Louisiana businesses are now getting permits to sell CBD products now that a new state law is in effect.
Even though the permits are being issued, CBD retailers are still running into some issues.
About 20 permits were issued as of Monday, state wide by the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.
The permits, will allow businesses to sell some products with CBD in them, but not all.
“Take one step forward and two steps back,” Cajun Cannabis owner Travis DeYoung said
While the legalization of CBD was a step forward for Cajun Cannabis, DeYoung says it’s still a long road ahead for the industry.
Many of the prohibited products haven’t been approved by the FDA.
Those products include, CBD infused food, drinks and dietary supplements. The regulation prohibits anything that can be inhaled or consumed.
However, it’s what business owners say a majority of people are looking for.
“As far as businesses go that’s easily 50 to 60 percent of the business is edibles because people take that for anxiety or digestive problems,” DeYoung said.
“It’s a large part of the market. For them to cut that out, they’re not only hurting the economy, they’re hurting the customers.”
According to the FDA, more research needs to be done. The administration citing concerns for the theraputic and medical use of CBD .
According to the FDA, they have not evaluated what the proper dosage may be for those who take it, how it could interact with other drugs or if it could have side effects.
However, some customers swear by CBD, no matter what form it’s in.
“They don’t have marijuana in them, so they’re not going to get you high,” customer Angelle Jumonville said. “I do know it helped me with some anxiety. It should be more readily available for consumers in Louisiana.”
Deyoung says he will continue to be an advocate for CBD and try to speak with law makers.
In the meantime the state will hold off on selling food or drinks infused with CBD until it’s approved by the FDA.
