In a news release posted Thursday, state Rep. Steve Johnson, R-Wayland, announced that legislation that protects the use of cannabidiol or CBD oil has been signed into law.

Under this legislation, CBD oil and other products derived from hemp would not fall under Michigan Medical Marijuana regulations.

That means Michiganders are not required to have a medical marijuana card to get CBD oil and other industrial hemp products.

“CBD oil derived from hemp doesn’t get you high,” Johnson said in a statement.

“It contains no more than 0.3 percent Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs decided last summer to start classifying it the same way they do marijuana, which contains 5 to 35 percent THC.”

The legislation passed, Public Act 642 of 2018, clarifies that CBD oil and other products derived from hemp fall under the definition of industrial hemp, and not the definition of marijuana.

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According to the Michigan Legislature's website, the bill was approved by the governor on Dec. 28 and filed with the Secretary of State on the same day.

“Many people use CBD oil derived from hemp to treat pain, anxiety and depression, and to reduce the prevalence of epileptic seizures,” Joe Brown, a farmer in Saranac who makes hemp wellness products said in a statement.

“Hemp is fundamentally different from marijuana, and I’m grateful to Rep. Johnson for his work to ensure this is reflected in Michigan law.”

Contact Aleanna Siacon: ASiacon@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @AleannaSiacon.