CBD A-OK

Governor signs bill making hemp products legal in Lone Star State

Just a few months ago we ran an editorial in this space about cannabidiol oil, known as CBD, which was being sold in Texas as if it was legal.

It wasn't.

The confusion stemmed from a farm bill that President Trump signed removing federal restrictions on hemp production and CBD oil containing less than .3 percent THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana.

Unfortunately, removing federal restrictions did not mean state laws were invalid. And in Texas any amount of THC-even .3 percent-was illegal unless you have a doctor's prescription-actually, the script must be signed by two doctors-to treat specific forms of epilepsy.

Despite the legal status. CBD oil has been sold across the state for quite a while. Sometimes local authorities will crack down, but the stuff is sill on the shelves of many holistic health centers, convenience stores, tattoo parlors and other retailers.

Well, expect to see more of it. On Monday, Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott signed a law allowing hemp products-including CBD oil under .3 percent THC-to be sold in the state. The bill also permits the commercial cultivation of hemp crops.

That should make a lot of folks happy.

It was a good move. We aren't convinced by all the hype claiming miracle benefits of CBD oil, but we also see no valid argument to keep it illegal. If Texans want to use it, let them.

We would caution those of you who do want to use CBD oil to be sure what you're getting. Whenever there is money to be made, some folks will try to take advantage. There are a lot of fly-by-night products out there that contain little, if any, actual CBD oil. And they may do a lot more harm than good.

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