We all know about medial marijuana, especially since it is now legal in Arkansas and will soon be available in our area.
Only on one side of the state line, though.
Which brings us to something else, a related product that many say provides the same benefits of medicinal pot without the high to go along with it.
And that's cannabidiol oil, known as CBD.
The substance is being marketed in many parts of the country, including Texas.
Here's the catch: CBD is illegal in Texas unless you have a doctor's prescription-actually, the script must be signed by two doctors-to treat specific forms of epilepsy.
It's not legal in any other circumstance in the Lone Star State. Yet it is easily found online and even at retail locations.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram published several articles this week about CBD oil and those who use it and sell it.
And those who enforce state law.
You see, most CBD oil contains a tiny amount of THC, the chemical that is responsible for the "high" in marijuana. Tiny. Not enough to matter, really.
But even that very, very small amount is illegal in Texas. And possession-depending on weight-can carry from eight months to 20 years in prison. It's rare for first offenders to get jail time. But it's not impossible.
So while CBD oil is sometimes sold as being legal, it isn't. Not in Texas at least.
Maybe one day, Texas will expand the user base for CDB oil. But until then, think twice before making a purchase.