Cannabidiol or CBD belongs to a group of phytocannabinoids known as cannabinoids. Hemp and marijuana plants are the main surce for it. Both belong to the Cannabis Sativa species.
CBD is non-psychoactive unlike THC, another cannabidiol found in primarily in marijuana. It’s taking the medical industry by storm due to its large number of medicinal benefits. It’s sucessful been used for epileptic seizures, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s. It also provides pain relief and is an anti-inflammatory.
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History of CBD in Canada
The French and the British play a key role in Canada’s introduction to hemp.
In 1606, French botanist, Louis Hebert planted the first hemp plant in Port Royal, Acadia – present-day Nova Scotia. Increasing hemp demand prompted the offering of growing bonuses.
One such bonus was that hemp farmers could pay their taxes with hemp stalks. Growing hemp, however, was tedious and people were showing a preference for growing crops they could eat. As a result, the encouragement to grow hemp became less polite. Quebec in 1668 for example, stopped selling sewing thread unless the buyer had hemp.
The British arrived in Canada in 1763. Their empire was expanding and in great need of hemp. Following are their attempts to encourage its cultivation.
- 1793 – 2000 bushels of Russian cannabis seed sent to Quebec for farmers. Only 15 farmers took the offer resulting in the majority going to waste.
- 1800 – ‘Cannabis experts’ sent to encourage people to grow cannabis. Their efforts were unsuccessful
- 1801 – New settlers receive free hemp seeds.
- 1802 – Formation of The Board for the Encouragement of the Cultivation of Hemp.
Hemp & the War of 1812
Hemp is the reason the US went to war with Britain in 1812.
France’s growing influence is threatening the British. They took control over the English Channel and the Straits of Gibraltar affecting the European Atlantic trade. Napoleon response is to attack the British Navy. He failed.
Most of the hemp used for Britain’s navy came from Russia. So Napoleon pressures Russia to stop trading with the British. The British brings the US into the fight. They capture their ships and take made their Russian hemp products. They also make the US buy Russian hemp on their behalf.
Stopping in the UK is costly for the US. In addition, in 1809, the British resume buying directly from Russia. However, their US arrangement stays in place. The US chooses to attack Canada.
Laws On CBD In Canada
1923 – 1999
Canadas’ first law against cannabis use passed in 1923. It resulted from an amendment to the Narcotics Drug Act. The amendment introduced the Act to Prohibit the Improper Use of Opium and Other Drugs. Cannabis, cocaine, and morphine were in the other drugs category.
The hippie movement of the 60s encouraged cannabis use. The result, a rise in cannabis-related convictions. Records show convictions going from 25 in 16 years (1930 -1946), to 20 in just one year. By 1958 that number was 2,300.
To explore the non-medical uses of cannabis, the Canadian government launches the Royal Commission on the Non-Medical Use of Drugs (Le Dain Commission). This was in 1969. Their findings are in favor of:
- Repealing cannabis prohibition for simple possession and cultivation for personal use.
- Remove cannabis from the Narcotic Control Act.
- Control cannabis use and cultivation like they do alcohol.
Their findings go unactioned.
2000 – today
2000 – The Ontario Court of Appeal finds prohibiting cannabis unconstitutional.
2001 – The Marihuana for Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) introduces cannabis licensing. Authorized patients could either grow their own cannabis or obtain it from licensed growers.
2003 and 2004 – The Liberal government proposes changes to cannabis penalties. Jean Chrétien led the push in 2003. Paul Martin did something similar in 2004. Had the bill passed, possessing up to 15 grams of cannabis would only result in a civil fine.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration came out against Chrétien. The Liberals were the minority in the government when Martin tried. As a result, he too was unsuccessful.
2006 – The national anti-drug strategy gets a few changes. Mandatory prison sentences for cannabis dealers. In addition, cultivation of 500 plants or more would result in a two-year minimum sentence. Jail time increased from 7 to 14 years in jail.
2011 -Justice Donald Taliano rules the 2001 MMAR licensing requirements unconstitutional saying changes should be made.
2013 – The Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) introduces introduced commercial licensing for medicinal cannabis production and distribution.
2015 – Production of cannabis oils is approved for licensed growers. Additionally, patients were allowed to possess and modify cannabis based on personal preference.
2016 – the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) is introduced. It reverses the 2013 Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) ruling. Patients could now grow their own cannabis
2017 – The Cannabis Act is proposed. It aims to legalize recreational cannabis use in small amounts. Its’ schedule to go into effect on July 1, 2018,
Cultural Attitudes Towards CBD In Canada
Cultural attitudes towards CBD have been influenced by a number of things. The lack of distinction between hemp and marijuana, direct and indirect misinformation campaigns and lack of factual evidence are a few of them.
This is no longer the case. More people are discovering CBD’s medicinal and therapeutic benefits from success stories and public research. Educating the masses on how CBD is different from marijuana has also helped cgange attitudes.
Best Places To Buy CBD In Canada
Buy CBD Canada
Buy CBD Canada are cannabis industry veterans. The company was founded 13 years ago by John Britto. Their products are only available online and they include CBD Isolate, Vape Juice, E-Liquid, Tincture, and capsules. All their products contain 0% THC. No doctors prescription, recommendation or Medical Marijuana card is required.
Cannabis Care
Cannabis Care is an online CBD distributor. The hemp is locally grown. Their products are only available online and they include CBD oils, concentrates, and edibles. They also offer full spectrum CBD tinctures that have traces of THC. Their medical cannabis products are potency guaranteed.
Herb Approach
Herb Approach is an online cannabis dispensary. They offer CBD products from a variety of differemt brands. Their products include CBD concentrates, edibles, topicals, tinctures, and eJuice. They have a $100 order minimum.