Ben & Jerry’s To Begin Selling CBD-Infused Ice Cream In Near Future

By Mandy Froelich / Truth Theory

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article linked to another story that falsely claimed that cannabis cures cancer. This has been updated with the link to a list of studies showing potential benefits of CBD, however studies were mainly conducted in animal models and hence can’t be extrapolated to humans as yet. Additional references have been included in the update. Furthermore, the article claimed that regular use of CBD can reduce the likelihood of developing diseases. This claim is too broad and there aren’t sufficient studies done on humans to support it, more research is needed.

It’s 2019, and CBD is legal for use in the United States of America — under very specific conditions, of course. In the future, however, it could be approved for regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pending that hurdle, the world-famous ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s intends to launch a new CBD-infused ice cream flavor. 

According to a press release, the company is moving toward the production of cannabidiol-infused ice cream. Mid-May, Ben & Jerry’s said it is committed to bringing CBD-infused cream to fans’ freezers pending some changes to federal regulations. The ice cream company did not specify which flavors will be infused with CBD in the near future.

“We’re doing this for our fans,” said Ben & Jerry’s CEO Matthew McCarthy in a statement. “We’ve listened and brought them everything from non-dairy indulgences to on-the-go portions with our pint slices. We aspire to love our fans more than they love us and we want to give them what they’re looking for in a fun, Ben & Jerry’s way.”

The announcement was made one day before the FDA held its first public hearings on the subject of regulating CBD-infused foods and beverages. By pledging to deliver a CBD-infused ice cream, the company hoped to garner support for the movement. The company has since asked fans to show their support for CBD by sending supportive messages to the FDA during an open comment window from May 31 through July 2.

A statement from the Vermont-based company said that any infused ice cream would include locally-sourced CBD. Ben & Jerry’s already sources brownies and cookie dough ingredients from local food producers.

Founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have suggested they support infusing THC in their ice cream flavors in the past. But, they have not confirmed if there are any edible products in the works. According to spokesperson Lindsay Bumps, the company currently has no plans to create or sell marijuana edibles.

What, exactly, is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) comes from the marijuana (cannabis sativa) plant. It is one of several cannabinoids but differs from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the component that gets you “high.” Regular use is associated with pain relief, reduction in anxiety and depression, healthier skin, and reduced likelihood of developing diseases.

According to Junella Chin, DO, an osteopathic physician and a medical cannabis expert, “You won’t feel sedated or altered in any way.” Chin told Health: “CBD is the non-psychoactive portion of the plant, so what that means is you won’t have any effects like euphoria.”

What are the benefits of CBD?

CBD is most popular for pain management. Right now, opioid addiction is a full-blown crisis in the United States. Not only are doctors over-prescribing pills, but the drugs are highly addictive.

In 2016, drug overdoses claimed the lives of nearly 64,000 Americans. Nearly two-thirds (66%) of the deaths involved a prescription or illicit opioid. CBD, on the other hand, helps people manage their pain in a safe and natural way. Most importantly, it is non-addictive and has few side effects.

CBD is also supplemented for its ability to remedy minor mental issues, such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, the oil has been proven to be an exceptional remedy for seizures and epilepsy. 

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IMAGE CREDIT: Wikipedia

IMAGE CREDIT2: Flickr

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