cannabis

What Is Delta-8 & How Does It Compare To Kratom?

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There are millions of plant species and varieties in the world, and there is so much still to be learned about these plants and what’s inside them. That’s why so many “new” plant substances are discovered, identified, and shared each year. Often, these substances were already being utilized in society, but they hadn’t yet been separated to be studied independently.

Recently, Delta-8 has become more popular and known in the United States. This cannabinoid found in cannabis plants is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced naturally by the plant. The amount produced in plants is relatively small, yet Delta-8 is getting very popular.

How is this possible, and is Delta-8 comparable to Kratom in any way? Today, we’ll tell you all we know about this unique substance so that you can get a better idea of what it is and how it may or may not be useful. For more information about the differences between CBD and Kratom, check out this blog post: Comparing Natural Products: Kratom & CBD Explained.

Delta-8: What Is It?

Delta-8’s full name is delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s sometimes abbreviated as delta-8 THC, just as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (more commonly known as simply “THC” when talking about cannabinoids) is also abbreviated to delta-9 THC. 

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in multiple types of cannabis plants, including hemp and marijuana. Cannabis plants do not produce large amounts of delta-8, however, so a large portion if not all of the delta-8 products on the market are synthesized from hemp-derived CBD.

By many consumer accounts, delta-8 is not as psychoactive as delta-9, but there’s not a lot of scientific research to support or disprove these anecdotes yet. Delta-8 THC’s structure is relatively similar to delta-9, so there may be an overlap between their effects and side effects.

Kratom and Delta-8: Two Very Different Products

Delta-8 and Kratom are both derived from plants, which means that some people are likely to compare them. Still, being plant-derived doesn’t make Kratom and delta-8 truly similar. In fact, the two are very different.

Kratom powder and products originate from trees in Southeast Asia, where the leaves are harvested and dried to create powders. The natural effects of this powder have been used as traditional medicine in those areas for centuries.

Delta-8 THC is a variant of a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants that must be further processed to be synthesized and held stable. Different cannabinoids, including delta-8’s cousin delta-9 THC, have been used throughout history, but the effects, uses, and history of the substance are very different from those of Kratom.

Something similar about Kratom and delta-8 is that they both have confusing legal statuses. Kratom is legal in some states, regulated in some states, and illegal in others. Similarly, delta-8’s legality varies depending on the exact rules about hemp and hemp-derived substances in that region.

Beyond that similarity, however, there is no solid reason to compare the substances or their uses.

Derived From Hemp: CBD and Delta-8

If you want to talk about a substance that is similar to delta-8, it’s best to talk about delta-8 as a sibling of CBD. Both CBD and delta-8 THC are cannabinoids found in hemp plants.

Hemp plants contain over 100 different cannabinoids, and various cannabinoids are extracted to create functional, sometimes therapeutic, substances. CBD is one of those substances, and it is arguably the most popular worldwide because it is not intoxicating and has been scientifically shown to have many positive benefits.

Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, is only produced in minimal quantities by hemp plants. Hemp-derived CBD and other cannabinoids must be further processed to create shelf-stable delta-8, drawing some questions about legality and safety.

Is Delta-8 Legal?

As mentioned above, the legality of delta-8 THC isn’t always straightforward.

Hemp-derived products have some amount of legality in the United States on a federal level, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill legalized the production and sale of hemp products that contain less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC. There are no specific rules about delta-8 THC as long as the levels of delta-9 THC are followed.

However, plants don’t usually contain substantial amounts of delta-8 naturally. It simply doesn’t show up in large concentrations in hemp plants. For that reason, delta-8 is generally created through manufacturing by synthetically converting CBD or delta-9 THC. This process is likely illegal. Only the tiny amounts of delta-8 THC which occurs naturally may be legal. 

The best way to be sure about legality in your area is to check state and local laws. Some states have specific protections and guidelines in place about delta-8, including delta-8 bans, so you can be sure that you are not breaking any rules by checking the laws in the area where you live or may be visiting. 

However, it is best to be cautious when pursuing or using synthetically produced products. There aren’t enough regulations in place at this time to be confident in their safety, so you may want to avoid them when possible.

Buy Kratom online at Phytoextractum

How Does the Body Absorb CBD?

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Cannabidiol -or CBD as it’s more commonly known- is a major industry booming into the forefront of our collective consciousness. Products such as tinctures and CBD gummies are growing in popularity and the success stories keep streaming in. From its relaxation-inducing effects to its anti-inflammatory properties, people report a host of potential benefits. However, all of these possible benefits are still being studied.

But with all this excitement around this burgeoning industry, some might stop to wonder, how does CBD absorb into the body and what’s most effective? It’s a fair line of questioning. We want to know how the products we take in and apply to our skin affect our bodies and how. 

How Does CBD Absorb in the Body

Depending on how you use CBD, the absorption process will vary. There are four typical methods of use: ingestion, topical application, inhalation, and sublingual. 

Ingestion 

A lot of people trying out CBD for the first time will reach for this method. Some ingestible products include tincture oils, capsules, and even beverages. These are all highly celebrated favorites in the hemp industry.

When CBD is ingested, it is absorbed by the digestive system and metabolized by the liver. From there it will enter the bloodstream to work its magic through the body. But due to the “first-pass effect”, a lot of the ingested CBD is broken down by the digestive enzymes before it has a chance to metabolize in the liver. 

Despite the loss of some of its potency in the digestive process, ingestible products can still be an effective, easy method to enjoy CBD. Remember, it’s important to choose the right dosage for you to assure you’re reaching the full potential benefits of what CBD has to offer. 

If you’re curious about ingestible CBD, try GRON CBD Milk Chocolate Bar 100mg! 

Topical Application

Those with skin issues or sore muscles might reach for a CBD salve, lotion, or ointment. Though human skin has a low permeability rate, cannabidiol can reach receptors under the skin through the pores when applied liberally. 

Our skin naturally blocks most substances from entering the dermis. CBD works by reaching receptors in the epidermis near the application site. Topical CBD products have been observed to improve elasticity, hydration, and a transepidermal water loss in users with and without skin conditions. Many report relief from soreness or inflammation near the application site as well. 

Support healthy skin and find dermal relief with products such as the Bridgetown Botanicals Hemp Extract Topical Creme 500 MG.

Inhalation or Vaping 

Vaping is another popular method to take advantage of the benefits of CBD. This is one of the quickest and most effective vehicles for delivering the compound into the bloodstream. That means the effects can set in at a more rapid pace. 

Vaporized CBD is absorbed through tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli. It is then diffused directly into the user’s bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver. Since inhaled CBD avoids the digestive system, less of it is broken down before the molecules can make their way to the bloodstream. 

Without a pre-measured tincture or tablet, vaping allows the user to determine how much CBD they want to take in more intentionally. 

Usually, CBD products you can inhale are presented as a cartridge or portable vaporizer pen with a combination of CBD and other types of oil.

Try out the Ambary Gardens CBD Cartridge 250 MG to see if this method is a good fit for you.

Sublingual Method 

To avoid the “first-pass effect” altogether, a CBD user can opt to try the sublingual method. This can be done by holding CBD oil or concentrate under the tongue for roughly 60-90 seconds. The mucus membranes in the mouth can then absorb the active ingredients and speed up the absorption process. 

This is another method that offers quick delivery of CBD to the user so they can take advantage of the benefits more efficiently. Similarly to the inhalation route, the compounds can pass directly into the bloodstream and into our natural endocannabinoid system without breaking down as much. 

A great product to try if you’re curious about the sublingual method is the Bridgetown Botanicals Full Spectrum CBD Hemp Oil 250mg!

Which Method is Better?

Each CBD user is after a different goal when they set out to seek the potential of hemp plants. Every product has something a little different to offer:

If you’re after quick results, reach for a vaporizer or sublingual product. 

Those with a desire to start a regular regiment might consider the ease of ingestible CBD. 

And for centralized use for muscles and skin, topicals will be the way to go. For a great additive benefit, purchase a massage table and have your therapist use a CBD lotion or cream during your massage. You may see enhanced outcomes in relaxation and relief from muscle soreness.    

Evaluate what you’re looking for in a CBD product and decide what is best for you and your unique situation. Whatever route you choose, introducing CBD into your arsenal of daily products could be a great step toward finding your homeostasis.

Buy Kratom online at Phytoextractum

What’s The Difference: CBD Isolate And Full-Spectrum Extracts

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The world of CBD products can be both an exciting and overwhelming place. While it is fantastic that there are so many different CBD products available, that also means that there is so much more to look at and learn!

The variety can cause confusion, and we completely understand that. It gets even harder when there are many products with similar names as it becomes difficult to know what one offers that another does not.

We’d like to take some time today to explain the difference between CBD isolate products and full-spectrum products. We often get asked about these substances, so we know that it is a confusion point for many. Let’s get started!

First, Meet CBD:

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details about what separates isolate products from full-spectrum products, let’s touch on what CBD is and what it is most frequently used for.

Cannabis, whose varieties include both marijuana and hemp, is known for having many different types of effects. The effects of cannabis are caused by cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis, and CBD is one of those compounds!

How Do Cannabinoids Work?

Every body has an endocannabinoid system. This system is made up of receptors, and those receptors can bind with cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are a specific type of chemical compound. Cannabis contains more than 100 different kinds of these substances, along with other compounds called terpenes and flavonoids that give cannabis its distinctive taste and smell.

When a cannabinoid binds with a receptor, a specific effect will begin to happen in the body. The effects can be in the blood, nervous, digestive, or really any other system! The effect depends on where the cannabinoid came from, where it binds, and how well it binds. Based on these attributes, different effects will happen.

The Most Common Cannabinoids

CBD and THC are the most well-known cannabinoids. Cannabidiol, or CBD, in particular, has become very popular because it does not cause any psychoactive effects. This means that you don’t get high when you use CBD products, but you can still feel other effects. CBD products have been on a fast-track to full legalization in the United States.

CBD is available in a lot of different products, but the products are often marketed as either full (or broad-)-spectrum or isolate. So what’s the difference?

All About CBD Isolate

CBD oil marketed as a CBD isolate is a form of pure CBD. Cannabis contains more than 100 cannabinoids, but CBD isolate products contain the cannabinoid CBD and nothing else. The extraction is very pure as the other components are removed through a complex process, usually involving CO2 or other solvents.

Since CBD has been widely researched (compared to other components of cannabis) and there are many studies supporting the effects that it has on the body, CBD isolates have been a very popular choice for medicinal use. In fact, the FDA recently approved a CBD-isolate pharmaceutical called Epidiolex.

As there are no other cannabinoids in isolate products, the results and effects are more predictable. Many even believe that this is the safest and smartest way to use CBD.

Understanding The Power of Full-Spectrum CBD Extract

The other type of CBD oil that you might hear about from time to time is full-spectrum or broad-spectrum extract. Sometimes, this extract is abbreviated as FSO. In FSO, there are more cannabinoids in the final product than just CBD because it has not been as extracted as isolated CBD oil.

In broad-spectrum oil, there are more active plant and chemical compounds than just CBD itself. Cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, CBDa, CBCVA and more might all be in a full-spectrum oil in varying amounts depending on the precise product composition. Additionally, broad spectrum products contain terpenes and flavonoids extracted from the plant along with cannabinoids.

When all of these different cannabinoids work together, some users find that the effects are more powerful or effective for their needs. This is often referred to as the “entourage effect” because the combination of numerous cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids create specific unique effects.

Full-spectrum extract users sometimes mention that they get a bigger boost from it, or that they can notice its effects more.

The Risk of THC

Because THC is the cannabinoid that causes users to feel “high”, compliant CBD products cannot contain high amounts of THC. While each state has different rules about THC levels, depending on their cannabis laws, CBD is currently legal for interstate commerce only when it is extracted from hemp, not marijuana. There is a legal limit of .3% THC for all hemp-derived CBD products.

While each state has different rules about THC levels, depending on their cannabis laws, CBD is currently legal for interstate commerce only when it is extracted from hemp, not marijuana. There is a legal limit of .3% THC for all hemp-derived CBD products.

Most CBD products are low-THC even when they contain the cannabinoid, however, because hemp is a low-THC plant. If your vendor is reputable, they will be able to provide certificates of analysis that clearly indicate THC concentrations, so you don’t have to worry about ingesting something you don’t want to.

Which CBD Product Is Right For You?

Ultimately, the decision about which of these two products is right for you is going to be up to you, but we can help you make that choice if you want!

It was thought for many years that CBD isolate was the superior product because it was cleaner and more straightforward. In more recent years as more research has come in, it has become clear that full spectrum products have their own benefits. 

It’s now believed that in many cases broad-spectrum products may have more powerful effects because the cannabinoids balance and boost each other in positive ways. The interactions between different chemicals and their receptors lead to special effects that you might not see with a CBD isolate. 

We believe that both products have their place. If you’ve never tried any full-spectrum products, however, we do think that it is time for you to see what time of synergy you can discover when you use a product containing a range of different cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Still, many people prefer to use CBD isolate because they trust the studies done by pharmaceutical companies or they worry about the presence of other compounds. If you would prefer to stick to something that is tried-and-true, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using CBD isolate!

Terpenes and Flavonoids: How These Chemicals Affect Cannabis

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Common knowledge about cannabis, CBD, and related products has been rapidly improving over the last few years, but there is still a lot to be learned. It’s awesome to see that there are so many great resources full of information for those that want to learn, and we’re excited to be able to provide that kind of content, too.

Though some people haven’t heard of the word cannabinoid, they have heard of THC and CBD. These are the two most well-known cannabinoids, so there is some level of familiarity with these substances.

Flavonoids and terpenes, on the other hand, remain largely overlooked despite the huge number of these compounds found in cannabis plants! Why is it that these compounds aren’t as talked about? Let’s take some time to understand what they are, and why you should care!

The Basic Differences Between These Compounds

Many familiar with CBD, THC, and other cannabis products don’t know much about these components and how they affect what you experience.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds (such as the well-known CBD and THC) that interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body. When the cannabinoid binds with a receptor, it causes a specific reaction in the body.

Flavonoids are nutrients. These nutrients give cannabis plants (and lots of other living things!) their color. There are more than 20 different flavonoids that have been found in cannabis plants, and more research still needs to be done to understand their use. 

Terpenes are aromatic metabolites. They are aromatic compounds that can be found in the oils of all plants. When you smell a basil plant and can recognize what it is based on the smell, that is because of the terpenes! Terpenes help to create the flavor of plants and plant-based products as well.

There are more than 20,000 different terpenes in the world. Cannabis plant strains have more than 100 identified terpenes; most plants contain at least 50 different terpenes.

The Variations of Products

One of the reasons that we find it important to learn about these different parts of cannabis and what can be extracted from the plant is because every strain has different amounts of these items. That is why there are cannabis plants with different levels of all of these things. 

Depending on the way that the plant was grown, handled, and processed, the final amount of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids will be different. From there, the balance between the three might be further adjusted while creating any cannabis-based products.

When you choose a product, there is nearly always going to be more to its history than just what its name is! By gaining a better understanding of what can be extracted from the plants, you can also better understand any products that you are using.

All About Flavonoids

As mentioned, flavonoids are nutrients that create color in plants. They can create any color depending on what they are, and cannabis plants contain more than 20 flavonoids on average. Despite how their name sounds like the word “flavor,” these nutrients have no known effect on taste.

Dark purple cannabis strains may be colored by anthoxanthins or anthocyanins. Plants like berries also get their color from anthocyanins, and the specific color will depend on the pH of the plant’s growing environment.

Effects

There are cannaflavins that are found only in cannabis that have also been shown to have pharmacological effects. These flavonoids may have an effect on how things like CBD and THC are formed or function, but more research is still needed to figure this out.

We already know that one flavonoid, quercetin, that can be found in vegetables has antioxidant and anti-fungal properties. Catechins, found in cocoa and tea, may support the cardiovascular system.

We still aren’t sure exactly what many of the flavonoids in cannabis do, but we are excited to find out!

All About Terpenes

As mentioned, terpenes help to create the aroma and flavored experienced when perceiving a plant or plant-based product.

You might already be familiar with the effects of some terpenes:

  • • Humulene: Earthy. Found in basil and cloves. Suppresses appetites.
  • • Myrcene: Fruity. Found in basil and lemongrass. In some strains, up to 50% of cannabis’ terpene content is myrcene. Anti-inflammatory.
  • • Terpinolene: Smokey. Found in sage and rosemary. Reduces anxiety.
  • • Linalool: Floral. Found in spices and flowers like lavender. Anti-inflammatory.

While it’s often the most abundant, myrcene isn’t the only terpene found in cannabis. There’s even a terpene that boosts anti-acne effects in cannabis-based skincare products.

Highs and Lows of Terpenes

One of the most interesting ways that terpenes may have a huge effect on the future of cannabis-based products and medicinal usage is because of their ability to bring out the benefits of other chemicals in the product.

There are terpenes which lower the effects of THC, a psychoactive component. This means that a strain with very high concentrations of both CBD and THC could be blended with the terpene in such a way that the powerful potency of the CBD could be harnessed without too much THC causing problems for the user.

There is still much research to be done about possibilities like this in the CBD world, and it will be very exciting to see what is discovered

Full Spectrum Benefits

As you can see, there are a lot of potential benefits that things like flavonoids and terpenes bring to the table when looking at a cannabis plant. That is why some people prefer to use full-spectrum products as they contain higher amounts of all three important items:

  • • Cannabinoids
  • • Flavonoids
  • • Terpenes

If you’re interested in seeing the effects for yourself, trying a full-spectrum product might be a good idea.

Complementary Chemicals

While it’s true that flavonoids and terpenes don’t have as much impact in the world as CBD does right now, that doesn’t mean that these chemical substances don’t have some power. And that power is worth learning about!

As you learn more about the specific components that make up cannabis plants, you can learn more about the possibilities that may be further developed in the future. CBD oil is the most well-known chemical product right now, but other complementary chemicals may get similar products in the future!

How These Carrier Oils Work With CBD

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While most people pay attention to the CBD extract and content when they are considering different CBD oils, they might not realize that they should be paying attention to the carrier oils, too!

Carrier oils are used in many products as a way to suspend the cannabinoid, CBD. Without a carrier oil, it wouldn’t be as straightforward to create easy-to-use CBD products. The carrier oils help to preserve and dilute the CBD in a way that makes it easy to take.

There are a number of different carrier oils that can be used in CBD products, and they each have their own body-boosting benefits. By knowing what carrier oil is being used in your products, you can double down on what type of benefits you see from the oils. Let’s take a closer look!

The Basics of CBD Oil

CBD oil is an extraction made from a cannabis plant. CBD itself is what is known as a cannabinoid. This is a specific chemical substance that can be found in the cannabis plant; there are hundreds of different cannabinoids in various types of cannabis plants.

When CBD is used in or on the body, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This system works much like a nervous system. Whenever the cannabinoid binds with receptors in the body, specific reactions occur. This is why different cannabinoids have such different effects.

THC, for example, is the main cannabinoid found in marijuana, and it is what makes people have a psychoactive high. CBD, on the other hand, does not cause this type of reaction.

Why Do People Take CBD?

CBD is used by lots of different types of people. There isn’t one category of person that uses CBD, and that’s because there are so many different ways that the cannabinoid can interact with your body and create a positive change.

CBD oil supplements have a wide variety of reported effects, which you can easily find with an internet search.

There is scientific research being done about numerous potential benefits and effects of CBD, and we expect to see more and more specialized treatments made from these phytochemicals as we move forward. Remember, though, the FDA does not officially state that CBD oil can treat these symptoms, despite anecdotal and scientific evidence.

Carrier Oils: Why Are They Needed?

Carrier oils are almost always needed when creating a CBD oil product. While CBD is extracted from the plant itself, the oil needs to be suspended and diluted in another carrier oil to be truly effective.

In particular, the carrier oil can help to improve the absorption rate of CBD by the body. It can even affect how potent the CBD is. Bodies process and digest different types of oils in different ways, so it is important to have a well-chosen carrier oil.

Not all CBD oil products have a carrier oil, but the way that you use CBD may require it. If you use oral CBD, you will most likely need a carrier oil.

Common Carrier Oils & Their Benefits

Carrier oils are more than just a diluter and carrier; they have their own benefits as well! By choosing a specific carrier oil that suits your needs, you can improve the function of your CBD products even more than just have straight CBD.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular carrier oils and what types of benefits they may have.

MCT Oil

This is the most common carrier oil in CBD products. MCT — medium-chain triglyceride — oil is an easily digestible oil. MCT oil is used in many types of supplements because of how efficiently it can be processed by the body.

Additionally, MCT oil can carry a large amount of CBD because of its fatty chain structure. This leads to more concentrated serving sizes and better absorption rates.

MCT oil is extracted from many types of products:

  • • Coconut oil
  • • Palm products
  • • Dairy products
  • • Acids

MCT oil found in supplemental products like CBD oil is likely to come from a coconut oil. Some products may contain MCT derived from a combination of sources, but coconut oil is most common. Most Bridgetown Botanicals products contain MCT oil or a combination of MCT and hemp seed oils.

Hemp Seed Oil

Another type of oil used as a carrier oil is hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil is not the same as CBD oil even though they are derived and harvested from the same type of plants. Hemp seed oil is extracted from seeds, while CBD oil is extracted from the actual plant matter.

Hemp seeds contain more than 30% oil, so making a carrier oil from them is a very efficient process. The resulting oil is packed with healthy fatty acids, vitamin E, and other amino acids as well. The oil does not contain any CBD.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil, extracted from grape seeds, is another common carrier oil in CBD oil products. This oil has a lot of polyunsaturated fats. Unfortunately, grapeseed oil doesn’t have as many fat bonds, which means that it is a less efficient carrier oil. Still, it is often used in CBD skincare products because it doesn’t contain many skin irritants or much grease.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is often found in CBD tinctures because of its flavor, but isn’t used in many other products because you would taste it too much. Olive oil has lots of antioxidants that can fight infections, but it isn’t as easily digestible as other options because it is composed of very large fat molecules. This could lower the absorption rate of some CBD products. (You can even purchase CBD infused olive oil to add to your favorite salad!)

Look Beyond The CBD

Of course, you’re going to be paying attention to CBD when you are choosing your CBD oil products, but remember that it isn’t the only thing that you should pay attention to. Many products use a carrier oil, and you want to be sure that you choose on that makes sense for you.

Choose a carrier oil that complements your needs. Working on a sore back? Choose something that helps with inflammation. Feeling stressed? Choose an oil with brain-boosting amino acids. By choosing the right carrier oil, you can change the way that the CBD works with you overall.

The Future of Kratom: New Research Funding in the US

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When we post about the future of kratom, we often talk about the importance of research. Research about kratom over the last decade has remained fairly limited. Limitations are caused by a lack of funding as well as the problem of confusing supply streams. Additionally, there is the constantly changing legal situation in the US and other countries to consider when doing research.

Recently, it’s been seen that more kratom research may be funded in order to discover whether kratom may have benefits outside its intended use as a wellness product. With the growing public health crisis in America, it’s great to see kratom being taken more seriously.

And, it’s interesting to see exactly what is being considered. Today, we’ll talk about the December Congress Appropriations Bill, what type of research could be funded, and what that might mean for the future of kratom in America.

What Legislation Was Passed?

Every year, the American government has to set up the fiscal budget for the upcoming year. While this budget is technically due in on October 1st before the new year begins, it often isn’t submitted until well into the new year.

The FY2020 budget, however, was passed in the form of two mini bills in late December. Together, these two legislation packages set up appropriations for the 12 required areas. The bills, H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158, set the stage for all government-funded agencies and programs for the next year.

Overall, most areas were given budget increases, so this is good science for science, research, and social services going into the future.

New Kratom Legislation

Legislation about kratom was included within these bills, and we are excited about the potential that comes along with this change.

The FY2020 Appropriations Bills passed by Congress specifically mention the need to do more research about natural products that might be able to be used in place of certain approved drugs. In particular, kratom and CBD are mentioned as potential alternatives that need to be studied in greater detail.

The bills list a need for doing more research about kratom to gain a better understanding of both the risks and the potential benefits of developing therapies from this natural substance. This additional research should also cover the details of kratom’s composition.

Overall, Congress suggested that at least $1 million dollars should be provided in research funding particularly to find an alternative to potentially harmful drugs that are currently causing a crisis in America.

Why Is More Research Needed?

You might be wondering why we find this research so important; why does it stand out from all of the other appropriations mentioned?

For us, kratom research is of the utmost importance, and it is something that we want to see happening more as soon as possible. Right now, kratom remains in a precarious position in America. While many states have passed Kratom Consumer Protection Laws to ensure the safety of kratom consumers, other states have passed laws against kratom consumption out of fear.

More research will make it possible for state and local governments to make clear and logical decisions about whether or not kratom should be legal. Organizations like the American Kratom Association do their best to help support kratom research and news, but support is needed on a federal level to make this type of research possible.

Without support from the federal government to do kratom research, it can be difficult for scientists to have access to kratom to be able to study it. This support will make it easier for kratom to be obtained for legal research, and that is sure to make a big difference in the future of kratom in America.

Other Legislation Updates

While the kratom research included in the legislation is very interesting, it certainly wasn’t the only thing that was included in these packets! Much of the fiscal budgeting passed is not directly related to natural substances or our areas of expertise, so we are only going to focus on overviewing the most related areas.

  • Cannabis Research:
    Cannabis came up a number of times throughout the conversations about the budget. In particular, Congress suggested that the National Institute on Drug Abuse do a report about how cannabis is currently being classified on the drug scheduling system.

    Currently, cannabis is still somewhat difficult to study because it is federally classified as a Schedule I substance. This means that scientists cannot always access it if they are using federal funding, so that should change in the future. The change will allow additional studies to be done more freely.
  • Medical Cannabis:
    Congress also included provisions to ensure that the federal government cannot prevent medical marijuana programs from being set up or continued in individual states.
  • Hemp Farming Provisions:
    Politicians took the time and effort to ensure that the process of hemp farming legalization is still going smoothly. The Farming Act of 2018 ensured that the hemp industry would get a boost, but there is still more that can be done to ensure that farmers are getting the support that they need. For FY2020, $16.5 million was set aside for this.

Progress in America

All of these provisions show that there is positive momentum in American politics to decriminalize, legalize, and protect consumers of natural substances. This is the momentum that we love seeing, and we are excited to track this progress as it continues.

To see this kind of change in America, we continue to support organizations like the American Kratom Association that are working to ensure that consumers are protected. Protection is needed to ensure that consumers aren’t at risk for buying tainted goods and also to make sure they aren’t at risk of prosecution.

Overall, we are excited about the progress happening in America in regards to natural products, and we can’t wait to see what else happens!