Pubdate: Tue, 03 Jan 2017
Source: Metro (Edmonton, CN AB)
Copyright: 2017 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/Edmonton
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4475
Author: Kevin Maimann
Page: 2

LEGAL UNCERTAINTY KEEPS CANNABIDIOL OFF SHELVES

Substance not psychoactive, used for pain, and anxiety

Some Edmonton vape shops are pulling products containing a substance
derived from cannabis, amid confusion over its legality.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is illegal for anyone to purchase without a
prescription, under the federal Controlled Substances and Drugs Act. The
substance is not psychoactive - it's tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and not
CBD that gets users high - which may be where the confusion comes in.

Until late December, Digital Imports carried CBDfx, a vape additive
derived from hemp plants that contains concentrated CBD, with the
understanding that it was legal.

However, after contacting the California-based manufacturer, store manager
Ben Joy Dola decided to stop selling it, for now at least.

"They suggested to pull it off of our shelves for safety," he said.
"There's a law that will come out any time soon ... so we'll just have to
wait. We'll hopefully bring it back if it's legal."

Dola said the product was popular among customers suffering from pain and
anxiety. CBD is also used as a treatment for patients with certain forms
of epilepsy.

He said he has used it to ease back pain, and his wife has used it for
insomnia.

"It is a popular product," Dola said. "It's an alternative medication.
Even if you take a lot of it, you're not getting stoned or high."

The federal government has promised to legalize marijuana for recreational
use in spring, which has added to the uncertainty for some.

Other shops Metro contacted, including Drip Glass and Vape and Liberty
Vape, said they do not carry products with CBD but declined further
comment.

The federal government introduced legislation in November to regulate
vaping products and restrict sales to youth, as well as restricting
certain flavours that appeal to youth.

Meanwhile, medical marijuana advocates are pushing for greater acceptance
of CBD in the workplace, and some workers say they have been fired for
using medical cannabis with a prescription.
- ---
MAP posted-by: