Cannabidiol(CBD) products are popping up in gas stations and vape shops around Durham, and Riverside students are starting to buy them.
CBD oil is a non-intoxicating extract that is taken from the leaves of marijuana plants. The products being sold over-the-counter in retail stores contain little to no tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), but the FDA is starting to realize there is a significant grey area when it comes to the distribution of products containing CBD oil. According to a Feb. 11 WRAL article, only 26 of 84 products that FDA researchers purchased online contained the amount of CBD claimed on their labels.
A student at Riverside who has used CBD products but is not yet 18, believes that these products have real medicinal purposes.
“I have anxiety from things such as school,” the student said. “CBD calms you down a lot and helps you fall asleep”.
The student then went on to explain why they prefer CBD products over more professional methods like therapy when dealing with stress.
“Going to a therapist can make certain people uncomfortable, while using a solution that you can just buy from a store makes everything less complicated.”
Senior Kwisawn Void has also used the products and believes they have several benefits.
“CBD products help me focus on homework, help reduce stress, and help me go to sleep,” he said.
While CBD is considered a positive outlet for stress and other issues, states are still trying to increase the restriction on these products due to the fact that some of them do contain amounts of THC.
“Although there is very little case study on these products, as long as the distribution of these products are within the boundaries of the law then it should be fine,” said Steven Mills, a student resource officer Riverside.
