CBD has become extremely sought after for solving many common health and wellbeing ailments in recent years.
From pain and chronic illness to stress and anxiety, most people will have some way of explaining why they use this chemical compound.
Beyond that, the legalization of the Farm Bill in late 2018 has spiked the interest of many companies who have been quick to infuse the cannabinoid in their products.
This includes companies from industries such as beauty and pet care, and it looks like the hospitality industry could be the next to join.
In fact, many small companies in states throughout the U.S have already begun experimenting with CBD-infused foods, but this has left some with lots of questions.
For a start, is it legal? How does the FDA feel about all of this? And finally, what kinds of foods are being infused with the so-called wonder cannabinoid?
In this article, we answer all those burning questions and more, making sure you’re fully equipped to make an informed decision should you come across CBD-infused food in your local area.
Is It Legal?
Up until recently, there were few qualms about the legal status of CBD-infused foods.
Most states agreed that it was illegal to do, even in those where CBD itself was legalized and the decisions were left to the discretion of the state.
It wasn’t until the Farm Bill was signed into law at the end of 2018, making hemp oil containing less than 0.3% THC legalized federally as an agricultural product, that people started to question things.
According to dailycbdmag, the main difference between cannabis CBD oil and hemp CBD oil is that hemp comes from the seed, and is generally less potent. With that being said, it is the best option for many purposes; including use in skincare products, and in oil form for cooking.
This legislation change understandably led some to believe it was open season as far as using CBD in products was concerned.
Within months, new and existing companies creating CBD-infused food concoctions were popping up throughout the U.S. Even chefs got involved, predicting that this trend would be the hottest thing in the industry in 2019.
With such hype around the newly-legalized cannabinoid, however, it didn’t take long for the Food Drug Administration (FDA) to assert their authority.
Despite the companies who had boosted profits or built their business model off CBD-infused foods, the FDA still considers this illegal.
From a quote posted in The Washington Post, the FDA says ‘businesses with CBD-infused food options are unlawfully introducing drugs into the food supply’.
This is a sentiment many states are happy to go along with, even in places where CBD oil is legal.
Among these in Georgia, who officially noted their stance earlier this year, stating that hemp crops can be used to treat health conditions and in cosmetic products, but not in food.
Other states have remained quiet on the issue, failing to release a bill that addresses this bill and remaining rather lenient on those who choose to operate CBD-infused food businesses on local premises.
So, are CBD-infused food creations legal? The true answer is that nobody really knows at this point. As the Farm Bill matures, more states are expected to release their own bills that eliminate discrepancies, but until then, most businesses are relying on their own judgment.
CBD-Infused Food & Drink Creations
Despite some states severely restricting hospitality business owners’ abilities to create CBD-infused food and drink, not everywhere is so strict.
One place where these creations are thriving is Illinois, in particular, Chicago, where businesses of all sizes are taking full advantage of the new trend in their field.
One chain-company in particular, Protein Bar & Kitchen, offers this service. For just $2.99 extra, they will add 30 milligrams to a beverage of your choice.
Being a hospitality business focused specifically around healthy meals and shakes, it makes sense for a business like this to offer such a service to maximize their healing capabilities.
If you’re more of a beer fan, Coalition Brewing has the perfect thing for you; CBD-infused beer! Based in Portland, they created their first CBD-infused beer in 2016 and now have several different options in their line.
The only downside is this company are currently unable to ship their products outside of state due to restrictions, so you really do have to visit to experience it!
If you’re looking for innovative CBD-infused food, there are several different places that provide this, too.
This includes by CHLOE, who offer CBD-infused sweet treats at any of their New York locations. If you’re looking for something more savory, Zenbarn in Vermont provides you with an option to add CBD-infused dressing on the top of your salads.
How Long The Effects Last
If you’re looking for a way of consuming CBD that provides you with fast-acting results, CBD-infused food and drink isn’t the way to go.
Due to the fact that it is consumed in food or sugary liquids, it has to go through the digestive system before eventually being absorbed, at which point you’ll feel the effects.
According to HealthcareWeekly, it takes your body anywhere from 2-5 hours to digest the CBD before being absorbed by the stomach with other nutrients.
You should start feeling the effects at this point, but the good news is that these will continue for a long time, with your body taking between 33 and 48 hours to dispel the CBD completely.
It’s worth noting that if you use CBD-infused food or drink regularly you are likely to build up the amount of CBD in your system. This means you’re likely to experience the benefits of the cannabinoid for much longer periods.
Summary
Even if you have little to do with the world of CBD-infused food, it’s difficult to deny that 2018 has been a remarkable year for the regulations surrounding it.
Although not every state is on board with using it for this purpose, with places like Georgia sticking firmly by the FDA’s side, more and more are beginning to dare to stand out.
This includes places like Illinois, Vermont and even Portland, all of which have CBD-infused businesses operating freely from within the state.
While it might take some time longer to determine the legal side of this situation, it’s clear to see that this is a trend the hospitality field won’t be letting go of for a while.
