Ayana Nwozo

Within the past few years the drive to have medicinal and recreational marijuana has been in effect nationwide. According to Business Insider, there are now 11 states where marijuana is legalized recreationally and medically and 33 states where it is only legal medically, but both still illegal under federal law. The demand for legalized marijuana and hemp products has appealed to the public in a substantial way.

Arguably medical marijuana can benefit patients with muscle relaxation, and other chronic pains. Medical marijuana  comes in many forms, but cannabidiol (CBD Oil) has become very popular within the last few years.

Consumers can receive the relaxing properties of the cannabidiol, without the marijuana “high”.

CBD Oil vs. THC, the potential benefits and side effects of the two compounds both found in cannabis and hemp.

That is probably hard to believe but cannabidiol (CBD Oil) is extracted from a cannabis plant and it leaves behind the Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the main active cannabinoid in cannabis and causes the sensation of getting “high.” CBD oil does not contain those properties and has become appealing to those who want to stay away from the effects of marijuana.

After the extraction, the cannabidiol is dilated into a carrier oil such as sunflower, almond or hemp seed oil. Before you know it, this creation is being sold and studied by scientists to determine what it can be a remedy for. Because medical and recreational marijuana are not federally legal, studies on the oil are limited.

According to TIME magazine, CBD Oil is in the early clinical trials for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people who have alcoholic addiction, and schizophrenia. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD oil can reduce chronic pain and inflammation, but is still in its testing stages.

Medical News Today stated that the FDA approved the use of CBD Oil as therapy for two conditions characterized by epileptic seizures in 2018. In addition, they include that CBD may help reduce anxiety. Anxiety disorders can include panic disorders, social anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Due to the lack of studies in some countries, opposers feel CBD Oil should be tested thoroughly before it is given out by professionals.

Southern University, and Ilera Healthcare ribbon cutting outside of H&W Drugstore Dispensary in New Orleans (Courtesy of The Grio & HBCU Buzz)

Southern University and A&M College is one of the largest historically black universities, and has  launched its own CBD product line: ALAFIA. According to Forbes, the brand is a result of a collaboration between the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Baton Rouge and Ilera Holistic Healthcare.

Forbes further states that their pesticide-free products will be over the counter for purchase in the U.S. soon. In The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, hemp-derived CBD is legal for sale nationally. “Our team of experts created a superior hemp derived product with patients in mind,” claims an ALAFIA spokesman. They added in Forbes that they are proud of the partnership with the university.

Within the next few years studies of CBD Oil will confirm whether it can positively help a specific health issue. With the collaboration with health and agricultural professionals, natural health products will be put in place of the traditional medications.