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Lack Of Regulation Stunts Growth Of New York State's Legal CBD And Marijuana Industries

New York State is anxiously awaiting legalization of adult recreational marijuana and regulations for CBD in food and drink.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks about the $175.5 billion state budget during a news conference in the Red Room at the state Capitol Sunday, March, 31, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)

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Legalized marijuana won’t be in New York’s annual state budget, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday. Many expected it to be part of the budget that’s expected to be confirmed tomorrow.

The details will be negotiated before the session closes in June, Cuomo said.

The air was hopeful at the recent Women in Cannabis conference, where policy experts, writers, growers and potential growers cheered at discussions about the April 1 deadline. Experts said they expected some version of the proposal to move forward.

In this Feb. 14, 2019 photo, Colton Welch, a junior at the State University of New York at Morrisville, N.Y., tends hydroponic tomato plants which will provide students with data applicable to cannabis cultivation. The college’s new minor in cannabis studies is among a handful of new university programs aimed at preparing students for careers in marijuana and hemp industries. (AP Photo/Marry Esch)

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Passionate advocates like Mary Pryor, co-founder of Cannaclusive, and Kassandra Frederique, New York State Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, emphasized the need for equity programs in the legislation, ensuring women, POC and people who currently deal marijuana have access to business opportunities.

The CBD market in the U.S. could represent $16 billion by 2025, according to a recent report by Cowen. Still, the prominence of CBD in food and drink, and the crackdown of its use in cafes, bars and restaurants, has confused some consumers. CBD served in food and drink is still illegal, according to the FDA.

Meanwhile, topical CBD products have arrived in two major drugstore chains, CVS and Walgreens, both announced this month. Sephora, Ulta, Neiman Marcus and others already carry CBD products.

Lawmakers need to set standards for CBD products, so the industry can create better products, educate consumers and ease them into buying and using CBD properly.

The U.S. Hemp Authority Seal is a start, but doesn’t hit all the points of entry to the CBD market: from skincare to water to gummies to unregulated, low-quality CBD sold online and in bodegas.

CBD has become popular in Italy and Switzerland, but can have higher THC content, 0.6% in Italy, and 1% in Switzerland, respectively. In the U.S. a CBD product can contain 0.3% THC maximum to be considered legal.

Recently resigned FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said it could be years before adequate regulations are in place for CBD food and drink. For now, Dr. Ned Sharpless, head of the National Cancer Institute, is acting FDA commissioner, which may become permanent.

Conscious marijuana and CBD consumers demand an inclusive industry that educates people on safe, effective dosing.

Conscious marijuana and CBD consumers demand an inclusive industry that educates people on safe, effective dosing. Let’s hope regulation makes its way to the forefront so marijuana and CBD can help heal more people in a natural, safe, non-addictive way.

Original Article Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bethkaiserman/2019/03/31/new-york-state-cbd-marijuana/

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