Last updated: May 25, 2020
The FDA hearing entitled “Scientific Data and Information about Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-Derived Compounds” takes place on May 31, 2019, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
If you happen to be in the Silver Spring, Maryland area, feel free to attend. There is also an option to attend via webinar. The Federal Food and Drug Administration wants to hear our views on marijuana.
The cut-0ff has passed to submit a request to make an oral presentation or comments, but it is not too late to have your view heard. The FDA is accepting online comments until 11:59 PM (Eastern time) on July 2nd, 2019.
The wonder drug?
The vast majority of the 786 comments collected as of this writing are singing the praises of cannabis. From stating specific CBD oils that work best for them to listing a myriad of ailments that marijuana is used for, people in favor are speaking out! It’s as if marijuana is a cure-all drug! “As if” being the key phrase in that sentence.
“There’s a stereotype, a hippy kind of mentality, that leads people to assume that growers are using natural cultivation methods and growing organically. That’s not necessarily the case at all.” — Andy LaFrate, founder of Charas Scientific
Metals & mold
LaFrate presented his results to the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Denver back in March, 2o15.
In view of the fact that there are still no regulations in regard to the cultivation and processing of marijuana, his findings are still alarming.
LaFrate’s group tested over 600 strains of marijuana from a variety of producers. Their findings showed that marijuana is up to three times as potent as it was back in the 1980s. The focus on producing more powerful strains is obviously working. But, in the process, they are leaving their patients in the lurch. This, due to the fact that as THC levels grow higher, CBD levels are declining at a rapid rate. But, that is the least of the marijuana consumers worries.
Even more alarming, most producers don’t test for contaminants. Microbial agents, such as E. coli, salmonella, and yeast mold are commonly found by companies that do. But, that’s not all. Apparently, there are chemical contaminants to deal with, as well.
Marijuana draws heavy metals from the soil as it grows. Concentrating the THC amounts increases the amounts of heavy metals and even pesticides.
We aren’t finished yet.
Lastly, marijuana concentrates are produced with solvents, like rubbing alcohol or heptane. With no regulation standards in place, there is no way of knowing what grade the solvent is.
Hear ye! Hear ye!
We wonder if those commenting on the marijuana issue are aware of this type of information about their “cure-all” drug. It is cause for consideration. Someone ought to tell them.
There are two sides to every story. If you are concerned about marijuana use or the production thereof, speak up!
It only takes a few minutes to comment. Make your views known on the FDA site. Afterward, share this information with others urging them to do the same.
