You may have heard about the increasing popularity of CBD products and have possibly noticed online CBD shops or CBD products in your local shop. The CBD industry is rapidly expanding and research suggests that the CBD market will continue to grow, whilst awareness and acceptance of its benefits are on the rise.
Furthermore, governments are heading toward legalisation of some cannabis products. We can also see an increase in the usage of CBD and other cannabinoids. Now, more than ever before, CBD and the cannabis or hemp plant it comes from are household names and are no longer surrounded by the same stigma they once were.
CBD itself, otherwise known as cannabidiol, is one of many active compounds or cannabinoids found and extracted from hemp plants - learn more in our CBD guides including ‘How Long Does CBD Take To Work?’ and ‘CBD And The Endocannabinoid System’.
As it looks like cannabidiol is here for the long haul - it has gained significant traction and is more widely used than you might have thought - here we take a look at some impressive news and statistics around the CBD industry:
The popularity of CBD in the UK
Nearly 6,000,000 adults have tried a CBD product in the UK (source). CBD is readily available for consumption and we can find it in many places, for example (just to mention a few):- Cafes and bars
- Supermarkets and convenience stores
- Health shops and chemists
- Online stores
- Be sure to use a reputable retailer
- Check that the product we are purchasing is lab tested
- Read product and shop reviews
- Don’t skimp on cheap bootleg CBD products (quality CBD doesn’t have to cost a fortune; compare prices of products with others and check CBD content)
CBD edibles are to be regulated by the FSA
The FSA (Food Standards Agency) have stated that by March 2021 CBD edibles are going to be regulated. This is great news for consumers as you can now ensure that you’re getting what you’ve paid for in terms of a quality product. This regulation by the FSA also ensures that retailers adhere to food industry standards and provide products that contain quality, responsibly sourced CBD containing less than 0.2% of THC. THC is the main psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis plants that is responsible for causing a ‘high’. The legal maximum THC content allowed in a CBD product in the U.K and most of the EU stands at 0.2%. This maximum content is deemed safe and is not enough to cause a high. As the FSA has started to impose regulations on companies producing CBD products, we will start to see the demise of companies that are producing unregulated products. In turn, this could make way for new CBD companies seeking to provide good, honest and well regulated products. This will also help increase the reputation of retailers who are already leading the UK CBD industry. Reputable retailers, such as ICE Headshop, will continue to provide high quality CBD products from renowned brands, keep up to date with regulations and grow alongside the success of the industry.Impressive CBD statistics
39% of hemp derived CBD users are between ages 18-34
This American statistic (source) shows that the industry has potential for huge growth as young people are more easily made aware of the benefits of cannabidiol products (which includes edibles, oils and vape liquids). Statistically, younger people are using CBD the most. This could be because information boasting the health benefits of CBD is much more readily available online and on social media platforms. Much of the CBD market is online and there are online stores with years of experience in the CBD industry, as well as a massive variety of CBD products.Over half of seniors who have tried CBD report an improved quality of life
The amount of senior reporting improved quality of life (source) is another great sign of CBD’s ability and how individuals can benefit from it’s effects. Seniors are more likely to suffer from chronic pain, depression, and ailments related to age and stress.The US market for CBD was valued at $4 billion in 2019
A study in 2019 valued the US CBD market at $4billion (source). It has also been predicted to grow to $25 billion by 2025. As acceptance and education into the benefits of CBD is on the rise, so is the potential for huge growth in the hemp industry. (Remember hemp can also be used as a natural, sustainable replacement for many building materials and other useful household and everyday items).What else do we know?
- One of the fastest growing sectors of the CBD industry is in veterinary care (source). CBD is not only a growing industry for helping humans, but also our animal counterparts too. CBD offers a natural alternative for pets, however the legalities differ across the world so always research and take your vet’s expert advice.
- Testing shows potential for CBD to be used for the treatment of a large variety of illnesses or ailments (source). As research and trials continue, CBD is providing more evidence that it can help relieve painful conditions.
- In the UK much of the CBD consumed is produced in and purchased from the United States (source). The UK CBD industry has overwhelming potential for growth. Hemp farmers in the UK may be able to start processing the leaves and flowers for use in CBD products. This could help build our CBD market in order to keep up with the CBD market leaders, which are predominantly the US and Canada. The United States has legalised cannabis in many states and has allowed farmers to grow hemp and cannabis plants for the production of cannabis and CBD products. This has certainly played a part in them having the majority share of the global CBD industry.
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