Let's Talk about it

For decades the public’s opinions have been morphed and reshaped to agree with the foundation of conditioned ideologies. More than once, strong suggestions have influenced society to believe what's wrong and what’s right, what's good and what's bad.

When regarding the cannabis industry you may detect this suggestion. As a fabricated narrative was created, splitting the plant's image, causing great contradiction. Products of CBD, being conveyed to the public as harmless and wholesome while THC derived goods developed a more threatening reputation. Though derived from the same plant, one is considered a clean medicinal alternative while the other, a “dirty dangerous drug”.

These differentiating biases infiltrated the minds of the public eye, ultimately guiding the foundation of legislative laws. In effect, this effortlessly motivated the contained standardized regulations for CBD and more controlled restrictions of THC.

Fast forward to the present day, cannabis containing THC has received considerable public support and progressing legislative recognition. Society has shifted from its comfortable conditioning to truly challenge the more conservative thought process we have been made to believe about this plant. In this new era where this diversion of the plant is being dismantled, THC is being seen in a new light. So what’s the catch?

What’s the problem?

With the progression of regulations and implementations to new laws, cannabis is becoming more mainstream. Despite the public's encouragement and government’s present recognition, there are still troubling issues to be aware of.

The significant problem at hand relates to the potential negative implications for average Americans using cannabis products while such laws and regulations are rapidly changing.

False identification is just one of the many issues that has become apparent in these changing times. When it comes to the more obvious facets of the plant, the traits of both illegal and legal cannabis products contain mirroring aspects. It's nearly impossible to distinguish between the two on odor and sight alone. Alike an average human, law enforcement agents are unable to recognize the difference, rendering the regulation of cannabis extremely complicated.

Although some recognized it as an outdated method, roadside testing is still widely used causing additional problems for cannabis users. Designed to trace even the slightest presence of THC, this conducted saliva test can conclude positive even from around twelve to thirty hours after usage. For frequent users of CBD and THC derived goods, even urine samples are found to be problematic. This is due to the built up traces of THC that can be found after a month of cannabis usage.

With no accurate test or foundation to measure the differences from cannabis products, how is anyone supposed to protect themselves? When one plant can be considered an illegal psychoactive drug and the other holistic and medicinal, the possible negative consequences of mistaken identification between CBD and THC can cause serious problems for consumers.

Know Your Stuff

In the case of false accusations and problematic circumstances with authority it’s responsible to be aware of the rules and regulations in relation to your legal rights.

Currently, there are no states banning CBD usage. However, the potency and dosage varies depending on each state's individual specifications.

Still considered federally illegal, products containing higher THC have been certified legal and or decriminalized in certain American states. Currently 37 states have legalized the usage of cannabis for medical purposes while only 18 states have legalized usage for adult recreational enjoyment.

Legalization refers to approved legislation that has determined the rights to authorize the buying, selling and possession of THC based products. Decriminalization means that disregarding the laws in place containing cannabis guidelines can result in less than severe penalties.

In all cases of cannabis industry products, states implement and regulate age restrictions of the consumer and permit the total quantity sanctioned to be purchased.

Endorsement to lift the federal ban has been pushed as more states enact the legalization of cannabis. Renovation to federal laws would cease the conflict with state legislation, permitting each to regulate individually with no complication.

No matter your state's position in regulating products containing CBD and THC, recognizing and understanding legal rights is still equally essential. Adaptations of regulations are ever changing and vary from state to state. No matter your place of residency, it is always advised to be literate about the law.

Remember to be Cautious

It’s suggested to carry your product in the labeled case it came in. In times of identification, having the product description and company name can assist a more seamless verification of your specified cannabis. Even better, keeping a physical or digital copy of your product's analysis/QR code which clearly provides the levels of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids of your cannabis is sure to be beneficial. 

Purchasing your products from reputable owned legally licensed businesses is also considered strategic. Proof of transaction through traceable payment of method or receipts presents an additional way to ensure proof of legal product.

Attention to regulations outside state guidelines is advised. Although the state may recognize certain regulations, varying businesses or institutions may have their own terms and conditions to follow.

Remember to be weary when crossing state borders, as legislation will be effective depending on location of usage not location of purchase.

It can happen to anyone

It is difficult to determine the amounts of people to whom have been conflicted with unthinkable repercussions resulting from the negative outcomes of mistaken cannabis industry products. These unfortunate events however can be avoided when following the guidelines suggested. More than often such occurrences don't render realistic until they actually happen to you. Remember it doesn't matter if you use cannabis products religiously or infrequently, anyone can find themselves in a sticky situation. It's best to be aware and prepared.

Writers Notes: Results of Legislative Impact have disproportionately affected BIPOC consumers. Knowledge of its effect is important. Look forward to our article coming out soon on the topic!New Yorkers, take note of our states rules and regulations on the states website here.