Article contributed by Nancy Fernandez
CBD is a member of cannabinoids, which come from the cannabis plants. It is a natural compound and interacts with the body in various ways; as a supplement, drug, and an ingredient.
Unlike the THC compound, CBD oil is non-psychoactive thus has no mind-altering effects. It is becoming more popular in restaurant menus and other food products. However, when including CBD in the restaurant’s menu, the source should be reliable. The suppliers should also be compliant with the regulations for safety measures.
How To Use CBD
The restaurant industry is increasingly introducing CBD in their menus. However, the FDA (Food& Drug Administration) classifies CBD as an active ingredient in drugs and has not regulated its use in food and beverages. Nevertheless, this has not stopped some restaurants from mixing CBD with drinks or cooking. It is important to note that the legality of CBD varies in different regions, and also its composition.
CBD oil comes in different forms. The most popular forms of CBD oil include:
- Capsules
- Topicals
- Tinctures
- Edibles and gummies
- Vapes
In restaurants, CBD can be used in preparing cocktails and beers or desserts as an optional addition. It can be done by adding a few drops of flavored CBD oil. The National Restaurant Association report shows that CBD-infused foods and beverages were trending in 2019 in the hospitality industry. According to the report, it is clear that CBD is becoming a popular addition to restaurant menus.
The regulations and laws around the usage of CBD in food and beverages differ with regions or states. The same applies to the associated risks. As much as the FDA does not legalize the use of CBD in restaurants, the decision is upon the national or local governments. To incorporate CBD in their menus, restaurants should ensure to follow the laws set by the government and decide whether it is right to use it. Some of the regulations to consider in using CBD are;
1. Understanding the Local Laws Surrounding CBD and Hemp
While some governments do not permit CBD oil in restaurants, other ways to use the cannabis product without violating the rules, the laws around CBD vary in different regions, thus the need to first know the local laws.
In some states like California, it is against the law to add CBD to foods. As much as cannabis is legal for adults, it is prohibited to include CBD in food regardless of its origin, the cannabis plant. Restaurants risk their products being sophisticated if they use CBD in their menus.
Restaurants should work closely with local authorities to avoid any problems with the law. Also, consult and inform them when planning to use CBD to know whether it is legal or not.
2. Consult with the Restaurant Association
It is significant to consult the restaurant association to be updated on any changes made by the law. Since the FDA does not approve CBD, there is a possibility of changing its usage and rules.
Consultation with the restaurant association helps a restaurant to make sure to follow the set laws. A restaurant association also provides a restaurant with directives on getting safe products. It may also help in checking if the products are legal and measure to take.
3. Adhere to Safety Measures and Usage
As with any other drug, safety is the most crucial thing to consider when using CBD. Employees in restaurants, mostly the chefs and bartenders, are sometimes not keen on the correct amounts and dosage of CBD to be added. Such mistakes can affect the customers or even lose them.
Also, have good knowledge of the product and supplier, who should be reputable and reliable. Restaurants should not promise health benefits after taking CBD-infused products as there is no proof.
4. Consult a CBD Specialist
A CBD specialist will help determine whether the product is safe for human consumption. CBD oil composition should have less than 0.3% THC, which means they are derived from hemp. It makes it safer for human consumption. A specialist may also provide directions on how to apply it and use it as an additive.
CBD is growing more popular, and its usage is increasing. The producers of CBD say it has many health benefits to humans. Due to its wide variety of products, most people think that it is legal. However, this is not the case, as, in most states, it is unlawful to use CBD products. Restaurants using CBD in foods are likely to get into trouble with the law, especially in regions where it is prohibited. The rules governing CBD usage are confusing to many restaurants.
Final Thoughts
Restaurants should be careful when introducing CBD to their menus. The first thing is to check with the law whether it is allowed. They should enforce safety measures in making the CBD products fit for their customers and comply with the regulations.
