How CBD will change the future of industries

The 2018 Farm Bill capped off an exciting and successful year for cannabidiol (CBD). Now that CBD and hemp are federally legal, 2019 is poised to spark a market explosion, which has some reports predicting the hemp-derived CBD industry will grow to $22 billion by 2022. Besides incredible market growth, the upcoming year may hold many other fascinating developments, such as more research on CBD, increased societal acceptance of the cannabinoid, and a much needed regulatory framework for the industry.

 

Here are 7 things you can look forward to potentially happening in 2019 with CBD:

1. More Research On CBD

With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill and the removal of CBD from the Controlled Substances Act, CBD will enjoy fewer restrictions in the realm of research.

Currently, most of the information on CBD is preclinical, which consists of primarily animal studies. While these studies can be useful for testing a substance’s safety, they are not considered as hard evidence for its effectiveness.

The only clinical research on CBD is for its effects on epilepsy, which led to the FDA approving the first CBD-based medication, Epidiolex, back in June of this year to treat rare, pediatric forms of epilepsy.

This coming year could potentially lead to more clinical research on CBD, ultimately helping researchers and consumers discern what conditions CBD is most useful for.

2. CBD-Based Medications

At present, Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved medication containing CBD.

Other medications do exist, such as Sativex—a medication made by GW Pharmaceuticals containing a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD for treating spasticity in multiple sclerosis—but they are rare and not FDA approved.

With more research, more CBD-based medications are likely to appear for treating specific conditions with consistent efficacy, perhaps within the next year.

3. Improved CBD Products

As the body of research around CBD grows, companies will likely enhance their CBD products, tailoring them to be more effective for certain conditions like anxiety or sleep.

Regulation by the FDA for the CBD industry should also help companies create consistent, high-quality products.

4. Wider CBD Product Selection

As hemp production increases and bolsters CBD supply, you can bet the industry will continue to find new items to put CBD in.

CBD is already infused in countless products, to the point where it’s fair to question if some of them are gimmicks.

However, as trustworthy brands continue to grow, so will their product selection.

Several companies we’ve talked to are researching and developing new ways to use CBD for improving the health of you and your loved ones, such as with sleep-specific products and even CBD dog treats/oils.

5. CBD Beverages

CBD-infused drinks are becoming increasingly popular, especially in cafes and bars.

As a result, some beverage makers have announced partnerships with cannabis companies to create CBD-infused drinks.

Back in September, a report about Coca-Cola talking with Aurora Cannabis surfaced indicating the beverage giant might make a play in the CBD space.

While nothing has materialized so far, Coke’s interest provided legitimacy to the CBD market and caused other drink-making companies to give the market some attention.

With the legalization of hemp, it’s possible beverage makers could begin to make more serious moves in the CBD-infused beverage sphere this next year.

6. CBD-Infused Foods

Like with CBD beverages, infusing CBD into food is also trending.

Some CBD companies offer CBD edibles that allow you to enjoy your favorite foods, like peanut butter or honey, with a healthy touch.

CBD is most commonly put into baked goods and treats, such as muffins or chocolate.

7. More Readily Available Products

CBD products should become more readily available to consumers in 2019.

With hemp production expected to increase drastically, the supply of CBD products will likewise increase as existing companies expand their product selection and new companies come onto the scene.

However, it could take some time for hemp production and CBD products to meet demand.

Regardless, companies should have an improved supply, giving consumers more products to choose from.