By Benjie Cooper for the Candid Chronicle

There are many cannabidiol (CBD) products that are readily available in legal markets in 2019, but there are also many differences of opinion regarding how CBD works, what it is useful for, how to use it, and how much to take.

The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill and the FDA’s newfound quest to establish a regulatory system for cannabinoids have also helped contribute to the confusion regarding what is and is not currently legal.

As part of an ongoing effort to help educate the public and provide accurate information about cannabis, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) has released the Patient’s Guide to CBD, which takes an in-depth look at CBD and the current science and culture surrounding it.

The 25-page guide provides information about the endocannabinoid system, CBD’s chemical structure, which forms are available for use, current research, discussing cannabinoids with a physician, and other related topics.

“It is hoped that the information contained in this publication will be shared widely with patients and their families, enabling greater access to CBD, a therapeutic modality of unparalleled versatility and safety,” writes Ethan Russo, MD in the foreword. “It is similarly desirable that greater knowledge of CBD may be accompanied by reasonable regulation and safety standards for its commerce and distribution.”

ASA released the guide in response to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) public hearing on CBD on May 31 where the organization was one of nearly 140 speakers that attended to present scientific information about cannabis compounds.

ASA will also be submitting additional written information to the FDA during the public comment period, which ends on July 2.

Founder and President of ASA, Steph Sherer, says that the organization looks forward to providing the FDA with additional information to assist in their decision making and are eager to help resolve misunderstandings about cannabidiol with the release of the Patient’s Guide to CBD.