The benefits of hemp oil extract and phytocannabinoids have been known for a long time, but hemp and marijuana have been illegal in the United States since 1937, as part of the Marijuana Tax act. Prior to this law, hemp played a large role in medicine, and it was used in many medications.

In 2014, President Obama signed the Federal Farm act. Section 7606 distinguished hemp from marijuana, and allowed states that legalized hemp cultivation to conduct pilot programs. In 2017, North Carolina completed the necessary steps to allow for the first crop of industrial hemp to be planted.

These changes have allowed hemp’s medicinal uses to be reintroduced to the general public. Many physicians are not aware of the benefits, since it hasn’t been taught in medical school for many years.