Considering CBD offers numerous medicinal benefits and general functionality for users, it’s no surprise that this sector is expected to outpace the rest of the cannabis industry within a few years.
Cannabis may well be America’s (and now Canada and Europe’s) next billion dollar crop. The dot com boom from the 90s now pales in comparison to how big cannabis has already become. Overall, cannabis is booming, but certain sectors are showing more potential than others, mainly the extracts and derivatives market. One of the most popular cannabinoids these days is CBD, or cannabidiol, and with good reason. CBD is derived from hemp and it’s easily extracted, non-psychoactive, and is full of therapeutic benefits.
From a marketing standpoint, one of the most appealing things about it is the fact that it produces no high for the patient. This means it can be sold in a variety of stores, farmers markets, and online platforms, and people are more inclined to try it.
As of now, CBD comprises a modest share of the medical cannabis market, but experts believe that will change by 2020. According to Tapio Maki, CEO of CBD Incorporated in Escondido, CA, “Most cannabis entrepreneurs have their eyes on medical marijuana markets, and very few are on medical hemp. Aside from being considered a health food, it provides immense medical benefits to users as well. It’s also not a federal crime to import CBD and it isn’t subject to state-by-state regulation in terms of transporting it.”
What are CBD’s Therapeutic Benefits?
It’s safe to say that right now, the benefits of using CBD are immeasurable. Each and every day, researchers are discovering new ways that cannabis derivatives can heal our bodies and spirits. Some of the most prominent uses for CBD are: pain, inflammation, epilepsy, mental health disorders, cancer, and even as an aid to help quit smoking and/or drug use.
- Natural pain relief or anti-inflammatory properties
Many people prefer using CBD instead of prescription or over-the-counter pain medications because it’s natural, non-addictive, and users can’t develop a dangerous tolerance and subsequent addiction. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine determined that CBD was an effective, alternative treatment option to reduce pain and chronic inflammation. CBD is already used to treat many related conditions such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.
- Quitting smoking and using drugs
Evidence suggests that CBD can be used to help people quit smoking cigarettes. A preliminary study from 2013 showed that smokers who used a CBD inhaler had less tobacco cravings and smoked fewer cigarettes. Another study found that CBD can aid people in the battle against opioid addiction, which is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. CBD helps to reduce pain, anxiety, mood disorders, and insomnia, all of which lead to a decreased need for opiates.
- Epilepsy and other mental health disorders
CBD has also long been touted as a miracle medicine for Epilepsy patients, especially those suffering from a refractory form of the disease. CBD is known to have a profoundly positive effect on some neurological diseases. Another study, posted by the Current Pharmaceutical Design concluded that CBD could function as a strong anti-psychotic treatment. Contrary to previous misinformation stating that cannabis can cause schizophrenia, this more recent research suggests the exact opposite, that it can actually help with the disorder.
- Helps fight cancer
Not only can CBD help relieve the pain and nausea associated with standard cancer treatments, but in a 2013 review posted in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, researchers found that CBD can actually block metastasis. This is the process of cancer cells spreading throughout the body and invading other organs and tissues. It can also be used in conjunction with other treatments because of its low toxicity levels.
Where Can You Find It?
Since CBD is non-psychoactive, it can be found much more easily than whole flower cannabis or THC extracts. You can find it in most health food stores. You could also find it from a slew of online vendors. Some of them allow you to Try CBD for as low as $4.95.
If you decide to take the plunge, it’s best to use a trusted company with an established reputation. Many companies send their products off to a third party lab for testing, and some even offer a money back guarantee. That certainly offers some peace of mind!
[Image credit: Flickr]
