A Cedar Rapids businessman says he will begin selling CBD-infused energy drinks in 2020, despite the fact it is illegal in the state of Iowa.
CBD is the non-psychoactive portion of the marijuana plant. Even with that status, it is still technically tightly regulated by the state.
Gerald Seals is the bar owner who earlier this year tried to sell CBD-infused alcoholic drinks at his establishment, but was told no by the state.
Instead, he will now try to help other businesses keep their product in stock. “My distribution company will be offering a product throughout the entire state of Iowa to only CBD establishments,” Seals tells KCRG-TV 9.
Despite the sales only going to CBD stores and the product not being kept at the bar, it is still illegal to sell CBD for consumption in the state of Iowa unless the person has a State of Iowa Certified Public Health Certificate. Even then, the purchase must be made at one of the states 5 assigned distribution centers.
“CBD stores are also breaking the law,” Seals tells KCRG-TV 9. “Hundreds of stores are selling the product to people all over the state and more and more are opening up every day. If they are going to enforce the law on my distribution company then we expect them to enforce the law on all of these companies.”
Seals said the CBD-infused energy drinks and water are not for everyone and people need to drink them responsibly. “Everybody needs to know their own health. If you are going to use CBD use it responsibly just as if you were going to come into a bar and drink.”
Seals said he already has 40 local businesses that are going to purchase the product from him.
(Photo: KCRG-TV 9)