Cannabidiol (CBD) — a hemp derivative that doesn’t present the psychoactive effects typically associated with marijuana — has been taking the food, health and wellness industries by storm. Best known for its claims to alleviate ailments including anxiety, insomnia, pain and inflammation, CBD is being incorporated into an array of products, ranging from candy, ice cream and beer to body lotions, lip balms and sugar scrubs.
According to a report from the GrowthOp, the market for CBD-infused products is predicted to yield approximately $20 billion in U.S. sales by 2024, while dispensary sales are expected to reach $5.3 billion.
With so many stores capitalizing on CBD’s perceived health benefits, increasingly more companies outside of the food and drink space have been adding CBD products to their merchandise selection, such as American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch and Ulta.
What’s With The Growing Frenzy?
In her article for the Chicago Tribune, Laura Reiley writes, “From Ben & Jerry’s to Coca-Cola, brands are chomping at the bit to launch CBD-infused products, and stores like Walgreens, Kroger and CVS have vowed to sell them.”
CBD’s growing presence can be largely attributed to the passage of the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act, also known as the “Farm Bill.” This legislation enables licensed farmers to grow industrial hemp, removing it from the list of illegal Schedule 1 drugs and classifying it in the same group as other commercial crops.
However, the FDA doesn’t allow for CBD to be added to food, beverages or dietary supplements. Despite the federal stance, every state has its own laws regarding the substance's use. For instance, in Illinois and Montana, CBD is allowed in all forms, while Texas, Florida, Indiana and Utah require that consumers have access to batch data and potency information.
What Does This Mean?
While there has been scientific evidence supporting CBD’s ability to treat medical conditions like epilepsy and ADHD, there has been limited research on CBD's long-term effects. It’s also difficult for individuals to discern how much they’re actually consuming when taken through food or drink.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Without sufficient high-quality evidence in human studies we can’t pinpoint effective doses, and because CBD is currently mostly available as an unregulated supplement, it’s difficult to know exactly what you’re getting (Grinspoon, 2018).
The FDA held a public hearing on May 31, 2019 to discuss the lucrative plant-based additive and how it should be controlled. However, until more information is gathered, it appears as though CBD products won’t be going anywhere any time soon.
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