CBD or “hemp oil” has become a hot topic as local vape shops, pharmacies, and healing stores add the products to their shelves. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture says its illegal to add CBD oil to food products of any kind.
But, you can still find edible CBD products in shops along the Grand Strand, whether it’s gummies used to help with chronic anxiety or dog treats.
Kathie Hope, owner of Hopes Healing Hands, opened in downtown Myrtle Beach one year ago.
“We have natural products, essential oils, everything is USDA organic, herbs, CBD products.” said Hope.
Recently, they started selling edible gummies with CBD oil, which she says have proven to be a customer favorite. But, the FDA says under the federal food and cosmetic act, CBD cannot be legally added to any human or animal food products for public sale.
“I’m very surprised first of all, I don’t understand what is the difference between oil and an edible? They are both internally ingested,” said Hope.
A mother of three, Ryan Oakley says the CBD oil gummies helped her completely get off medication. She says not only do they taste better than directly consuming the oil, it’s more convenient.
“I’m someone with high anxiety, so sometimes going to Walmart is not going to be fun for me. So just to be able to have that quick, not have to worry about oils is easy and convenient,” Oakley said.
Oakley says edible CBD products are popular in her circle of friends, to also help animals and children calm down.
“Just the calming effect, getting them to sleep at night, attention, focus, that kind of thing,” said Oakley.
News13 reached out to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to get a better idea of how they plan to crack down on illegal production and distribution but we didn’t hear back.