With annual revenue of over $180 billion, CVS Health Corporation is one of the world’s leading retail pharmacies and health care providers. CVS claimed in a statement to NBC News on Wednesday, March 19, that it had “partnered with CBD product producers that are compliant with applicable laws and who meet our stringent quality standards.” The company sold cannabidiol (CBD) products in eight states, including:
- Indiana
- Alabama
- Illinois
- California
- Colorado
- Maryland
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
According to Brightfield Group, CBD sales were expected to reach $5 billion in 2019, a sevenfold increase over 2018, paving a perfect opportunity for CVS. CBD has seen tremendous market growth in light of its potential medical properties, and sales of this product category are predicted to reach $5 billion by 2027.
The United States Farm Bill passed in late 2018 effectively legalized hemp-based CBD oil products as long as they contain less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
The legal age to buy CBD products depends on where you live, what sort of CBD you want to buy, and where you’re attempting to buy it from. For the most part, you have to be at least 18 years old to buy CBD products legally. In addition, reputable CBD shops use basic methods to verify your age when you place an order with them online. For the most part, you’ll have to be 21 years old to buy CBD from a recreational dispensary.
Are CBD Products in CVS Derived From Hemp or Marijuana?
Hemp and marijuana are the most common sources of CBD. The hemp plant, related to marijuana, yields cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical compound. Both plants include a wide range of cannabinoids. Still, marijuana has a higher concentration of the psychoactive chemical THC. In contrast, hemp contains a higher concentration of CBD, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis that has received much interest because of its possible medical benefits.
The anti-Inflammatory and stress-relieving properties are some of the most prominent benefits of CBD demonstrated in research. To be clear, CVS will sell CBD-derived lotions, roll-ons, and sprays, not THC-derived products. CBD is the non-psychoactive component, while THC is the psychoactive molecule.
What Kind of CBD Products Will Be Made Available At CVS?
According to CNBC, a CVS spokesperson stated that the company does not carry any cannabidiol (CBD) products or food additives.
The THC-free CBD products available at CVS are available as creams and sprays to achieve the same effects as those found in marijuana without getting users intoxicated. It means the anxiety-relieving oils and candies you adore will have to wait until CBD is available as a food or supplement.
According to NBC News, topical cannabidiol products, such as creams, sprays, and roll-ons, have been described as “an alternate source of relief” by CVS. Moreover, CVS would work with a third party to test and certify the quality of the CBD topicals sold at its pharmacies. Selling unapproved drugs with unsubstantiated therapeutic claims is not only against the law, but it can also put patients in danger, as unregulated CBD products have not been demonstrated to be safe or effective.
Therefore, the creams and salves are being marketed by CVS as over-the-counter CBD medications and merchandised in a special display. For proper labelling and customer safety, CVS has teamed with a third-party laboratory, Eurofins, to test all of its CBD topical products for THC concentration and CBD content, as well as other contaminants.
Previously a distribution agreement with Curaleaf Holdings Inc., a marijuana-based company, had made CBD-infused products officially available at CVS locations across the country, according to Bloomberg. However, shortly in July 2019, Curaleaf (CURLF), a U.S. cannabis producer, has received a warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stating that several of its hemp-based CBD products are “unapproved novel medications” and have violated laws, according to CVS Health (CVS).
In a statement released on July 23, Curaleaf stated that they would answer the FDA’s letter within 15 working days. “We can affirm that nothing in the letter raises many questions regarding the quality and consistency of any Curaleaf product or calls into question the rigorous safety standards of the company’s cultivation and production procedures,” the statement Curaleaf said.
Current CBD Products and Brands in CVS
CVS is offering a wide range of topical CBD products currently that you can purchase both online and in-shop, which includes:
- Roll-Ons
- Gels
- Body Lotions
- Body Oils
- Creams
- Face Mists
- Balms
- Body Serums
Let’s have a look at the brands and pricing of the CBD products offered today by CVS pharmacy in search of much-needed over-the-counter pain treatment CBD products.
Winged
Hydrates deeply without leaving a greasy film on the skin, locking in natural moisture for all-over body hydration. The presence of Rosehip and Sweet Almond helps fades scars and stretch marks and retails at US$25.79.
Hemp Beauty Wake-Up
Cucumber and witch hazel, both of which are used in this CBD-enhanced solution, may aid in the retention of moisture on the skin. Spray it on to wake up and revive your skin. This product retails for US$33.99.
Medterra
There are CBD products available at CVS that the same California-based company sells. More than 20 organic components, including sunflower seed oil, grapefruit seed extract, and arnica flower oil. Their product range includes a CBD roll-on that retails for US$24.99 and a CBD cooling cream for $41.29.
Social CBD
There’s a new CBD topical cream brand on the market called Social CBD. Their cream is a menthol and CBD botanical combination sold as a painful muscular pain reliever at US$31.99.
Charlotte’s Web Hemp
Pure hemp extract containing phytocannabinoids, but no THC is included in this formula, along with aloe, coconut oil, and shea butter to help keep skin supple. This balm retails at US$39.99.
Conclusion
Consider trying CVS CBD oil or any other dispensary, but make sure to read the labels and do your homework on the company you’re purchasing from. You may rest easy knowing that they’re following all FDA regulations and that their items are completely risk-free. Although hemp-derived CBD is widely available, none of these items is guaranteed to contain it.
Many companies are opting to use the word ‘hemp’ instead of CBD on their labels in the hopes that it would attract less regulatory monitoring. Also, before beginning any therapy, including cannabis or hemp-derived products, you should always speak with a qualified medical professional first.