The indisputable health advantages of CBD
Emma Thackray, of the functional drink company Hip Pop, discusses her predictions for the CBD business in food and drink as well as its future course.
Since products containing the naturally occurring extract of the cannabis sativa plant have become widely available, the popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) has increased dramatically over the past five to ten years. Indeed, it is estimated that by 2024, the CBD market might reach a valuation of $20 billion worldwide.
There are a number of reasons why CBD has gained such a large following, but its wide range of alleged health benefits and desirable qualities are probably the main ones. Accessibility is another.
The alleged advantages
Although further research is need to prove the many health advantages associated with CBD, it has become well-known in society as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments.
Studies have suggested that by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors, decreasing inflammation, and altering how the brain interprets pain signals, CBD oil may help alleviate chronic pain. Numerous human studies have also connected CBD to benefits in the management of pain associated with multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a psychoactive high. Studies are being conducted to see whether CBD can improve mental health and be used to treat PTSD patients.1-3
Evidence suggests that cannabinoids may play a significant role in the gut-brain axis, which refers to the chemical and physical linkages between the gut and brain, indicating that the molecule has potential benefits for gut health as well.
CBD in the beverage and food sector
A completely new approach to wellbeing is emerging with the growing trend for functional health foods made possible by CBD, opening up new opportunities for the food and drink industry as well as health professionals and wellness brands.
The Washington Post reports that there are currently over 1,000 foods and drinks that have been infused with CBD that are easily accessible online, and that demand for foods and drinks that promote health and wellness is rising.
Particularly, consumers are beginning to swarm to CBD-infused beverages, which range from kombucha and cold brew coffee to non-alcoholic wine and water.
Coca-Cola, a beverage manufacturer, has even said that it is “vigorously monitoring the global expansion of non-psychoactive CBD as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages.”
Though it is thought that a CBD drink should normally contain 20mg of the compound for optimal effect, many drink brands are not using the compound in sufficient quantities to provide any real benefit or noticeably aid and improve health, even though more and more are capitalizing on the momentum of the CBD market to launch new products.
The path ahead
With more people searching for items with some kind of health advantage, the CBD market is only going to get bigger. Thus, for food and beverage companies looking to get into the CBD and wellness market, the future seems bright.
For producers of CBD products in the food and beverage sector, the upcoming years will be critical in differentiating between those who were only capitalizing on a trend and those who were committed to offering premium, secure, and useful products to consumers wishing to improve their health.
This market will only expand to meet demand as more data and understanding about CBD and its advantages become available.