CBD Buds Vs Weed Buds — A Problem For Law Enforcement
CBD Flowers is a trend that’s been sweeping across the western world as the US and Europe have labelled all cannabis plants with under .3% THC as Industrial Hemp and this includes the buds.
This is great news as now people can smoke CBD Buds instead of marijuana and get the health benefits instead of Psychosis.
CBD Flower Brands have popped up all over the place online and in retail stores and while oils, edibles and vapes are not causing any issues, there is a problem with the Hemp Flowers.
Law Enforcement can’t tell the difference between them and regular weed. This is causing problems in the postal system, at the borders and in public.
There doesn’t seem to be any easy answer to the problem and North Carolina have already moved to ban hemp flowers with Legislation. Just when we thought Prohibition was over right?
CBD Buds vs Weed Buds – Are There Any Differences
These days it’s going to be almost impossible to tell the difference. The only real telling difference between the composition of the buds is the amount of THC. They are going to look and smell the exact same and taste the same as well. This is great news if you want to smoke but don’t want to get high. To tell how much CBD is in your bud, you will need to rely on Lab Testing.
With flowers, it’s super important that you are under the .3% legal limit of THC and using a reputable company is the only way to achieve this.
So How Can We Tell The Difference?
The best way to tell is with Third Party Lab Testing but if you need to make a judgement call quickly there is one difference that may give it away.
THC is a water lover (Hydrophilic) and will attract water into the buds making them super sticky while CBD is repels water (Hydrophobic).
If the buds are super sticky it probably is weed but it is always going to be very hard to tell.
Can I Smoke CBD and Weed Buds Together?
Yes, you absolutely can. It is something I have tried quite a bit and I find it to be a good match. The two compounds effectively balance each other out when smoked together.
I tend to get a bit paranoid when I smoke weed but when I couple it with CBD buds, there is no anxiety. I feel calm, relaxed and focused.
The CBD cancels out the negative effects of the weed and I can go about my daily activities with no loss in concentration or social awkwardness.
The Legal Problems Caused By CBD Buds
Because CBD Buds and Weed Buds are identical in smell, taste and texture it is causing serious problems for law enforcement.
On The Street
If you are smoking CBD flowers on the street, it is impossible for the police officer to know if you are telling the truth and this leaves them in a difficult situation. Are they going to arrest until they can get some test results or are they going to take your word for it?
Might be best to carry the lab certificates with you if you are going to be smoking hemp.
In The Post Service
It’s no secret that there are often sniffer dogs at mail sorting centers to sniff out narcotics, bombs, weapons are other illegal items.
There is no way to get a dog to stop reacting when he smells CBD buds as it is an identical smell to weed.
Where I live, CBD buds get sent to customs and when they find the lab certs that independently test them. This takes months and you will never get your buds back.
At The Border
Every government wants to control their borders but CBD buds present a unique problem, they are impossible to differentiate from weed. And whats to stop marijuana smugglers putting fake CBD lab results in with their THC heavy weed?
Is There A Solution In Sight?
It seems to me that there a two easy solutions. Legalise weed or legislate against hemp buds.
Let’s have a look at how this problem is being tackled in the USA and in the UK.
The USPS Acknowledges The Legality Of Hemp Derived CBD Products
After the USPS got hammered for illegally seizing hemp derived products they have issues an acceptance criteria for sending CBD Flowers and products as follows:
“1. A signed self-certification statement, subject to the False Statements Act. Statements must be printed on the mailer’s own letterhead, and must include the text, “I certify that all information contained in this letter and supporting documents are accurate, truthful, and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information or omits information relating to this certification may be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties, including fines and imprisonment.”
2. The industrial hemp producer possesses a license issued by the Department of Agriculture, for the state where the Post office/ acceptance unit is located, which includes documentation identifying the producer by name and showing the mailer is authorized by the registered producer to market products manufactured by that producer.
3. The industrial hemp, or products produced from industrial hemp, contains a delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.”
It’s important to remember that if it contains less than .3% THC, it is legal.
Let’s look at the other end of the scale:
North Carolina Looks To Ban Smokable Hemp
North Carolina has gone in the prohibition direction when it comes to the Hemp flower conundrum. Police officers have complained who it is too hard to tell the difference and North Carolina officials have signed a bill to ban smokable hemp:
The Ban will include:
“harvested raw or dried hemp plant material, including 19 hemp buds or hemp flowers, hemp cigars and hemp cigarettes.”
It does allow for the production of CBD products but again states:
“‘Hemp product’ does not include smokable hemp.”
This ban would come into place in Summer 2020 and it is up to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper for his final approval.
The bill would also allow annual inspection of hemp producers in the state to ensure that they are following the rules.
The Issue in the UK and Europe:
Europe too is in complete turmoil over whether Hemp flowers are legal are not.
There have been countless reports of Hemp Sellers being arrested and facing lengthy prison sentences including Little Collins Buds in Ireland and Uncle Herb .co.uk how are still closed until further notice.
Other countries like Italy have embraced the flowers and hemp flower cafes are dotted all over the Country.
There are other reports of customs taking large quantities of Hemp Flower at the borders of various countries.
Clear and unifying guidelines are yet to come to the surface so we will have to keep an eye this space in the near future for any further developments.
Our advice is that it might not be the best business to get into although plenty are still doing it.
Get Advice From Law Enforcement Where You Live:
Our advice is to get as much advice as you can from local authorities to see what you can and cannot do.
Join your local Hemp Association and make sure you have all the licences and approvals you need.
The last thing you want is a serious law suit hanging over you or your business!
References:
https://cannabusiness.law/usps-issues-guidelines-for-mailing-cbd/
Aidan Lehane is an entrepreneur who has a lifelong passion for CBD, Hemp and allowing people to find an effective natural remedy to many of their pains and illnesses.
Aidan has been a constant advocate for cbd and hemp legalization for over 2 decades and is often found researching & creating blogs and videos about CBD, on the Great Hemp Youtube channel while testing and reviewing countless products for quality and effectiveness.