Just a few years ago, CBD use was banned and even criminalized in some states and most countries. So now, what gives? CBD use is skyrocketing, interest is going gangbusters, and the future of CBD medicine is bright––but why?
Why all the hype about CBD right now?
In the first years of the 2010s, Colorado and Washington legalized cannabis. In 2018, congress passed the Farm Bill, legalizing hemp farming at the federal level.
Since then, the national consensus on both hemp and marijuana have changed.
Now, about 7 in 10 Americans support legalizing cannabis. But nearly ALL Americans say CBD should be widely available (98%!!).
Simply put, cannabis, and especially hemp products, have hit the mainstream. Anger with big pharma (and prescription meds) and eagerness for a viable alternative to prescription meds are driving people to CBD and CBG in droves.
Meanwhile, only 54% of Americans say they are familiar with CBD. That means that nearly half of Americans haven’t yet been reached, but it also means that we need to be crystal clear on the potential benefits and research on CBD and other hemp products.
With so much CBD hype and a new CBD retailer hitting the market daily, it’s time for you as a consumer to get hemp savvy––so you can be confident in your choices and educate those who don’t know much about CBD products.
CBD Research
Stress and anxiety are rising, and people are looking for solutions.
Research on CBD has shown that pre-clinical evidence strongly supports CBD being a potential treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, among others (like your everyday stress).
There’s proven research on CBD treating epilepsy.
Then, there’s it’s potential pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Harvard notes that CBD inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the hardest types of pain to treat.
CBD Potential Benefits
Anxiety and stress are perhaps the greatest current threats to our society’s health.
But we can do something about it.
Meditation, exercise, and drinking have all risen since the beginning of the pandemic. While each of those are not equal, they are all ways to treat stress and anxiety.
CBD’s potential benefits include stress relief, anxiety reduction, better sleep, and steadier appetite.
It’s not a treat-all medicine––doctor won’t prescribe it to you and say, “Take this, and if your stress isn’t better in a week, get back with me.”
But it can promote better mental and physical health in combination with stress-fighting tactics like meditation, exercise, and healthy eating.
Worldwide, people are either intrigued by or espousing the benefits of CBD to their friends, family, and anyone else who will listen.
Why NOT give it a try?
What does the future hold for the CBD and Cannabis Industry?
Nielsen research group estimates that by 2025, CBD sales will grow more than five fold, from $1.2 billion to $6.9 billion.
CBD and cannabis use will only become more mainstream and accepted.
You don’t have to feel like an outlier, weirdo, or hippie anymore if you use CBD or even cannabis (in an increasing number of states).
Heck, 1 in 7 adults are already using CBD, yet 35% of adults say they don’t know what CBD is at all. Young athletes around the country are using it to treat aches and pains.
Yes, 54% are familiar with CBD yet do not use it. But if 35% have never heard of it and another 11% or so already use CBD or have heard of it, but are unfamiliar, then that means CBD use has a very high ceiling for growth.
The future of CBD, hemp, and cannabis? Widely accepted, yes.
Humanity’s rediscovered natural medicine? Maybe just maybe.
Do you have a friend or family member who’s still skeptical about CBD and the plants it comes from? Send them this article, or share it with them on Facebook.
