CSUN On Point

Cannabinoids, most commonly known as CBD products, are making their way into the consumer market, but questions continue to arise as to whether they are safe and legal.

New Frontier Data found that the $390 million market for all hemp products will triple by 2022. CVS and Walgreen have already announced they would begin selling hemp-derived CBD products in stores nationwide.

The products are gaining popularity after users reported they reduce anxiety and help with sleep issues. Some users believe CBD offers a natural alternative to drugs that relieve pain and treat anxiety, inflammation and depression.

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 had made all hemp-derived products prohibited under federal law, but that ban ended with the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill lifted the federal ban, and allowed states to grow CBD products, which are extracted from cannabis and known as hemp. States that want to grow hemp products must apply and meet the requirements of the Agriculture Department.

Despite CBD’s increasing popularity, few scientific studies exist to prove its benefits, leaving many people confused about the difference between CBD and medical marijuana. CBD does not contain the THC component of marijuana, but some people, including some doctors, say they still have safety concerns.

“A lot of doctors kind of don’t know [what CBD can do] either, so they’ll discourage their patients,” said CBD entrepreneur Marissa Sanchez.

Sanchez said she started using CBD because she did not want to become dependent on prescribed medications for depression. She attended a CBD workshop at Feeling Groovy Wellness and Cafe, in Claremont, Calif., where she met CEO and Founder Nicole Lanni, and learned about the benefits of using CBD infused products.

“My overall well-being is much better, ” Lanni said. “Physically, I feel better. My skin is better. I think my relationships with people are better.”

Questions about the legality of products containing CBD oil still come up, despite how common they are in some cities.

States are allowed to ban CBD, despite it being legal now under federal law, and in states where CBD is produced legally, truck drivers may still be arrested for drug trafficking when trying to deliver it across state lines.

Still, proponents say its popularity will continue, especially because of its potential to help people.

“CBD can actually help people get off of other addictive substances,” Sanchez said.

Moderator: Chris Farias

Producer: Chris Farias

Anchor: Jamontae Hickman

Social Media Editor: Karissa Preciado

Reporters: Gloria Alas, Enrie Amezcua, Chris Farias, Darya Hariri, Jamontae Hickman, Coraima Hurtado, Karissa Preciado

For years, people have been buying personal care products and beauty products without really knowing what ingredients they may contain.

Most individuals continue to be unaware of what chemicals their lipstick , foundation, shampoo, deodorant, mascara, and other products contain, and how those chemicals could affect their health.

Eluxe Magazine reports the chemicals that are found most often in personal care products are mercury, lead, parabens, phthalates. Many people might believe the stuff they are putting on their skin is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, but it is not, at least not to the extent people might hope.

“If we are talking about personal care products, we are talking about thousands of compounds that our bodies are exposed to on a daily basis,” CSUN Chemistry and Biochemistry professor Gagik Melikyan said. “It is almost impossible to check for all them to the full extent, because we are talking about human resources and financial resources .”

Melikyan, who is the author of a book on the subject called Guilty Until Proven Innocent, said these chemicals can potentially disrupt hormone production and lead to miscarriage or infertility, and may cause cancer and skin irritation.

Women are the gender most affected because they buy more beauty products, but men are also vulnerable to the side affects of the personal care products they buy.

The variety of organic or vegan personal care products in the United States has been slim for many years, and some consumers of beauty products say that needs to change.

“It is also the consumer’s responsibility to educate themselves on these products,” said professional makeup artist Fabulous Jason.

Freelance make-up artist Betsy Rodriguez said purchasing new products for her clients has become difficult because some of them are fine using inorganic products, or just they prefer certain products whether they’re toxic or not. At the end of the day, many make-up artists need to make their clients happy.

“I was selling these products,” Rodriguez said, “and in order to sell these things, I had to put them on myself, and they weren’t working for me. I see these products, and I see these ingredients, and I [think], if I am not their side with [them], why should I [sell them?] — and yes, I stopped doing a lot of things.”

Moderator: Darya Hariri

Producer: Karissa Preciado

Anchor: Christopher Farias

Social Media Editor: Jamontae Hickman

Reporters: Gloria Alas, Enrie Amezcua, Christopher Farias, Darya Hariri, Jamontae Hickman, Coraima Hurtado and Karissa Preciado