Over the past few years, CBD oil has rapidly grown in popularity as a health and wellness supplement. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 100 compounds called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the more well-known cannabinoid THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it does not produce a high.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various processes like pain, mood, sleep, and immune response. Early research suggests CBD may benefit conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, epilepsy, and more. However, more robust clinical studies are still needed.
The Growing CBD Market
The CBD market has exploded in recent years. In 2018, CBD sales in the US reached $591 million and are projected to surpass $18 billion by 2024, according to Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics.
Several factors are driving this growth. The legalization of hemp production and sale in the 2018 US Farm Bill has significantly increased the availability of CBD derived from hemp. Hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC is legal on the federal level, but some state restrictions still apply.
Advocacy by groups like the Arthritis Foundation and growing public awareness of CBD’s purported health benefits have also contributed to increasing acceptance. CBD is appealing to consumers seeking natural remedies for conditions like anxiety, pain, and sleep issues.
The variety of CBD products available has additionally fueled market growth. Tinctures or oils remain the most popular. But CBD is also sold in forms like edibles, capsules, topicals, vape products, and more.
Mainstream Retailers Embrace CBD
Perhaps the clearest sign of CBD hitting the mainstream is major retailers now carrying CBD product lines. In 2019, national pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid began selling CBD topicals. Since then, CBD has exploded in popularity at mainstream retailers.
For example, in 2021, Target started carrying CBD skincare and groceries. Popular drugstore vitamin chains like GNC and Vitamin Shoppe also now sell ingestible CBD. Even convenience store chains like Circle K have joined the CBD boom.
Beyond chain retailers, CBD is also widely available at smoke shops, independent health stores, spas, and online e-commerce sites. Market research predicts over half of CBD sales will come from general retail stores by 2024.
Popularity Among Athletes
CBD has also gained traction among athletes and active consumers. For years, professional athletes have used cannabis and hemp-derived CBD to manage pain and inflammation.
But thanks to the federal legalization of hemp CBD, major sports leagues have relaxed their policies. The NFL raised its THC testing threshold. NASCAR and the PGA Tour have stopped testing for cannabis altogether. The UFC and WWE now allow athletes to use CBD under certain conditions.
Beyond pro sports, weekend warriors and fitness enthusiasts have integrated CBD into their active lifestyles to support exercise recovery and performance. Leading sports nutrition brands like Redcon1 and cbdMD have launched CBD fitness supplements to meet this growing consumer demand.
The Promise and Controversies of CBD
Despite its newfound popularity, CBD is not without controversies. Critics have called CBD a fad or placebo without enough evidence to support its growing use.
The FDA has warned many companies against making unsubstantiated medical claims about their CBD products. Random testing has also found issues like inaccurate labeling and the presence of contaminants or THC in CBD oils.
Still, supporters point to small clinical studies showing CBD’s potential for conditions like anxiety, pain, inflammation, insomnia, epilepsy, and substance use disorder. More conclusive research is underway, including an FDA-approved clinical trial on CBD for anxiety and sleep disorders.
While not a cure-all, CBD appears relatively safe with mild potential side effects like nausea, fatigue, and irritability. But it can interact with certain medications, so consumers should consult a doctor before trying CBD, especially at higher doses.
The Future of CBD
Despite current gaps in research and quality control, CBD has clearly stepped into the spotlight and is here to stay. The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill was a landmark moment, opening the doors to expansion at major retailers and greater consumer access.
Still, the CBD industry faces regulatory uncertainty. The FDA is expected to eventually implement formal regulations around CBD labeling, dosage, testing, manufacturing, and claims. Several states also still restrict CBD sales, so local laws should always be checked.
As CBD becomes more commonplace and accepted, consumers should be vigilant about choosing quality products from reputable brands that provide third-party testing results. But the future looks bright for CBD as a mainstream supplement, especially if future clinical studies confirm its health potential. With CBD now widely available, more consumers appear willing to explore how it may benefit their health and wellness.
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