COOPERATIVE KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY FACT SHEET
Information about the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program 2020
Shreya Patel, Research Associate, Human Nutrition and Food Safety Dr. Avinash Topè, Associate Professor, Human Nutrition and Food Safety, Interim Chair, School of Family and Consumer Sciences
Hemp and marijuana are plants that belong to the Cannabaceae family. These plants contain more than 80 biologically active compounds in various different concentrations. The most commonly sought-after compounds in cannabis are delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; the psychoactive component that triggers the 'high') and Cannabidiol (CBD). Industrial hemp is derived from strains of Cannabis sativa using specific growing conditions and cultivation practices that reduce the level of THC to the minimum (less than 0.3%). For centuries, hemp was cultivated, and its products were used in hemp oils, wax, resin, clothes, ropes, sails, hemp seed food and much more.
Since passing of the 2018 Farm Bill that removed hemp-cannabis or its derivatives with a very low THC content from the Federal Controlled Substances Act, the interest in hemp and CBD products among consumers, growers and manufacturers has skyrocketed. (Google Trends) Currently, CBD products derived from hemp are legal in all 50 states and consumers can purchase low-THC industrial hemp CBD without a prescription. CBD products are widely available as dietary supplements, edibles, vapes, drinks, tinctures (drops; one of the most common forms of CBD in the market), inhalers, nasal sprays, cosmetics and body care products, workout drinks, herbal teas, CBD patches, suppositories, capsules and soft gels, and pet products. One will be surprised how CBD is being used in food products ranging from popcorn and cheese puffs to honey. Similar to its use for human consumption, smaller doses of CBD in pet capsules and topicals are available for pets to ease inflammation and soreness. Supermarkets and grocery stores such as Kroger sell CBD containing products at 945 stores in 17 states, including Kentucky. The increased availability and claims of CBD and the limited scientific evidence to make detailed regulations from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is confusing and misleading consumers on the benefits and side effects of application of CBD as a drug or as a recreational substance. Several marketers advertise CBD containing products as superfoods with no side effects. Being legal to purchase and consume, many consumers think it is safe as it does not give us the 'high'. Several studies on CBD have found it to have health-promoting properties. Publications and claims report it to have antibacterial, neuro-protective properties, and inhibit cancer cell growth, promote bone growth, suppress muscle spasms, reduce seizures and convulsions, control blood sugar, inflammation, small intestine contractions, vomiting and nausea. It is recommended for pain relief and is studied to
Currently, CBD products derived from hemp are legal in all 50 states and consumers can purchase low-THC industrial hemp CBD without a prescription. CBD products are widely available as dietary supplements, edibles, vapes, drinks, tinctures (drops; one of the most common forms of CBD in the market), inhalers, nasal sprays, cosmetics and body care products, workout drinks, herbal teas, CBD patches, suppositories, capsules and soft gels, and pet products. One will be surprised how CBD is being used in food products ranging from popcorn and cheese puffs to honey. Similar to its use for human consumption, smaller doses of CBD in pet capsules and topicals are available for pets to ease inflammation and soreness. Supermarkets and grocery stores such as Kroger sell CBD containing products at 945 stores in 17 states, including Kentucky. The increased availability and claims of CBD and the limited scientific evidence to make detailed regulations from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is confusing and misleading consumers on the benefits and side effects of application of CBD as a drug or as a recreational substance. Several marketers advertise CBD containing products as superfoods with no side effects. Being legal to purchase and consume, many consumers think it is safe as it does not give us the 'high'. Several studies on CBD have found it to have health-promoting properties. Publications and claims report it to have antibacterial, neuro-protective properties, and inhibit cancer cell growth, promote bone growth, suppress muscle spasms, reduce seizures and convulsions, control blood sugar, inflammation, small intestine contractions, vomiting and nausea. It is recommended for pain relief and is studied to