Why cannabidiol is suddenly so popular

Most of you may have heard of cannabidiol or CBD. It is a non-psychoactive cannabis compound that provides several therapeutic benefits. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it does not make people high or will not provide a euphoric effect. Several products that contain CBD have already been produced—from edibles, vapes and drinks to oils, creams, pet products. Because of its popularity, its sales expected to reach over $1.9 billion, per CBS News. But what does it really do and why has it become more appealing to consumers?

It provides several therapeutic effects—some of them are backed up by studies.

Many people claim that CBD helps manage anxiety, depression, and pain, per HealthLine. A study comparing CBD to commercial antidepressants has posted promising results. The so-called miracle compound is found to be effective in eliminating symptoms of depression among rats. Some pet owners even use this for their pets who are suffering from anxiety and arthritis. In fact, more researches about CBD’s benefit to animals are being conducted, per Financial Post.

A recent study also showed that CBD has helped extend survival rates of mice with cancer when used with chemotherapy.

The World Health Organization even reported that there is no abuse potential for people who use CBD and that the compound does not post public health risks.

cannabidiol
CBD products include oils, vapes, edibles, shots/drinks and creams, among others. (Source)

It has a lot of application and can be consumed in several ways.

People usually associate cannabis with smoking, and since CBD is one of its compounds, some people assume that smoking may be the only way to consume it. Several CBD-focused companies have released a wide variety of products to suit different consumers. CBD products are available in oils, vapes, edibles, shots/drinks and creams, among others—so people have the option to smoke, drink, and eat it or even apply it to the skin.

It is being used in some medical treatments.

The U.S. Food and Drug Authority (FDA) recently approved Epidiolex, a drug used for two rare forms of epilepsy. It is used as treatment by patients that are two years old and lower. One of its ingredients is CBD, making it actually the first CBD-based drug to be approved by the FDA.

Currently, the United States is challenged by a public health crisis that involves opioids, which are often used to manage pain. According to NPR, reported opioid overdoses have increased by 30 percent. Because of this, some people are looking for safer alternatives such as CBD. Companies like Synergy Skin Worx has recently offered CBD patches for pain relief.

These are just a few reasons why CBD has become one of a few commodities that have promising growth.