CBD Research in the U.S. and Canada: An Introduction

In a future edition of this article, we will look at the countries that are leading the way in CBD research, for now though we are going to focus on the U.S. and Canada and introduce you to the bodies and organizations shaping the hemp and cannabis industries in this part of the world:

• National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USA: NIFA conducts research on industrial hemp and plays a regulatory role for private researchers. Along with the FDA it helps to formulate policy and implement bills that govern the cultivation of hemp or cannabis. The primary research studies of NIFA focus around the medical benefits of CBD, its side effects and the qualities of good quality hemp. Since its establishment, the impact of NIFA in industrial hemp research has been crucial in providing information for farmers looking to move into hemp and cannabis production in a safe way. 
• West Central Research Outreach Center (WCROC), USA: This institute is a research department at the University of Minnesota. While the institute focuses on CBD research for academic purposes, its research studies have detailed information about CBD and its uses. WCROC researched the history and origin of CBD consumption, how to cultivate cannabis, and the notable benefits of cannabidiol (CBD). WCROC research studies revealed that industrial hemp research in the United States started in 2014 after the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill. It also provided detailed information about the difference between cannabis and industrial hemp. The Minnesota institute also conducted several research studies, highlighting the robust medical benefits of CBD. 
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA: This is the powerhouse of research studies on cannabis plants and the cannabinoid family. The FDA has conducted several detailed studies into the difference between tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) and worked multilaterally to identify the potential health benefits of CBD. The FDA regulates the cannabis market in the U.S. to ensure strict compliance with the Federal laws on cannabis and industrial hemp. In line with its responsibility to oversee the cannabis industry, FDA passed several bills to guide CBD users against overdose and other CBD products that may be harmful to the body. Also, FDA partners with other institutes such as the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) for the provision of adequate information to the general public on CBD and industrial hemp. 
• Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR), Canada: Like its U.S. counterparts, this Canadian research institute provides detailed research information about the cannabis family. However, the institute does not perform any regulatory function. Instead, it addresses issue such as studies about the cannabis plants, medical benefits of CBD, best cannabis products for diseases, guidelines for the use of cannabis or CBD products, among other vital research information. CMCR also gives detailed information about market trends, newly designed CBD products, innovative actions of CBD-producing companies, requirements for the medical marijuana program, among others. Due to its extensive research studies, CMCR has several research journals that students can use for academic purposes. 

Aside from the research institutes mentioned above, numerous universities throughout the U.S. and Canada conduct academic research on industrial hemp and cannabis plants. Throughout 2020 and beyond, there will be renewed emphasis by these organizations and others to prove the benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids, as well as more extensive work into tightening up the regulation of the CBD and medical cannabis industries to ensure higher quality and improved effectiveness. We will keep an eye on any developments and be sure to keep you up to date with the latest news on research and regulation right here at www.cbdworldnews.com.