Not so long ago, we mentioned how NYC’s bars and restaurants were warned by New York City’s health department from trying to sell food or drinks containing CBD. Initially, with the growing popularity of CBD, it looked like CBD infused food and drinks were here to stay.
However, health officials decided to place a ban on places like Brooklyn based Caffeine Underground where you can find customers choosing CBD foods and beverages, almost every day. According to a statement released by the health officials, the crackdown was a result of studies which found many manufacturers are cashing in on the CBD craze by claiming to add CBD to food and drinks where little or no traces of CBD were found.
This led to a lot of confusion since actually, it’s legal to buy CBD and consume it in other forms like oils. Now, it is stated that according to the latest reports, New York City health officials have delayed the ban on CBD additives to food and drink well into the summer, after banning it initially. Now all establishments serving CBD with food and beverages have time till June 30 to educate themselves on reasons for banning the cannabis compound.
Many businesses which were caught off-guard by the earlier rule can now have a breather. Starting in October, violators could be fined at least $200 and restaurant letter grades could suffer.
CBD is found in cannabis plants but doesn’t make people high. It is known to provide relief from anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness although its medical uses have not been backed by sufficient research. The CBD industry has been exploding, with brands scrambling to create their own CBD-infused edibles, tinctures, lip balms and much more to cash in on the trend.
According to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, all restaurants and establishments were asked to avoid adding CBD to food and drinks. Around 11 restaurants had been ordered not to use CBD as an additive.