Clamor for cannabis legislation rises despite the need for more research into its benefits

This year will see more states and countries legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes. California’s cannabis law took effect on January 1 while Canada’s legislation will be effective sometime during the summer. Gov. Phil Murphy promised to sign a bill that would bring the legalization of cannabis in New Jersey one step closer to the state legislature. Vermont, meanwhile, is set to become the first state to legalize marijuana use in adults through legislation instead of a popular vote. (1)

Many states in America and other countries have approved the legalization of cannabis on the basis of anecdotal evidence while scientists claim there is a need for more research on the medicinal benefits of cannabis-based drugs. There are several existing studies on the effects of cannabis, but they have limitations.

“We desperately need well-controlled unbiased large-scale research studies into the efficacy of cannabis for treating disease states, which we have very little of right now,” according to Sachin Patel, of Tennessee’s Vanderbilt University, who studies cannabis, via The Week.

One of the biggest concerns about the use of marijuana is its adverse effect on one’s mental health. Cannabis plants have high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, which has a psychoactive effect. The UK’s NHS has warned that regular use of cannabis may increase the risk of developing psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia.

Another cannabis ingredient that is claimed to have shown health benefits is the cannabinoid (CBD) derived from hemp, a variety of cannabis. Hemp-derived CBD contains virtually no THC, which makes it non-psychoactive and users will not get “high”. The use of hemp-derived CBD is legal in all states in America, although not all allow the growing of hemp. Some states find the entire notion of cultivating any kind of cannabis unsettling because of its association with narcotics.

Some studies looking into the medicinal benefits of CBD have shown promising results in treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, anorexia, epilepsy and seizures, nausea, chronic pain, and stress among others.

In the U.S., some who grow or purchase CBD to heal their epilepsy or a family member’s are not doctors, nor do they have the sanctions of one. They are ordinary citizens who discovered or heard of the benefits of cannabidiol and have tried a few samples from foreign companies that do manufacture it, or from the small group of legitimate U.S.-based ones like  PotNetwork Holding, Inc. (OTCMKTS:POTN) that is introducing the oil to a hungry market. (2)

CBC Online identifies an example in Denise Meyer, a mother based in Iowa who now provides cannabidiol or hemp oil to her adult daughter, Kristin Rohrbeck. Rohrbeck has been disabled with an unidentified seizure disorder, but similarities of the condition to epilepsy are striking. Her health has significantly improved, and the attacks have been less frequent.

While the debate on legalizing marijuana continues, people who need the effects of cannabis may find what they need in various CBD products available legally in the market. One of the few companies providing 100 percent THC-free CBD oil and products is PotNetwork Holding through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Diamond CBD.

The company is dedicated to research, development and multi-national distribution of the finest and purest CBD oil and products. Diamond CBD offers a wide range of products made with hemp-derived CBD from organically grown hemp plants and natural ingredients. It offers edibles, such as the Chill Gummies and Relax Gummies, the fastest-growing category of CBD products. There are also CBD hemp oil, vape liquids, cream for the skin, and pet products. Most people use CBD products to maintain healthy well-being while others consume them to help relieve stress and chronic pain. Hemp-derived CBD is an excellent option for people who need the benefits of cannabis without breaking federal law. (3)