it’s not the CBD or CBDa compound that triggers it. Toxins [in] are what triggers potential reactions.” Educate yourself and be sure to seek advice from your health care practitioner before taking CBD products.

Make informed choices

Despite the oversaturation of the CBD market and the lack of comprehensive regulations, there are ways in which consumers can make informed choices.

As the CBD market grows, innovative products and delivery methods emerge, such as CBD-infused beverages, cosmetics, inhalables, and edibles. It is important to note that choosing high-quality CBD products goes beyond considering the CBD formulation. Consumers must pay attention to ingredient sourcing, ensure proper dosing and purity, and avoid harmful additives like pesticides, heavy metals, or fungi.

While most CBD products don’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that creates a high, some may contain small amounts. When purchasing CBD, it’s best to seek products through a dispensary, which is an establishment that is legally licensed to sell marijuana.

Inesa’s mission

As a CBD and hemp expert, Ponomariovaite focuses on CBDa hemp and its positive effects. CBDa, which is the acidic precursor of CBD, is the primary phytocannabinoid in fiber and seed-oil hemp plants. It is a promising compound, possibly more effective than CBD in treating certain health conditions. Recent research suggests that CBDa might have the potential to be used as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. It also appears to be more potent than CBD in inhibiting nausea symptoms, reducing anxiety, and treating hyperalgesia and inflammation.

Taking into account the untapped benefits of CBDa and a passion for consumer health and safety, Ponomariovaite aims to bridge the knowledge gap, guide consumers in making informed decisions, and promote responsible consumption of CBD and CBDa. “We need to educate doctors and show the world that when you empower your body’s endocannabinoid system with CBD, your body goes back into balance,” says Ponomariovaite. “People should have access [to] that improve their health anytime they want them.”

As the CBD industry continues to evolve, regulation remains a crucial factor in ensuring consumer health and safety. Establishing uniform regulations can help CBD consumers make informed decisions, address the wide variability in CBD products, resolve conflicting state and federal laws, curb health misinformation, and harmonize international trade regulations.

With the guidance of experts like Inesa Ponomariovaite, the CBD industry can strive to provide safe and effective products, enabling consumers to experience the full benefits of CBD while fostering a culture of responsible consumption.

Your roadmap to safe CBD consumption

Talk with your doctor: consult your healthcare provider before taking CBD.

Start low, go slow: begin with a low dose until you find your perfect balance.

Trust but verify: look for products with third-party testing.

Go organic, go green: choose organically grown hemp.

Be a savvy shopper: avoid falling for magic pill solutions.

The facts

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, approximately 26% of CBD products tested contained lower levels of CBD than advertised, while some products contained higher THC levels than legally permitted.

CBD and CBDa [SUBHEAD]