Author: GVB Biopharma

Just a few years ago, nobody would have expected that Japan would be on the cusp of becoming one of the largest hemp markets outside North America and Europe. Now, though, the Japanese market has undeniably opened to CBD, leading analysts to predict a national market size exceeding ¥80 billion, the equivalent of around $600 million.

How did the Japanese CBD market turn around so suddenly, and what does it all mean for investors both at home and abroad? Discover the key takeaways from a recent Yano Research report, and learn our thoughts regarding ideal positioning within the quickly evolving Japanese CBD market.

The Yano Research Institute Report on the Japanese CBD Industry

In August of 2022, Yano Research Institute, one of Japan’s leading market research firms, released a compendious report¹ detailing their findings on the size of the Japanese CBD market. In 2019, Yano reports — the first year CBD entered the Japanese market — the domestic hemp industry was worth a paltry ¥4.7 billion, swelling to nearly ¥10 billion the following year.

Now, in 2023, Yano forecasts the Japanese CBD industry to swell to more than ¥47 billion — exactly ten times its entry size four years prior. How did such massive growth occur during such a short span of time? Yano provides a few key factors to consider:

– CBD has been prevalent in Japanese media since 2019

– COVID led to increased interest in natural health

– CBD is presented as a relaxing remedy

– The Japanese government is becoming more pro-CBD

– More Japanese CBD products are being made in Japan, stoking national pride

“Made in Japan” CBD

The evolving Japanese CBD industry increasingly emphasizes CBD products that are at least partially manufactured in Japan. During the early days of the Japanese CBD industry, many consumers were reticent to try the cannabinoid since it was almost always provided in the form of imported products.

Many Japanese CBD brands import partially processed ingredients to create finished products domestically. Japan’s white-label CBD industry supports local production and international suppliers while assuring consumers of product quality. Producing CBD products domestically helps regulators ensure quality, including the absence of detectable THC.

Just as it is changing everywhere else around the world, though, the Japanese stance toward THC is shifting. If upcoming legislative efforts are successful, it is likely that importers will soon have a much easier time getting raw hemp materials through Japanese customs.

A more-welcoming island

The Yano report goes on to comment on the development of a CBD-friendly culture throughout the Japanese island. Traditionally very conservative, the anti-drug Japanese populace has recently softened toward CBD to some degree, as is reflected by ongoing legislative efforts to normalize CBD commerce within Japan.

Yano predicts that CBD products will soon be widespread in Japanese chain convenience stores like 7-Eleven and possibly in Japanese Costcos. This increased acceptance of CBD is largely driven by major name brands adopting these products and leveraging the trust they’ve already built with Japanese shoppers.

Japanese consumers’ mistrust of anything related to cannabis remains a significant obstacle. Possessing even a small amount of THC cannabis is a serious felony, making citizens fearful that using CBD might associate them with unsavory social activities.

The best way that brands can overcome this reticence is to continually point out how CBD is different from THC from both the perspective of effects and legality. Unlike the United States, in which THC is legal in many places, this intoxicating cannabinoid remains fully illegal everywhere in Japan, something that brands catering to Japanese audiences must always keep in mind.

An aging empire

Not mentioned explicitly in the Yano report but highly relevant is the shifting demographic makeup of the Japanese islands. With elderly Japanese making up a staggering portion of the population², issues regarding aging will continue to carry ever-greater importance within the social fabric of Japan.

In the United States, CBD is highly popular among those with age-related conditions like rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, despite lacking federal endorsement.

Now that CBD is becoming accepted throughout Japan for purposes of relaxation, it’s only a matter of time until the nation’s aging population begins to embrace the non-intoxicating cannabinoid for its age-related purposes as well. In the coming years, Japan will offer valuable insights into how elderly individuals adapt to CBD in a culturally distinct, homogeneous society.

A massive demand for CBD

While Japan’s regulatory moves regarding CBD are also promising, the main driver for growth that Yano identifies in its report is simply demand for CBD products. The Japanese people fully support CBD, focusing only on whether the products are made in Japan and free of THC traces.

As long as suppliers meet these needs by offering raw materials for broad-spectrum or isolate CBD production to competent Japanese finished product manufacturers, demand for CBD in Japan should grow at least as much as Yano predicts — if not even more.

Yano’s key predictions

To summarize, what exactly does the Yano report predict?

– 2022 projected Japanese CBD sales: ¥25,936b ($196.62m)

– 2023 projected Japanese CBD sales: ¥47,667 ($361.36m)

– 2025 projected Japanese CBD sales: ¥82,979 ($629.30m)

In contrast, the US CBD market was valued at $8 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $20 billion by 2025. Even though CBD’s original market will always be much bigger, a market in East Asia making up around 5% of the US CBD industry’s size is nothing to scoff at.

And again, the key drivers for the Japanese CBD market’s growth that Yano identifies are:

– Increased prevalence of CBD in Japanese culture

– Relaxing regulations

– Made in Japan CBD products

– Products made by major domestic brands

Overall, Yano comes across as extremely optimistic for the future of the Japanese CBD industry without making any predictions that sound particularly far-fetched. It’s not unreasonable to assume that Japan will be on its way to a $1 billion CBD market within the next few years — and there are plenty of other international locales that are opening up to CBD alongside the Empire of the Sun.

Discussion

The key question is whether optimism about the Japanese CBD industry is justified. A few years ago, this question lacked a clear answer.

Now, though, the situation has objectively changed. Instead of coming down hard against CBD as some skeptics predicted, the Japanese government has instead moved to embrace the cannabinoid as long as it is rid of any association with illegal drugs. The Japanese people, for their part, have shown an even greater demand for CBD than anyone initially predicted, resulting in growth projections that may, at first glance, seem fantastical.

CBD’s power to potentially heal is clearly a trending topic in Japan, though, and it now seems that the last vestiges of any legitimate impediment to the establishment of a highly productive Japanese CBD industry are rapidly washing away.

The bottom line: Is the Japanese CBD market worth investing into?

Abstract prognostications aside, what is the overall likelihood of success for an average international entrepreneur currently attempting to enter the Japanese CBD market? For one thing, we believe your chances of success will be much higher as long as you follow these simple tips:

1. Japanese shoppers have unequivocally demonstrated that they prefer to buy their CBD products from Japanese brands. Position yourself as a supplier of raw or partially processed ingredients, not the face that will be selling products to average Japanese people.

2. Do not underestimate the seriousness of Japanese distrust of THC. Products entering the Japanese market must be entirely THC-free, emphasizing partially processed extracts with THC already removed.

3. Despite facing heavy consumer demand, most Japanese CBD brands are inexperienced in formulating and marketing products. Behind the scenes assistance can and should be offered in a courteous and respectful approach..

4. Japanese brands want to succeed, and they are enthusiastic about CBD. Assist them effectively in their journey to success, and your efforts will be rewarded handsomely.

Overall, there has never been a better time to become involved in the Japanese CBD market in some way. Tread carefully, and always look to the behavior of the Japanese CBD market itself for guidance.

Sources

1. 1. CBD Product Market in Japan Grew to 18,541 Million Yen in 2021, 185.9% of Previous Year | Yano Research Market solution provider. (n.d.). https://www.yanoresearch.com/en/press-release/show/press_id/3013
2. 2. Author, N. (2022, September 19). Over 75s make up over 15% of Japan’s population for first time. The Japan Times. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/09/19/national/japans-graying-population/

According to a recent Gallup poll, Americans are placing more emphasis on the importance of proper sleep than ever before. It has been known for decades that sleep is essential to health, but it’s only recently that scientists have uncovered just how essential a good night of rest is to your defense against disease and expected lifespan.

What, exactly, does Gallup have to say about the relationship between Americans and their sleep, and what does it mean for the growing and solidifying American hemp market? We will cover all the details in this guide and provide you with concrete tips to follow in light of these shifting attitudes towards sleep.

The 2022 Gallup sleep poll

First, the basic facts: In 2022, Gallup partnered with mattress manufacturer Casper to survey more than 3,000 American adults regarding their attitudes toward sleep. Titled the “Casper-Gallup State of Sleep in America 2022 Report¹,” the results of this poll cover a wide range of topics — most importantly, for our purposes, the self-perception of Americans regarding how much the quality of their sleep affects their daily activities.

Before we move on to what the Gallup poll means specifically for cannabinoids, let’s take a moment to summarize its overall key findings:

– One-third of adult Americans (~80 million people) are dissatisfied with their sleep quality

– Good mental health is shown to be associated with healthy sleep

– Younger adults are the most likely to struggle with sleep and stress

– 55% of Americans make sleep a high priority

– Women value sleep more than men

– People who like their mattresses are more likely to sleep well

– More than $40 billion is lost yearly since workers fail to show up due to bad sleep

– Only 7% of adults indicate that their sleep last night was excellent

Americans increasingly value sleep

According to the Gallup-Casper poll, an increasing number of Americans are becoming aware of both the positive and negative impact their sleep habits can have on their quality of life. One of the most fascinating components of the poll was an assay of the areas in life respondents believed were affected by their sleep quality. Here’s a summary of the key findings:

– 49% of Americans believe their sleep quality affects their mood

– 49% of Americans believe their sleep quality affects their work performance

– 45% of Americans believe their sleep quality affects their general health

Furthermore, percentages of Americans who believe sleep affects their lives in the following ways stand thusly:

– Ability to exercise: 31%

– Ability to have fun: 30%

– Relationships with family: 26%

– Healthiness of food choices: 23%

The average person has always known that failing to sleep properly the night before makes it hard to do their job. Just as ubiquitous is the platonism that sleep is essential to your health.

A growing contingent of Americans, though, are clearly becoming aware of the impact of sleep on seemingly ancillary areas of life. More than a quarter of adults in the country, for instance, now realize that their close relationships suffer when they don’t rest well. Nearly a quarter also realize they’re more likely to binge junk food or go down the drive-thru line when they’re sleepy.

Younger Americans value sleep more

The data from Gallup clearly indicate that sleep is a growing priority as the nation evolves. Among the oldest group surveyed (65+), only 31% admitted that sleep impacted their mood while that number more than doubled in 18 to 29-year-olds: 68%.

The discrepancy is nearly as large but not quite as extreme when it comes to self-assessments regarding the overall importance of sleep to health. Again, 31% of 65+ respondents agreed that sleep quality impacted their health, but 59% of the survey’s youngest cohort recognized how much poor sleep could harm them.

Here are a few other areas in which younger Americans are more focused on how their sleep quality affects their health:

– % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts their ability to exercise: 39% vs. 18%

– % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts their ability to have fun: 46% vs. 19%

– % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts their interpersonal relationships: 33% vs. 18%

– % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts the healthiness of their diet: 28% vs. 16%

There are two major implications that can be drawn from this information. First, younger Americans are already very aware of the impact of sleep on their health, so they’re prepared to recognize the benefits of cannabinoids.

That doesn’t necessarily have to come at the detriment of reducing reach to older shoppers, though. In many cases, older individuals simply have less experience with the internet and are therefore less aware of the latest trends in natural health. Instead of as an averse audience, view older shoppers as simply less aware of the potential ways that cannabinoids might improve their sleep quality.

– Pro tip: If advertising online, create separate campaigns targeted at younger and older audiences. Calibrate your approach based on which demographic engages best.

Trust in conventional sleep medications wanes

Since at least 2010², it has been understood that many patients who are prescribed conventional sleep medications continue to present symptoms — in some cases, those symptoms also worsen. Doctors across the nation still prescribe everything from benzodiazepines to antidepressants in an attempt to help people get to sleep. The results are varied to say the least.

It’s not that prescription sleep medications are acutely ineffective. Pharmacologists have developed highly complex ways to assist human consciousness in shutting down for the night.

The issue, rather, lies in long-term treatment. Whether or not the drugs are safe, they usually fail to address any underlying issues that may be supporting sleep problems. Every dose sweeps insomnia further under the rug but does not remove it from the equation.

In response, many insomnia sufferers have turned to natural substances for help. Often poorly researched and only questionably effective, many of these natural sleep aids have also recently lost favor.

Natural treatments are debunked

“Debunked” might be somewhat too strong of a word, but there’s certainly more skepticism surrounding ingredients like melatonin than there once was. With this growing unease regarding the “first wave” of natural health ingredients aimed at sleep, newer substances like cannabinoids are rising to the fore.

Like melatonin, for instance, CBD affects already-existing areas of the brain. Unlike melatonin, however, CBD is not a hormone and, therefore, does not appear to have any capacity to impact your endocrine system in the way that melatonin might.

Cannabinoids rise to the fore

In many ways, consumers are beginning to view cannabinoids as “upgrades” to their existing natural health routines. Carrying both the grandeur and stigma of prohibition, cannabinoids nonetheless genuinely deliver benefits that have researchers around the world scratching their heads in amazement.

Shoppers appreciate the gentle naturalness of cannabinoids. They also appreciate, though, that these unassuming compounds appear to carry a great deal of heft — despite their humble origins and lack of side effects, there’s a lot that cannabinoids can do to improve our lives. People are awakening to this fact around the globe.

The usefulness of cannabinoids for sleep

Which specific cannabinoids show the most promise for sleep? We’ll give two pertinent examples below:

CBD

Not enough studies have been conducted into the potential benefits of CBD for sleep yet, but the initial evidence that has been amassed is compelling in itself. Even more compelling are the reams and reams of anecdotal evidence provided in the form of product reviews, blog articles, and social media testimonials originating from real people who have experienced the power of CBD for themselves.

Rather than causing intoxication like THC, CBD is gently relaxing — a property that users indicate goes great lengths toward helping them sleep at night. Better yet, most users indicate that CBD does not make them feel groggy in the morning.

CBN

Less studied still than CBD, CBN is a derivative of THC that has been denatured of most of its intoxicating properties. Instead of making you feel high, CBN is usually described as having mildly sedative effects — though researchers will need to publish more on the subject before we opine further.

How to fulfill rising demand for cannabinoid sleep products

The time is now to further the discussion surrounding cannabinoids and sleep by bringing a greater number of excellent products to the market. Chiefly, gummies and tinctures are the most popular cannabinoid sleep products at present, but the market is ready for expansion.

Whichever idea you might have for a cannabinoid sleep product, it has a chance as long as it brings genuine value to shoppers. Find a unique angle of approach, and start making your way into the cannabinoid sleep industry without delay.

Knowledge is power, sleep is health

In retrospect, it’s incredible the things that we didn’t know just a few decades ago. As society has progressed, previously held beliefs, including unquestioning trust in conventional pharmaceutical treatments, much of what people once took for granted has disappeared, leaving new truths behind.

Nowadays, you don’t have to be lucky enough to come across an illuminative newspaper or magazine article to learn about natural health revolutions that may be reshaping your world. An average shopper can learn everything they need to know about CBD or any other natural health product within a few minutes of searching on Google, a level of information freedom that has never before existed in the history of the human race.

The revelation has emerged, and people now know that sleep is the time-honored key to health and longevity. Any substances that help them sleep better without having any serious short-term or long-term negative effects will immediately be adopted by today’s cohort of educated and alternative-minded consumers. It’s only a matter of time, therefore, until cannabinoids attain even greater popularity as substances used to either facilitate or improve sleep.

The more knowledge people have, the more power they have. And, the more power people have, the more they will use that power to better themselves. It’s simply our role to help shoppers achieve these goals with the assistance of natural cannabinoid products.

Sources:

1. 1. Gallup, Inc. (2022, April 18). Casper-Gallup State of Sleep in America 2022 Report. Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/analytics/390536/sleep-in-america-2022.aspx
2. 2. Krakow, B., Ulibarri, V. A., & Romero, E. F. (2010). Patients With Treatment-Resistant Insomnia Taking Nightly Prescription Medications for Sleep. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.09m00873bro

According to a recent Gallup poll, Americans are placing more emphasis on the importance of proper sleep than ever before. Scientists have long known that sleep is vital for health. Recent findings show how crucial rest is for disease defense and longevity.

What does Gallup say about Americans and their sleep, and how does it impact the American hemp market? We will cover these details in this guide and provide practical tips for shifting attitudes about sleep.

The 2022 Gallup Sleep Poll

First, the basic facts: In 2022, Gallup partnered with mattress manufacturer Casper to survey more than 3,000 American adults regarding their attitudes toward sleep. Titled the “Casper-Gallup State of Sleep in America 2022 Report¹,” the results of this poll cover a wide range of topics — most importantly, for our purposes, the self-perception of Americans regarding how much the quality of their sleep affects their daily activities.

Before we move on to what the Gallup poll means specifically for cannabinoids, let’s take a moment to summarize its overall key findings:

•  One-third of adult Americans (~80 million people) are dissatisfied with their sleep quality
•  Good mental health is shown to be associated with healthy sleep
•  Younger adults are the most likely to struggle with sleep and stress
•  55% of Americans make sleep a high priority
•  Women value sleep more than men
•  People who like their mattresses are more likely to sleep well
•  More than $40 billion is lost yearly since workers fail to show up due to bad sleep
•  Only 7% of adults indicate that their sleep last night was excellent

Americans Increasingly Value Sleep

According to the Gallup-Casper poll, more Americans now recognize both the benefits and drawbacks of their sleep habits. One of the survey’s most intriguing findings was the breakdown of which aspects of life respondents felt were most influenced by sleep quality. Here’s a summary of the key findings:

• 49% of Americans believe their sleep quality affects their mood
• 49% of Americans believe their sleep quality affects their work performance
• 45% of Americans believe their sleep quality affects their general health

Furthermore, percentages of Americans who believe sleep affects their lives in the following ways stand thusly:

• Ability to exercise: 31%
• Ability to have fun: 30%
• Relationships with family: 26%
• Healthiness of food choices: 23%

The average person has always known that failing to sleep properly the night before makes it hard to do their job. Just as ubiquitous is the platonism that sleep is essential to your health.

A growing number of Americans now see how sleep affects seemingly minor parts of life. Over a quarter say poor rest harms their close relationships. Nearly one in four say they’re more prone to binge junk food or hit the drive-thru when tired.

Younger Americans Value Sleep More

The data from Gallup clearly indicate that sleep is a growing priority as the nation evolves. Among the oldest group surveyed (65+), only 31% admitted that sleep impacted their mood, while that number more than doubled in 18 to 29-year-olds: 68%.

The gap remains large regarding sleep’s health importance. While 31% of those 65+ believed sleep impacts health, 59% of the youngest group recognized the harm of poor rest.

Here are a few other areas in which younger Americans are more focused on how their sleep quality affects their health:

• % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts their ability to exercise: 39% vs. 18%
• % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts their ability to have fun: 46% vs. 19%
• % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts their interpersonal relationships: 33% vs. 18%
• % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts the healthiness of their diet: 28% vs. 16%

There are two major implications that can be drawn from this information. First, younger Americans are already very aware of the impact of sleep on their health, so they’re prepared to recognize the benefits of cannabinoids.

That doesn’t necessarily have to come at the detriment of reducing reach to older shoppers, though. Many older individuals have less online experience, so they’re less aware of current natural health trends. Rather than viewing them as resistant, see them as simply uninformed about how cannabinoids might enhance sleep.

Pro tip: If advertising online, create separate campaigns targeted at younger and older audiences. Calibrate your approach based on which demographic engages best.

Trust in Conventional Sleep Medications Wanes

Since at least 2010², it has been understood that many patients who are prescribed conventional sleep medications continue to present symptoms — in some cases, those symptoms also worsen. Doctors across the nation still prescribe everything from benzodiazepines to antidepressants in an attempt to help people get to sleep. The results are varied to say the least.

It’s not that prescription sleep medications are acutely ineffective. Pharmacologists have developed highly complex ways to assist human consciousness in shutting down for the night.

The issue, rather, lies in long-term treatment. Whether or not the drugs are safe, they usually fail to address any underlying issues that may be supporting sleep problems. Every dose sweeps insomnia further under the rug but does not remove it from the equation.

In response, many insomnia sufferers have turned to natural substances for help. Often poorly researched and only questionably effective, many of these natural sleep aids have also recently lost favor.

Natural Treatments Are Debunked

“Debunked” might be somewhat too strong of a word, but there’s certainly more skepticism surrounding ingredients like melatonin than there once was. With this growing unease regarding the “first wave” of natural health ingredients aimed at sleep, newer substances like cannabinoids are rising to the fore.

Like melatonin, for instance, CBD affects already-existing areas of the brain. Unlike melatonin, CBD is not a hormone and does not seem to affect the endocrine system in similar ways.

Cannabinoids Rise To The Fore

In many ways, consumers are beginning to view cannabinoids as “upgrades” to their existing natural health routines. Carrying prohibition’s grandeur and stigma, cannabinoids still offer benefits that leave researchers worldwide amazed.

Shoppers appreciate the gentle naturalness of cannabinoids. These unassuming compounds still pack a punch—despite modest origins and minimal side effects, cannabinoids can improve our lives. People are awakening to this fact around the globe.

The Usefulness of Cannabinoids for Sleep

Which specific cannabinoids show the most promise for sleep? We’ll give two pertinent examples below:

CBD For Sleep

Studies on CBD for sleep remain limited, but the evidence gathered so far is compelling. Even more telling are the countless anecdotal reports in product reviews, blogs, and social media from real users.

Rather than causing intoxication like THC, CBD is gently relaxing — a property that users indicate goes great lengths toward helping them sleep at night. Better yet, most users indicate that CBD does not make them feel groggy in the morning.

CBN For Sleep

Less studied than CBD, CBN is a THC derivative with minimal intoxicating properties. Instead of causing a high, it’s often described as mildly sedative, but more research is needed.

In 2024, a study titled A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Safety and Effects of CBN With and Without CBD on Sleep Quality, explored the impact of cannabinol (CBN) on sleep quality. As the first trial of its kind to focus specifically on CBN, the research highlights its potential to improve sleep by reducing nighttime awakenings and overall disturbances. These findings provide valuable insights for future research and treatment development, especially as demand grows for natural sleep alternatives.

How to Tulfill Rising Demand for Cannabinoid Sleep Products

The time is now to further the discussion surrounding cannabinoids and sleep by bringing a greater number of excellent products to the market. Chiefly, gummies and tinctures are the most popular cannabinoid sleep products at present, but the market is ready for expansion. 

Whichever idea you might have for a cannabinoid sleep product, it has a chance as long as it brings genuine value to shoppers. Find a unique angle of approach, and start making your way into the cannabinoid sleep industry without delay.

Knowledge is Power, Sleep is Health

In retrospect, it’s incredible the things that we didn’t know just a few decades ago. As society has progressed, previously held beliefs, including unquestioning trust in conventional pharmaceutical treatments, much of what people once took for granted has disappeared, leaving new truths behind.

Now, you don’t need a special magazine or newspaper to discover natural health revolutions reshaping your world. You can learn everything about CBD or other natural products in minutes on Google, which offers unprecedented information freedom.

The revelation has emerged, and people now know that sleep is the time-honored key to health and longevity. Any substances that help them sleep better without having any serious short-term or long-term negative effects will immediately be adopted by today’s cohort of educated and alternative-minded consumers. It’s only a matter of time, therefore, until cannabinoids attain even greater popularity as substances used to either facilitate or improve sleep.

The more knowledge people have, the more power they have. And, the more power people have, the more they will use that power to better themselves. It’s simply our role to help shoppers achieve these goals with the assistance of natural cannabinoid products.

Sources:

1. Gallup, Inc. (2022, April 18). Casper-Gallup State of Sleep in America 2022 Report. Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/analytics/390536/sleep-in-america-2022.aspx
2. Krakow, B., Ulibarri, V. A., & Romero, E. F. (2010). Patients With Treatment-Resistant Insomnia Taking Nightly Prescription Medications for Sleep. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.09m00873bro

The more we learn about the hemp plant, the clearer it becomes that each cannabinoid has its own ideal uses and special benefits. Scientific inquiry sometimes reveals these benefits, but users more often discover them accidentally while exploring new forms of hemp. In the case of CBN for sleep, it’s a little bit of both.

New research supports CBN’s usefulness for sleep, but anecdotal evidence from countless users has primarily shaped the consensus on this topic.

Is it a good idea to use CBN for sleep? If so, which brands are best to turn to when you’re in need of a solid CBN sleep product? Find the answers in this guide.

What is CBN?

Cannabinol (CBN) is a natural THC metabolite formed through oxidative stress from aging or UV light exposure. In THC-rich cannabis, CBN concentrations increase over time as the plant material ages or is exposed to other oxidative stressors.

Like CBD, CBN is considered to be non-intoxicating, but the cannabinoid can’t entirely get away from its roots in THC. CBN doesn’t cause a high but is often described as more profoundly relaxing than CBD.

[Updated] New 2024 Research on CBN and Sleep

Recent research has provided new insights into the potential of cannabinol (CBN) as a sleep aid. A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology demonstrated that CBN increased both non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in rats, leading to an overall increase in total sleep time. Notably, these effects were comparable to those of zolpidem, a commonly prescribed sleep medication.

The study confirmed that CBN doesn’t cause intoxication, setting it apart from cannabinoids like THC. Additionally, the metabolite of CBN exhibited a stronger affinity for cannabinoid receptors, which may enhance its sleep-promoting properties.

These findings align with earlier research indicating that CBN can prolong sleep duration in animal models. These preclinical results are promising, but more research and human clinical trials are needed to confirm CBN’s safety and efficacy.

As the body of evidence grows, CBN continues to show potential as a natural alternative for improving sleep quality. Individuals interested in exploring CBN for sleep should consult healthcare professionals and consider current research findings to make informed decisions.

Effects of CBN

Users often describe THC-rich cannabis high in CBN as very relaxing or sleep-inducing. This effect persists when CBN is isolated from THC, with many calling it the most relaxing, sleep-inducing cannabinoid.

Is CBN intoxicating?

No, CBN does not cause the type of intoxication associated with THC. CBN can be so relaxing it induces sleep, but it won’t cause paranoia, hallucinations, or significant mental effects.

CBN vs. CBD

Though they’re each unique compounds, CBN and CBD are more similar than they are dissimilar. Neither cannabinoid causes intoxication, and both occur naturally in the hemp plant.

CBN and CBD differ significantly in the amount of research conducted on each. While CBN received early attention in cannabis science, it has been largely overlooked until its recent surge in popularity.

While CBD’s potential benefits are easier to predict, studies alone make it harder to confirm CBN’s effectiveness for sleep. To support anecdotal evidence suggesting CBN aids sleep, we’ve mainly relied on scientific research conducted on CBD. However, the study in the updated section above shines a positive list of the usefulness of CBN for sleep!

Is CBN good for sleep?

Anecdotal evidence and limited studies suggest CBN has potential as a sleep aid, warranting further research. Initial studies are inconclusive, but enough evidence has been accumulated to justify further research into CBD and sleep. Many users now prefer CBN to CBD for sleep, a shift in the market that speaks to this cannabinoid’s unique benefits.

CBN sleep studies

In recent decades, researchers have published a handful of studies exploring CBN’s potential benefits for sleep. We’ll start with an exhaustive review of evidence¹ related to the subject published in the journal Cannabis & Cannabinoid Research in October of 2021.

Jamie Corroon notes that claims about CBN’s sleep-promoting effects may originate from “cannabis lore” about old cannabis causing sleepiness. He then examines the evidence supporting CBN’s sleep-inducing properties gathered over the years.

Is it dangerous to use CBN for sleep?

We may not know enough about CBN yet to conclude whether or not it’s useful for sleep, but there’s significantly more evidence regarding CBN’s overall safety. Most of the clinical studies that included CBN in the late 20th century, for instance, closely examined this cannabinoid’s safety, generally finding that it had a favorable side effect profile compared to THC.

Using CBN for sleep will not cause psychoactive effects, and it won’t make you feel paranoid and anxious, either. Similar to CBD, CBN’s side effects are typically limited to sleepiness and occasional mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea.

As a result, trying CBN for sleep shouldn’t pose any significant additional risks. You might find it helpful to start by trying CBN and CBD at the same time: Helpfully, most CBN products also include CBD already.

Is CBD good for sleep?

Research into CBN’s effectiveness for sleep is just beginning, unlike CBD, which has more evidence supporting its potential benefits. While CBD hasn’t been definitively proven as sleep-promoting, existing studies suggest its potential against insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep-related issues warrants further investigation.

CBD sleep studies

To date, enough studies have been conducted into the effectiveness of CBD for sleep to result in hundreds of endnotes attached to popular studies on the subject. One of the most-cited CBD sleep studies circulating on the internet is entitled “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series²” and was featured in the January publication of The Permanente Journal.

As the first major clinical study into the effects of CBD on sleep, it’s understandable that this piece of research received a lot of attention. Consisting of a sample of 72 adults with anxiety and poor sleep, the study found that CBD reduced anxiety in 79.2% of patients and improved sleep scores in 66.7% with fluctuations over time. The study also yielded some results on CBD’s safety: All but three patients tolerated the cannabinoid with no major side effects.

In 2021, this clinical research was followed up with an exhaustive review of available evidence on CBD and sleep³ published in Neurotherapeutics. Starting with the assessment that “the results indicate a potential therapeutic role for cannabinoids in the management of some sleep disorders,” the review goes on to note that “CBD use has been shown to increase total sleep percentage [… and] had a positive effect on anxiety-related REM sleep suppression.” Furthermore, the review relates how a “case series evaluating CBD for treatment of insomnia in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) showed decreased sleep disturbances.”

Overall, it’s clear that the evidence surrounding CBD and sleep is mounting from multiple directions. It wouldn’t be surprising if CBD received increased recognition as a promising sleep-promoting substance over the coming years.

Is it dangerous to use CBD for sleep?

CBD has been the subject of a great deal of safety-related studies over the last decade or so as products containing the cannabinoid have flooded the market. One of the latest of said studies, published in 2020, summarizes all previous research on the subject. Titled “Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials⁴,” the review was published in the Journal of Clinical Medical Research and began by admitting that “the administration [of CBD] was well tolerated with mild side effects.”

In reaching this conclusion, the authors reviewed over 350 studies including 22 controlled clinical trials. They separated their analysis into the use of CBD for specific conditions and found that serious adverse effects (AE) were hardly ever reported. While using CBD may pose some risks in certain situations, it appears quite difficult to make this cannabinoid dangerous.

5 brands to buy CBN products from

Encouraged by CBD’s success, hemp brands are diving into CBN, incorporating this unique, non-intoxicating cannabinoid into their products. Usually, in combination with CBD, CBN is gradually making its way into the world of online hemp, making it important for potential users to be able to determine which CBN brands are worth buying from.

As you search the CBN market for the best deals on the best products, consider these five brands before any others:

#1 Calmy Wellness

Calmy is taking an unusual approach to the CBD industry by offering a line of hemp drink mixes. Called Mornin’, Anytime, and Sleep-Aid, these powdered drink mix packets contain a variety of different cannabinoids: In the case of Sleep-Aid, both CBD and CBN.

Each pouch of Calmy Sleep-Aid Drink Mix contains 10mg CBD and 5mg CBN, which is usually considered to be an ideal ratio. Also present are magnesium and theanine, both of which are believed to have calming or sleep-promoting effects.

If you’re looking for an unconventional method of getting CBD and CBN into your system, this drink mix packet is certainly worth a shot. Also worth trying are Calmy’s vitamin D Anytime pouch and their CBG and green tea Mornin’ pouch.

#2 Daytrip CBD

Next on our list is Daytrip CBD, a clean and simple CBD brand that offers a trio of edibles and a line of sparkling waters. In its sparkling water products, Daytrip is notable for using high-bioavailability, fast-acting extracts that deliver the effects of their cannabinoids with greater intensity than usual.

Daytrip’s Blueberry Hibiscus gummies are enhanced with terpenes to provide flavor-specific effects, offering a unique and enjoyable experience. For those seeking deep relaxation, these gummies are an excellent choice. Additionally, Daytrip has introduced a new sleep-enhancing gummy, the Blackberry Lemon Sleep-Enhancing Gummies, designed to promote better sleep.

#3 Binoid

Binoid is a massive brand that offers a huge array of different cannabinoids. For their core tinctures, however, Binoid has chosen to focus on CBD and CBN with both cannabinoids present in Binoid Good Night CBD Oil. This powerhouse tincture contains not only CBD and CBN but also valerian root, skullcap, and lemon essential oil for a flavorful, all-natural experience.

Some CBN users might like the idea of drink mixes, but others may prefer to take a more conventional route. For those who still rely on tinctures as their preferred method for using cannabinoids, Binoid’s Good Night tincture provides a familiar approach in the form of an unusually high-quality hemp oil.

#4 Moonstruck CBD

The brain naturally uses melatonin to tell itself that it’s time to go to sleep, so it only makes sense to include melatonin in a hemp tincture designed to help you get to sleep. That’s exactly what Moonstruck CBD has done in their Melatonin Sleep Tincture, an oil that combines 1500mg CBD and 90mg melatonin for a combined approach to getting you to sleep at night.

This broad-spectrum tincture is THC-free and lightly flavored with lemon and vanilla to mask any hemp taste. One of the most impressive benefits of this tincture is its concentration: With 50mg CBD per milliliter, you don’t have to take much to feel the effects.

#5 Twine CBD

Twine CBD is an up-and-coming hemp company that recently launched a line of hemp gummies. One offering from this lineup features melatonin, combining hemp cannabinoids with this natural hormone in a tasty and convenient format.

Featuring 25mg CBD and 2mg melatonin per gummy, these berry-flavored edibles contain everything necessary to experience the desired effects in just 1-2 gummies. For those who would rather take their nightly dose of hemp in the form of a tasty treat, these delicious CBD isolate gummies are well worth a shot.

The bottom line: Trying CBN for sleep is easy

With new compounds becoming available to try all the time, it’s a fact that the cannabinoid renaissance is now upon us. And, while in the past getting your hands on cannabinoids to try as an individual was next-to impossible, it’s now easy to buy CBD, CBG, and even CBN products online from any number of different sources.

The risks of trying CBN for sleep appear to be minimal, but based on anecdotal evidence and scientific research, there seem to be plenty of reasons to try CBN if your nightly sleep cycle could use some improvement. When you’re ready to give CBN a shot for yourself, choose one of the five brands we listed above, and pick a product.

Sources

1. 1. Corroon, J. (2021). Cannabinol and Sleep: Separating Fact from Fiction. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0006
2. 2. Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019b). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/18-041
3. 3. Kaul, M., Zee, P. C., & Sahni, A. S. (2021). Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep and their Therapeutic Potential for Sleep Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 18(1), 217–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-021-01013-w
4. 4. Larsen, C., & Shahinas, J. (2020). Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, 12(3), 129–141. https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4090

Minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBN can no longer be overlooked within the global hemp and cannabis market. Analysts everywhere are beginning to recognize that the hemp cannabinoid industry is about much more than just CBD, and efforts are being made worldwide to welcome a wider spectrum of cannabinoids into the fold.

The story of the cannabinoid industry is currently evolving across multiple continents and incorporates more than a dozen unique compounds. What began with pushback against prohibition has grown into something more: Cannabinoids are being looked at for medicine around the world, and nowhere more so than in the United States.

In this guide, we’ll examine four recent reports that shed light on the breakneck rate at which the global cannabinoid industry is growing and complexifying. Our core focus will be cannabinoid growth trends in the USA and how they’re spreading worldwide.

By the end, you’ll know how the cannabinoid industry is currently faring, how it’s expected to evolve, and what we need to do to help it along. As you’ll see, the days of opportunity offered by cannabinoids are far from over — in fact, the golden era of hemp has hardly yet begun.

Cannabis is growing globally

For our first piece of insight, we turn to prestigious analysis firm Markets and Markets, which recently released a new, compendious report in September 2022 covering the ins and outs of cannabis when viewed from a global scale. Titled “Cannabis Market by Product Type, Compound, Application, And Region – Global Forecast to 2027¹,” this report estimates that cannabis overall was worth $27.7 billion globally in 2022 and is expected to swell to $82.3 billion by 2027.

If you’d told a savvy investor in 2007 that legal cannabis would be worth nearly $100 billion in two decades, you would have been scoffed at. Yet today, the most trusted voices in the field are convinced cannabinoids have a shot at mainstream success sooner than anyone imagined.

US cannabis sales to reach $42 billion by 2026

While numbers like “$82.3 billion” are impressive, they don’t tell us a lot about how the US market fits into this picture. Some intrepid US-based cannabinoid businesses have already started expanding their footprints globally, but most domestic cannabinoid brands keep their business within national borders.

To narrow our focus to the United States, we turn to BDSA, which commonly provides critical analytic information regarding the growing cannabinoid industry. In a report entitled “BDSA Reports Global Cannabis Sales Will Grow 10% in 2022; Forecasts $57 Billion Market by 2026²,” BDSA predicts that the US cannabis industry will be worth $42 billion by 2026, composing more than 75% of total global cannabis sales.

Projected $60bn industry by 2030

For more detail on the projected growth of the US cannabinoid industry, we’ll next examine a report produced by Grandview Research in 2021. Titled “U.S. Cannabinoids Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 – 2030,³” the report begins by assessing that the overall US cannabinoid industry was worth $14.6 billion in 2021, a figure that roughly coincides BDSA’s estimated $25 billion in US cannabis sales during the same year.

The further we look out, the more BDSA and Grandview concur. Where BDSA forecasts the US cannabis industry at $42 billion in 2027, Grandview predicts that the industry will be worth $60.4 billion three years later in 2030.

Combining the data provided by the two analysis firms, US cannabis can be expected to grow by nearly $6 billion per year between 2027 and 2030. The time to prepare for this coming era of opportunity is now.

CBD is the most popular cannabinoid

It’s clear from this analysis that the US is the main driver of cannabis sales globally. What percentage of these cannabis sales, however, are driven by non-THC cannabinoids?

According to Grandview, CBD surpassed THC as the most popular cannabinoid in the United States in 2021, amassing an estimated 27.2% of market share. THC was estimated to make up less than a quarter of cannabis sales by comparison with additional cannabinoids representing 10% or less of the US cannabinoids market.

CBG, CBN, CBC, CBGA, & others making inroads

Even though their current market share may be small, the growth displayed by minor cannabinoids, especially CBN and CBG, should not be overlooked. These are no longer fringe chemicals hanging onto the coattails of THC and CBD. They’re legitimate contributors to the domestic cannabinoid economy, and they’ll only take up greater shares of the market as time goes by.

Trends in US cannabinoid growth

However they may look at it, America’s best market analysis firms all agree that the US cannabinoid market is set for explosive growth over the next few years. One of the factors driving this growth that is not discussed nearly enough is the mounting importance of the role minor cannabinoids play in the global cannabinoid economy.

As a quick example, the carboxylic acid precursor to CBG, CBGA, has been identified as the “stem cell” or origin point of most popular cannabinoids. As a result, CBG-rich hemp has come into considerable demand as a source material for synthesized cannabinoids.

It’s hard to say which rare variant of hemp might become popular next as the market continues to produce new and unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The point is that Cannabis sativa is far more than just CBD and THC, a point that cannabis industry stakeholders are starting to notice.

Another recent BDSA report, for instance, details how CBN and especially CBG are currently exploding into the domestic cannabinoid market, driving growth numbers that make you look twice to ensure you read the figure right. Anyone skeptical about the long-term viability of the cannabinoid industry as CBD’s growth has cooled would do well to carefully analyze the following data:

CBD is stabilizing

In its report, titled “CBN and CBG Sales See Rapid Growth as CBD Sales Slow in Cannabis Markets⁴,” BDSA finds that CBD has, indeed, shown modest growth reductions in certain mature markets. Given the massive popularity CBD has already achieved along with its continued breakneck growth in newer domestic markets, these findings shouldn’t be any cause for concern.

Launching a new line of CBD products can be a viable option in today’s market, and it has the potential to be successful. However, including a range of CBG and CBN products in the offering can further enhance the potential success, by providing a wider range of options to appeal to different customers.

CBN is accelerating

CBN is showing impressive gains in many cannabis-aware markets, most notably in Colorado in which sales of the minor cannabinoid increased by 145% year-over-year in 2022. Oregon (22%), Nevada (30%), and California (29%) also posted decent gains.

Clearly, CBN is catching on in areas where other cannabinoids have been available for a while. Seeking to branch out and amplify specific benefits offered by cannabinoids, shoppers are increasingly searching for CBN by name.

CBG is skyrocketing

The gains showed by CBN are nothing compared to what the cannabinoid industry has witnessed in the CBG sector over the last year. Three states (Colorado: 1251%, Oregon: 1185%, Nevada: 1105%) showed more than 10-times increases in CBG sales in 2022. California’s CBG market grew more than six times over (655%), heralding another watershed moment in the history of minor cannabinoids.

Additional cannabinoids are also gaining

As we’ve seen from Grandview Research’s 2021 report, CBN and CBG are hardly the only cannabinoids emerging into the domestic hemp market. Also popular enough to pop up on Grandview’s radar are CBC and CBGA, which are trending for different reasons.

We discussed earlier how CBGA is playing a greater role in cannabinoid research and production. Cannabichromene (CBC), for its part, is likely to soon join CBN and CBG as yet another CBD-complimentary cannabinoid that offers distinct benefits.

Key drivers of cannabinoid growth

What’s causing these unprecedented levels of growth across multiple cannabinoids in both US and international markets? Grandview summarizes it simply by opining that “[k]ey factors driving the U.S. cannabinoids market growth include increasing awareness about the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids, the growing legalization of cannabis and its derivatives in various countries.” Let’s unpack these points in more detail.

Increased awareness of cannabinoid benefits

It’s a fact that awareness of cannabinoids and their benefits has gone up a notch over the last year or two. A social media space once dominated by brands desperate to leave any impression at all has now been rightfully commandeered by shoppers and skeptics alike asking questions and receiving thoughtful, measured responses from peer experts.

In this online environment that fosters free exchange of ideas, awareness of the unique benefits of distinct cannabinoids has spread like wildfire. Those who were already familiar with cannabinoids no longer see CBD as the be-all, end-all, and cannabinoid newbies are entering a product environment already differentiated into CBD, CBG, and CBN offerings.

Growing legalization and acceptance of cannabinoids

Alongside this hive-mind acceptance of cannabinoids now displayed in online social spaces comes a growing wave of cannabis legalization efforts around the globe. The US states that still outlaw cannabis are now in the distinct minority, and the factors holding back the continued growth of the domestic cannabinoid economy are primarily bureaucratic rather than existential.d

US policy sets the tone worldwide, leading the entire globe to adopt America’s ironically hypocritical stance toward cannabinoids. Everyone uses them and loves them, but some of them are still technically illegal. In this environment, cannabinoids inherently free of intoxicating stigma (CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, etc.) can flourish even better than those still overshadowed by a history of prohibition.

Ingredient combinations and product differentiation

If the domestic hemp cannabinoid economy were still limited to CBD, the types of growth numbers we witnessed in 2022 would not have been possible. Unless they happened to get very lucky with a jackpot idea, it was only by adding CBG and CBN into their product lines that brands showed 1000%+ gains over the last year.

Anyone still unconvinced of the absolute necessity of effective product differentiation should stand corrected by the performance of the domestic cannabinoid market in 2022. Conventional products treaded water while highly differentiated products containing CBG or CBN shot leaps and bounds ahead.

The cannabinoid industry is complexifying but still growing rapidly

CBD isn’t going anywhere. It’s the backbone of the non-intoxicating camp of the international cannabis industry, and it provides a level of familiarity and comfort that shoppers still don’t have with CBG and CBN.

At the same time, it would be wise for brands that still haven’t adventured outside the CBD nest to test the air. The most impressive year-over-year gains, after all, are no longer happening in the context of CBD. They’re happening in the context of CBG and CBN, add-ons that are simply expanding CBD in a new dimension now that it has limited space to expand directly.

Over the remaining part of the decade, the United States will continue to make up the majority of the global cannabis market, and the US cannabis market will continue to be dominated by CBD. Alongside CBD, you’ll see CBN and CBG rise up, and soon after them, CBC, CBDA, and CBGA as well.

While it may be new territory for cannabinoid brands, this is hardly the last time the global cannabis industry will mature or complexify. Each time a door is closed, a window will open — the window for the next few years, at least, appears to take the shape of CBG and CBN.

Sources:

1. 1. Cannabis Market. (n.d.). MarketsandMarkets. https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/cannabis-market-201768301.html
2. 2. Reports Global Cannabis Sales Will Grow 10% in 2022; Forecasts $57 Billion Market by 2026. (2022, November 9). BDSA. https://bdsa.com/press-release/bdsa-reports-global-cannabis-sales-will-grow-10-in-2022-forecasts-57-billion-market-by-2026/
3. 3. Rice, A. (2022, June 7). CBN Sales & CBG Sales See Rapid Growth as CBD Sales Slow. BDSA. https://bdsa.com/cbn-and-cbg-sales-see-rapid-growth/
4. 4. U.S. Cannabinoids Market Size & Share Report, 2022-2030. (n.d.). https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-cannabinoids-market

Depending on the situation, using cannabinoids topically can be the most effective and desirable solution. Even so, cannabinoid-infused topicals have traditionally been slower-growing compared to long-trending categories like CBD tinctures and gummies.

The latest data compiled by Statista, however, suggest that the topical tide is turning. A greater number of younger people are turning to cannabinoid topicals and skincare products, and insights from a mature market can now help us understand the main holdups currently hindering the growth of this category.

By solving the problems that people currently have with CBD topicals, your products will deliver the genuine value that shoppers are seeking. In this guide, find out who to market cannabinoid topicals toward and how to formulate your products to fit average hemp consumer needs.

Who uses hemp topicals and skincare products?

We’ll start by examining the available data regarding who currently uses or is interested in using cannabinoid skincare products: both their age and gender. Understanding your target demographic is a key step in developing a cannabinoid topical product that will succeed in 2023 and beyond. Let’s begin by taking a look at the likelihood a person uses CBD topicals based on their age:

Hemp topical use by generation

Between April 9th and 11th, 2021, Statista conducted a survey¹ of more than 30,000 Americans regarding their interest in CBD beauty and personal care products. The respondents were divided by age, and their chosen responses roughly fell in line with age-based demographic breakdowns of the CBD industry overall.

Interest in CBD topicals among Baby Boomers and older generations was comparatively low. It also appears that the youngest Americans, those comprising Generation Z, have not yet fully embraced the offerings available on the CBD topical market. At only 12%, Gen Z respondents showed dramatically reduced interest in CBD topicals compared to Millennial (21%) and Gen X (23%) respondents.

Many members of Generation Z are still too young to use CBD products. Among those who are already 18-21, it’s likely that CBD topicals have simply not been presented attractively to this age group. Usually branded as helping with ailments concomitant with age, CBD topicals do not immediately track with the needs of the nation’s youngest consumers, a situation that can easily be rectified with proper branding and marketing.

Messaging that supports CBD topicals is clearly getting through to individuals old enough to experience age-related woes, yet the oldest among us remain relatively naive of cannabinoid topicals and their reported benefits. It may, then, be wise to determine ways to position Millennial and Gen X CBD topical users as ambassadors who relate the benefits of this product category to both older and younger friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors.

Hemp topical use by gender

Unsurprisingly, interest in “CBD beauty and personal care products” remains significantly skewed toward women, though perhaps using “beauty” in the name Statista chose for its 2021 survey on the subject² suppressed male response. This survey, which used the same pool of 30,000+ participants mentioned in the previous section, found that 24% of American women were interested in buying CBD topical body products compared to only 16% of men. At 10%, even fewer men were interested in CBD bath products.

As societal norms related to gender continue to evolve, it would be unwise to assume that the market for CBD topical products will be limited to individuals who identify as female. With an increasing number of men also seeking alternative options for health and personal care, there is potential for CBD topicals to be embraced by a diverse range of consumers, including those who identify as male.

In any case, all individuals could use a bit of coaching when it comes to the benefits of cannabinoid topicals. Only a quarter of women are even interested in CBD topicals, which goes to show they simply aren’t aware of the immense benefits and minimal risks this cannabinoid can offer when applied topically. The work of expressing the value of hemp topicals to both men and women is far from over, and it would also be prudent to recognize that the difference between the two genders is currently on the wane.

Why do people want to use cannabinoid topicals?

It’s one thing to know who uses a product you intend to sell, but it’s another to understand the motivations that drive users of your product. When you know not only who your market is but also what motivates them, you can discover ways your brand might be able to reach additional groups of consumers who might share similar motivations.

For insights into the reasons consumers use CBD topicals, we turn to a third Statista survey³, this time from 2022. Featuring a much smaller pool of only 622 respondents aged between 21 and 65 years, this survey zeroed in on the primary motivations driving individuals who have already chosen to use CBD topicals.

Thirty-five percent of respondents cited reduction of inflammation as their main reason for trying CBD topicals, meaning that this single motivation drives more than a third of the current cannabinoid topical market. Given the general reputation CBD has received as an anti-inflammatory, it’s unsurprising that so many people are turning to this cannabinoid for its potential help with inflammation. It’s also no secret at this point that applying CBD topically usually allows more cannabinoids to reach the affected area more quickly.

Coming in second place as the most-reported motivation for buying CBD topicals was the urging of friends or family members. Though hardly anyone knew what it was a decade ago, CBD has long since become a household name, making it nearly as common to recommend to people you know who are in pain as Aspirin or ibuprofen.

CBD has also taken hold in the natural health community due to its natural origin and apparently very limited side effect profile. Whether it’s someone from a different generation, social group, or lifestyle, recommendations to try CBD topicals are coming from trusted individuals in all different walks of life.

Why don’t people use cannabinoid topicals more?

If topical products containing CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids offer so many impressive benefits, why has this category historically experienced slower growth than quick winners like oils and capsules? Statista offers the answer to that question within the results of a 2022 survey⁴ featuring 1,157 respondents.

In this survey, consumers who had previously bought CBD topicals or skincare products were asked why they had not done so again. It may not come as much of a shock to those with awareness of the ins and outs of the hemp industry that the most-cited reason (32%) was the perceived high cost of topical CBD products.

There it is, plain and simple: Even if they’re convinced of the benefits, average people who use CBD topicals often can’t afford to continue doing so. The answer to this problem is just as simple: Thoroughly explain the value of CBD topicals while doing as much as you can to reduce pricing without impacting margins.

How much do CBD topicals cost?

To better understand the primary detractor keeping more people from using CBD topicals more frequently, we turn to a Statista market report⁵ published in 2021 consisting of data derived from 3,000+ products made by over 100 brands. In this report, Statista found that CBD topicals are the most expensive CBD products overall at nearly $0.20 per milligram.

With an increased understanding of the value of common ingredients, savvy shoppers are scrutinizing CBD topical labels and having trouble coming up with justifications for their high price tags.

In this case, the consumers aren’t exactly wrong. With many CBD topicals, prices are inflated dramatically due to the presence of additional expensive ingredients or delicate production processes. Though they’re becoming more educated on cannabinoid products, shoppers still have trouble telling genuinely high-quality cannabinoid topicals apart from low-value products capitalizing on a trend.

The answer is to reduce the pricing of CBD topicals when possible, and when not, simply explain the value of the product in ways shoppers can understand. Consumers will pay a lot for the benefits of CBD, but they have to feel confident in their decisions first.

How to make cannabinoid topicals appealing in 2023

Sitting on the shelf next to equally high-end products containing other ingredients, it can be hard for shoppers to understand why CBD topicals are worth the high prices they command. Thankfully, some of the best ways to optimize your cannabinoid product offerings overall also go a long way toward reducing costs without impacting your bottom line.

Below, we’ll take a look at five specific tips you can follow to boost the traction of CBD topicals in 2023 in any online or in-person retail environment:

1. Reduced price

First, it’s a bald fact that nobody wants to pay top dollar for CBD in 2023. The days in which hemp cannabinoids were niche substances capable of commanding higher prices are in their waning phase, and consumers are now led by the examples created by savvy CBD brands that have reduced prices without impacting quality.

When seeking ways to reduce your MSRP, it’s common to first turn to ingredient quality and margins. It’s often the case, though, that inefficient methods hold brands back from producing the same results at a lower price point. By streamlining your ingredients acquisition or other components of the formulation process, you might be able to pass savings onto customers without harming your bottom line.

2. Simpler ingredients

These days, shoppers want their products to contain the simplest, most natural ingredients possible. It’s often possible to turn this trend to your advantage: Fewer ingredients can sometimes mean reduced cost to formulate your product, and you might even be able to secure higher-quality ingredients with that wiggle room.

Coming up with a simple, efficient CBD topical formulation doesn’t have to involve reinventing the wheel. Brands often uncover massive opportunities for cost savings by offloading some or all of their formulation processes to a white labeler, for instance.

3. More cannabinoids

The sentiment certainly hasn’t soured toward CBD, but it’s not the only hemp cannabinoid around anymore, either. A growing contingent of CBD shoppers want their products also to contain CBG or CBN — or at least they want to have the option.

Substituting more-expensive ingredients for additional isolated cannabinoids is one way you can add value to your product while also simplifying its formulation and reducing its production cost. Even in their isolated forms, cannabinoids are still believed to provide the entourage effect when combined, leading to even more opportunities to make products appear valuable and beneficial to shoppers.

4. Universal appeal

While it may be true that 35% of cannabinoid topical users do so for help with inflammation, that also means that 65% use cannabinoid topicals for other reasons. While marketing CBD topicals toward specific conditions may still be appropriate under certain circumstances, it’s also important to make your products as universally appealing as possible.

Instead of describing a CBD topical as a specific ailment cream, you might want to label it an “muscle and joint cream” to also include athletic shoppers. Especially if your cannabinoid topicals will be occupying physical shelves in 2023, it’s important to catch the eye of casual customers who might be simply looking for something to help with their condition, not specifically for CBD.

5. Specialized effects

At the same time that it’s important to make CBD topicals universally appealing, it’s just as essential to make them potently effective for certain uses. CBD is only one compound, for instance — you might want to accompany it with a substance like capsaicin in a topical product designed to help with muscle pain.

It may not be necessary to overtly advertise every specialization you add to your cannabinoid topical formula. What’s important is that when a shopper uses your product, it works. They won’t necessarily want to know why it works — they might not even care if it contains CBD.

How to make 2023’s winning CBD topical

There are two ways of looking at the CBD topical market going into 2023: On the one hand, it’s one of the slowest-growing CBD subsections even though it commands the highest prices. On the other hand, though, that makes it one of the CBD product categories with the most opportunity — the pain points in the CBD topical market are easy to identify and rectify with a product that fits shopper motivations for using CBD while eliminating disincentives. Below, we’ll take a look at three tips that can help you achieve this goal:

— Top-tier ingredients

It’s a fact that formulating CBD topicals is more complicated than putting together other types of CBD products. As a result, many brands resort to inferior ingredients just to make sure other parts of their formulations work well with each other.

In other cases, brands might use high-end, boutique ingredients in their cannabinoid topicals because they think doing so imparts value. It also raises prices, though, which is the predominant pain point in the CBD topical industry at present.

— Professional methods

Trying to put together a winning CBD topical formulation without any help might not be a winning or profitable strategy in the long term. Formulating topicals is unavoidably complicated, and inefficient topical formulations won’t perform as well due to their ratio of higher prices to reduced effects.

That’s one of the reasons it can be so useful to seek the assistance of an expert in the field. The right large-scale cannabinoid private labeler will have long since discovered the most efficient and effective ways to formulate CBD topicals, saving you the trouble of struggling to put together a winning formula with no support.

— Timely formulation

The times are changing quickly, and your CBD topical formula must be able to change with it. The best-performing CBD topicals on the market cost less, feature more cannabinoids, and offer higher ingredient quality than the competition. They’re fine-tuned to the needs of today’s cannabinoid shoppers, and their formulations can be adapted as necessary to incorporate new innovations and cost-saving techniques.

Summary: Cannabinoid skincare & topicals in 2023

With due diligence from a select group of brands, 2023 could be the year that cannabinoid topicals and skincare products stop being viewed as the most expensive CBD products with benefits that are the hardest to understand. It could be the year that making the decision to buy a CBD topical becomes as easy as making the decision to buy sunscreen, moisturizer, or a pain cream containing any other ingredient.

CBD topicals don’t need to become just as affordable as other types of topicals. All that needs to happen is a confluence of slightly reduced pricing and better ambassadorship. There’s massive potential in the CBD topical sub-market just waiting to be explored by intrepid brands that aren’t afraid to take educated risks.

Sources

1. 1. Statista. (2022, June 14). Consumer interest in CBD beauty and care products in the U.S. 2021, by generation. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1290066/consumer-interest-in-cbd-beauty-and-care-products-in-the-us-by-generation/
2. 2. Statista. (2022a, June 14). Consumer interest in CBD beauty and care products in the U.S. 2021, by gender. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1290056/consumer-interest-in-cbd-beauty-and-care-products-in-the-us-by-gender/
3. 3. Statista. (2022c, December 12). Reasons to buy CBD skincare among U.S. shoppers 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1350854/reasons-to-buy-cbd-skincare-among-usa-shoppers/
4. 4. Statista. (2022c, December 12). Deterrents to CBD skincare purchases in the U.S. 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1350859/deterrents-to-cbd-skincare-shopping-usa/
5. 5. Statista. (2022c, August 19). Average price per milligram CBD U.S. 2021, by segment. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1327628/typical-cannabidiol-dose-us/

Every popular product or ingredient goes through three distinct stages: obscurity, in which shoppers are unaware of its existence; growth, in which sales explode; and maturity, in which demand for the product or ingredient stabilizes with supply.

Knowing that the CBD market will inevitably reach maturity, investors and brands have begun to open markets for additional non-intoxicating cannabinoids found in hemp. Chief among these “minor cannabinoids” are cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN), both of which are reasonably easy to produce even though they seem to offer many distinct benefits.

Recently, new data came to light indicating that future prospects for CBD and CBG are brighter than we previously believed. In this guide, we’ll examine a recent report from market analyst BDSA that illustrates incredible gains in the CBG and CBN industries during 2022.

US cannabinoid growth trends: An overview

The BDSA report, entitled “CBN and CBG Sales See Rapid Growth as CBD Sales Slow in Cannabis Markets¹,” begins by outlining the overall situation in the cannabinoids CBD, CBG, and CBN find themselves in light of prevailing hemp market trends. BDSA notes that shoppers use cannabinoids for “a diverse set of need states” and highlights how “CBD, CBN, and CBG can better position a brand’s products to support needs like sleep and pain relief.”

Then, BDSA reminds us that CBG and CBN can be great tools for differentiation in CBD products, something that many brands have clearly noticed. Compared to even a year ago, there’s now a notable profusion of CBD products that also include CBG, CBN, or another minor cannabinoid.

Whether it’s due to the presence of CBG and CBN products online and on shelves, increased consumer interest in the two cannabinoids, or a combination of both factors, awareness of CBG and CBN has definitely increased since 2019. According to BDSA, only 11% of shoppers were aware of CBN and only 8% were aware of CBG in the fall of 2019, which swelled to 14% and 13% respectively by fall of 2021.

The latest BDSA data on Minor Cannabinoids

Overall, BDSA found that around 70% more products contained CBN across California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, and Oregon in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021. For CBG, the number of products containing the cannabinoid doubled across the same markets.

BDSA provides much more detailed data regarding the percentage change CBD, CBG, and CBN experienced in the adult-use cannabis markets of California, Colorado, Nevada, and Oregon, which analysts consider to have reached relative maturity. In some cases, CBG and CBN sales have increased in quadruple-digit percentages year-over-year, leading many to hope that there is still a great deal of room for both cannabinoids to grow.

CBG sales are exploding

CBG sales increase in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021:

• California: +655%
• Colorado: +1251%
• Nevada: +1105%
• Oregon: +1185%

People will likely remember 2022 as the year CBG gained mainstream popularity in cannabis and hemp culture. On average, sales of this cannabinoid increased by around 10 times across four of the nation’s most mature adult-use cannabis markets. Colorado and Oregon saw some of the most impressive growth and gains.

This year, those who keep their ear to the ground on social media have noticed a trend among chronic pain sufferers. Combining CBD and CBG is becoming a trend, as this combination may enhance relief for pain. It’s partially to this viral trend that we must attribute the surge of CBG in areas that are clearly not cannabinoid-naive.

It’s possible that sales increases like these can only last for so long. We won’t know until we try, however, and as we speak, countless brands are doing all they can to continue expanding the CBG markets in California, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, and beyond.

CBN sales are gaining

CBN sales increase in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021:

• California: +29%
• Colorado: +145%
• Nevada: +30%
• Oregon: +22%

Compared to CBG, sales of CBN are not growing as fast in CA, CO, NV, and OR, but it’s hard to follow up the incredible numbers CBG boasted last year. And, to be fair, the CBN market growing by two-and-a-half times in Colorado is nothing to bat an eyelash at. CBN saw approximately 50% growth in America’s mature cannabis markets in 2022, with potential for further increase in 2023.

If you’ll recall back to the beginning of the article, BDSA found that a greater share of consumers are aware of CBN than are aware of CBG. The likely cause of the discrepancy between CBG and CBN growth in 2022, then, is simply that a greater number of CBG products are currently available on the market.

The closer that the ratio of CBN to CBG products on the market nears 1:1, the greater the sales percentages CBN will boast in markets like California and Oregon. Right now, it simply seems that shoppers have a hard time buying the CBN they want, a situation brands can start rectifying immediately.

CBD sales are holding steady

In states like California, Oregon, Nevada, and Colorado that have already had CBD for a long time, BDSA noted a moderate decline in sales volume in 2022. States that are newer to cannabis and hemp overall, though, posted CBD sales increases in 2022 — including Arizona, Illinois, and Massachusetts.

Even though the boom days of CBD appear to be on the wane, that’s not bad news. Market maturity provides brands with greater security, and the only payoff is being subject to greater regulation and transparency, which no reputable cannabinoid brand should fear.

There are also still plenty of states that show impressive yearly CBD sales increases. The CBD products that will do the best in both mature and naive markets are those that begin incorporating CBN, CBG, and other minor cannabinoids.

Popular CBG and CBN product categories

According to the BDSA report, gummies lead the race when it comes to product categories most likely to contain either CBG or CBN. Approximately 75% of CBN product sales and 70% of CBG product sales were attributed to gummies.

Tinctures comprised 5% of CBN sales and 10% of CBG sales in 2022; about 5% of each are sold as edibles. Clearly, gummies are the vehicle by which CBN and CBG are becoming familiar to shoppers, a trend brands should expand upon while also encouraging shopper interest in other product types.

Analysis

What does this new information from BDSA tell us about best practices when producing and selling CBG and CBN products in 2023 and beyond? Below, we’ll unpack some of the subtler points of BDSA’s analysis to provide some concrete directions on how to proceed in this rapidly evolving minor cannabinoid submarket:

Shoppers are more knowledgeable

First, it’s important to recognize that, slowly but surely, a greater number of shoppers are becoming aware of CBG, CBN, and their potential uses. Increased awareness brings two benefits: shoppers actively seek CBN and CBG, and educated shoppers are more open to these cannabinoids.

More products contain CBG and CBN

It’s a fact that a greater number of products contain CBG and CBN, which is part of the reason overall sales of these cannabinoids have increased so impressively over the last year. The growth each cannabinoid has shown should be viewed differently.

Growth percentages in the thousands are generally not sustainable. In 2022, the CBG market became more saturated, making it unlikely that new CBG products will achieve similar returns now.

CBN’s slower growth in 2022 contrasts with its higher consumer awareness compared to CBG. Properly positioned, CBN products could surpass CBG’s 2022 growth in 2023 and beyond.

CBD market approaches maturity

The CBD market reaching maturity has a variety of important implications. On the one hand, it means that hemp cannabinoids have finally been accepted into the mainstream, a moment proponents have long awaited.

CBD serves as a positive “Trojan horse,” breaking through shopper skepticism and paving the way for other cannabinoids. Inside are CBG, CBN, and a whole host of other minor cannabinoids that intend to spread healing without causing intoxication.

“Minor cannabinoids have huge potential to generate sales growth”

In its closing statements, BDSA concludes that the potential of CBG, CBN, and other minor cannabinoids to generate sales growth is nothing short of “huge.” The two factors prompting this increase, BDSA suggests, are expanding consumer knowledge and a greater number of CBG and CBN products being available.

Minors cannabinoids are replacing indica/sativa concerns

According to BDSA, products including minor cannabinoids like CBN and CBG should primarily be designed to produce repeatable experiences that will ultimately lead shoppers to choose hemp products based on the cannabinoids they contain. The market is currently preoccupied with questionable differences between indica, sativa, and hybrid products, and minor cannabinoids could provide the genuine, chemically explicable diversity of experience the mature hemp market has clearly begun to crave.

Sources

1. 1. Rice, A. (2022, June 7). CBN Sales & CBG Sales See Rapid Growth as CBD Sales Slow. BDSA. https://bdsa.com/cbn-and-cbg-sales-see-rapid-growth/

It’s no secret that Americans are having trouble getting quality sleep. Whether it’s because of stress at work, anxiety, tech overload, or even the inability to relax, sometimes we just can’t seem to shut down. The problem is so widespread it’s becoming an epidemic.

A new report released in 2022, The State of Sleep In America, surveyed Americans and found that nearly one-third of adults (33%), or around 84 million people, regularly experience “poor” to “fair” sleep. Furthermore, over half (55%) of Americans say that sleeping well is a “major priority,” placing it higher on their priority list than other lifestyle factors, such as social interaction (45%) or healthy eating (40%).

While there may not be a one-size-fits-all solution to the problem, industry experts anticipate cannabis entrepreneurs have the potential to make a real difference with CBN (cannabinol) as a natural sleep aid. According to industry experts, sleep research funding by the National Institutes for Health (NIH) is expected to reach $520 million in 2023, nearly doubling what it was just a decade ago.

And while sleep deprivation continues sweeping the nation, studies indicate that CBN might be what people need to combat lack of sleep.

In this blog post, we’ll explore America’s sleep crisis and examine CBN’s potential to help those struggling with their snooze cycle get a better night’s sleep.

Sleep 101: The Basics

Typically, when it comes to the pursuit of quality sleep, Americans don’t often think cannabis would be involved. But, given the specific effects of certain cannabinoids on different stages of the sleep cycle, knowledgeable cannabis enthusiasts take a keen interest in understanding their body and their sleep needs.

For them, getting to grips with what they need and why they may suffer from a lack of sleep can help shape the type of cannabis products that would best serve them.

And while we may not all be experts in cannabis or sleep deprivation, it’s worth brushing up on some sleep basics before learning why Americans are facing such severe deprivation and how the herb might just save the day (or night).

A Breakdown of Sleep Needs According to Age

Sleep needs change across the lifespan. In general, experts recommend: 

– Newborns through the first year: up to 18 hours daily
– Ages 1-3: 12-15 hours daily
– Ages 3-5: 11-13 hours daily
– Ages 2-12: 9-11 hours daily
– Teens: 9-10 hours daily
– Adults: 7- 8 hours daily

Sleep Stages: An Overview

As a general guideline, sleep consists of the following stages:

– Stage W (Wakefulness)
– Stage N1
– Stage N2
– Stage N3
– Stage R (Rapid Eye Movement, or REM)

Healthy sleepers cycle between the different stages of sleep every 90 minutes during an eight-hour sleep period. Let’s examine each stage in greater detail to see how they help us recharge.

Stage N1

Stage N1 occurs during the transition from wakefulness to sleepiness. Although this brief stage lasts between five to ten minutes, dreams may also occur during this time. While dozing off, the mind is still aware of its surroundings and can be easily roused back to awakeness.

During this phase, there is also a slowing of the brain waves, eye movements, heartbeat, and breathing. The muscles of the body may twitch as relaxation occurs.

Stage N2

After passing Stage N1, the process moves onto Stage N2, during which breathing and heart rate will continue to slow. Throughout the night, Stage N2 should account for about half of the total sleep time. This stage has the following characteristics:

– A lost sense of surroundings
– A decreased internal body temperature
– No eye movement
– Changes in breathing pattern

Also, during this time, the brain produces sleep spindles, characterized by bursts of fast, rhythmic brain waves. Sleep spindles are essential for memory consolidation, when the brain collects, organizes and filters new memories from the previous day.

Additionally, the body takes an even more relaxed state so that it is ready to enter stage N3 and REM, the deepest sleep stages in which the body and mind can recover, rejuvenate, and prepare for the next day.

Stage N3

Stage N3 is also known as Slow Wave Sleep or Delta Sleep due to slowed delta brain waves present during this stage of sleep. During N3 sleep, the body’s miraculous self-healing and repair process occurs, facilitated by the secretion of growth hormone.

In Stage N3, the first segment usually lasts 45-90 minutes. As the night progresses, the duration of subsequent segments of N3 sleep gradually shortens. This stage has the following key characteristics:

– Full muscle relaxation
– Slowed breathing and decreased blood pressure
– Transition to the deepest sleep stage

It is also important to note that N3 sleep diminishes with age, to the point that it can even be absent from seniors at night. Nevertheless, this does not indicate disease or disorder as it happens to healthy sleepers as well.

Stage R (REM)

Stage R is called REM sleep or “rapid eye movement” sleep. REM sleep usually begins between 90 and 110 minutes after falling asleep, with subsequent cycles occurring every 90 minutes.

Over the course of the night, REM sleep periods become longer and longer. Also, the heart rate increases during this cycle, and irregular breathing occurs. Additionally, the dreaming process happens during REM sleep. Stage R dreams tend to be remembered by healthy sleepers.

A particularly clever feature of the body is that it creates chemicals that temporarily paralyze the sleeper to prevent them from ‘acting out’ in their dreams. And for good reason, since people tend to be very active at this stage despite being asleep. In this cycle, the eyes dart back and forth rapidly, just as they do when awake.

Understanding Sleep Disorders and Disruptions

Sleep disorders and disruptions can be an absolute nightmare. Not only are they disruptive to quality of life, but they can also be a sign of something more serious. In light of that, here are a few of the most common sleep disorders and disruptions and how they may interfere with getting a good night’s sleep.

Insomnia

Insomnia occurs when there is difficulty initiating or staying asleep. Early morning awakenings can also occur, where an individual wakes up several hours before their normal schedule and is unable to fall back to sleep. As a result, individuals experience excessive sleepiness during the day, typically resulting in functional impairments during the daytime.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (including episodes of irresistible sleepiness) and sudden muscle weakness. In narcolepsy, sudden muscle weakness can be triggered by strong emotions or surprise. The onset of narcolepsy is commonly referred to as a “sleep attack” and can occur even when walking or doing other physical activities.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

The symptoms of RLS include unpleasant “creeping” sensations, often originating in the lower legs but accompanied by aches and pains across the legs. It may cause difficulty falling asleep and is relieved by moving the legs, such as walking or kicking.

Sleep Apnea

There is more to snoring than just being annoying. It could be an indication of sleep apnea, characterized by rapid gasping or snorting noises, causing sleep to be interrupted momentarily. Due to frequent interruptions during sleep, those with sleep apnea may also feel excessively sleepy during the day.

Sleep Disruptions

Sleep disruptions can significantly impact individual performance and physical and mental health, leading to increased sluggishness, irritability, and difficulty focusing during the day. For instance, third-shift workers often experience disturbances in natural circadian rhythms and melatonin secretion. Melatonin is necessary for other hormone regulation functions within the body, so repeated disruption can lead to even more complicated issues.

Sleep disturbances resulting from frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom or night sweats can also lead to a compromised ability to concentrate and make decisions.

Perhaps most significant of all is jet lag – the disruption in biological rhythms caused by traveling quickly through multiple time zones that affects sleep, eating, and activity patterns.

All of this disruption can significantly impact an individual’s energy levels, moods, motivation, and ability to function optimally. Getting proper restorative sleep is essential for all individuals striving to maintain good health and productivity.

Americans’ Top Priority Is Sleep, Yet Sleep Quality Remains Low

It is well known that a lack of quality sleep is linked to a lack of overall well-being, which is why it’s no surprise that sleep is the number one priority for Americans. With long work hours, excessive screen time, and hectic lifestyles, overthinking the day’s earlier events and trying to shut off racing thoughts can make getting a good night’s rest feel like an unattainable dream. In the 2022 sleep report, a staggering 81% of Americans say their mental activity — thinking, racing thoughts, and feelings — keeps them awake at night.

Although sleep is recognized as being paramount, sleep quality remains low among many people. Mental health, age, mattress satisfaction, and sex are also closely linked to sleep quality. For example, more women than men say sleep is a top priority (61% vs. 48%, respectively) and worry more about losing sleep.

In addition, Americans’ poor sleep quality also impacts overall economic growth and is linked to weak GDP growth. Research shows the American economy loses an estimated $44.6 billion per year in unscheduled absences among workers as a consequence of poor sleep.

In their quest for relief, Americans are increasingly turning to sleep aids to improve their sleep quality. The most recent statistics show Americans spent $437 million on OTC sleep aids in 2021, double their 2011 spending of $217 million.

The market for natural sleep aids, however, is one worth watching, as it is expected to continue growing. In the wake of America’s crumbling marijuana prohibition, many are turning to health-promoting cannabinoids to find natural sleep remedies.

One phytocannabinoid that has shown promise as a natural sleep aid is cannabinol (CBN).

What Is the Cannabinoid CBN?

CBN is a phytocannabinoid found naturally in high amounts in aged cannabis plants. Unknown to most people is that CBN is actually the very first cannabinoid isolated in 1896 by Thomas Barlow Wood, WT Newton Spivey, and Thomas Hill Easterfield.

With its sedative properties and predominant presence in older cannabis flowers, CBN was often considered a less desirable cannabinoid than CBD or THC. However, despite being the “original” phytocannabinoid, CBN can be regarded as a “sleeper” cannabinoid since in the past, it wasn’t nearly as popular as THC, CBD, or terpenes.

The Unique Connection Between CBN and THC

Scientists now recognize CBN as a major cannabinoid, stemming from a 1999 study done by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). In the study, cannabis samples tested after four years were found to contain half of their original THC concentration. In addition, THC converted to CBN as it oxidized and dissipated.

According to the study, the most THC degradation occurred after two years of improper storage, indicating a strong relationship between the conversion of THC to CBN and the vulnerability of the plants.

The study revealed that over time, THC degrades into CBN. Thus the longer cannabis ages, the more CBN it will contain. As a result of the study, researchers have learned how CBN and THC cannabinoids interact differently with CB2 and CB1 receptors.

What Sets CBN Apart From CBD?

Even though they have similar names, CBD and CBN are entirely different molecules. The two cannabinoids are present in both marijuana and hemp (a cannabis subspecies with less than 0.3% THC) originating from CBGA. While some similarities have been discovered regarding their ability to address pain and inflammation, they differ primarily in their intended purposes.

Additionally, CBD has been extensively researched, and studies have revealed its anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant properties. Thus, it serves as an industry staple and powerful therapeutic used by people seeking relief from anxiety, and epilepsy, among others.

And while some research suggests CBN may also possess anticonvulsant properties, most current research focuses on its ability to relax the mind and induce sleep.

The following are notable differences between CBN and CBD:

– A significant amount of CBD is found in hemp plants, making it more accessible and affordable.
– There is more research and understanding of CBD than CBN at present.
– CBN is formed by oxidizing THC, while decarboxylating CBDA present in raw cannabis flowers produces CBD.
– The FDA has approved one CBD-based medication for treating epilepsy/seizures, whereas CBN has not been approved.
– The two compounds are technically psychoactive, but CBD leaves the user unintoxicated, while CBN alters the mind very mildly due to its THC roots.
– CBD reduces appetite, whereas CBN stimulates it.

Although CBN and CBD each have unique benefits and effects, they are likely to complement one another well when combined. When cannabinoids are consumed together, they synergistically amplify each other’s actions, according to a phenomena called the entourage effect. Several studies have demonstrated the entourage effect, including a study showing the combined effects of CBN and CBD reduced pain in rats more effectively than either compound alone.

Does CBN Help With Sleep?

CBN-containing products are marketed as sleep aids by many companies, but does CBN actually alleviate insomnia and sleeplessness? As of yet, we’re still waiting for any solid insights.

Due to decades of cannabis prohibition, the amount of study has been limited, making it difficult to draw any definitive conclusions about the cannabinoid, even though it seems more effective when combined with other cannabinoids such as THC.

Historically, most of the research on cannabinol effects, particularly sedation, has been conducted on rodents. For example, a 1975 study found that CBN increased the sedative effects of THC in mice and rats.

As part of another groundbreaking 1975 clinical trial, five male participants were given various amounts of THC and CBN. Scientists found that ingesting THC and CBN together resulted in more substantial sedative effects than consuming THC alone.

In addition, during the study, participants’ heart rates increased with THC but not with CBN, further indicating that CBN might be effective as a sedative. However, because of the trial’s small sample size and age, its results were promising but inconclusive.

Similar findings were found in a 1995 mouse study that concluded synthetic CBN lengthened mice’s sleep periods. CBN is widely regarded as a powerful sedative based on the results of these studies, which cannabis industry experts have widely accepted. Nevertheless, experts agree that further clinical trials and research are needed to reach any conclusive findings.

Why You Should Consider Offering CBN Products To Your Customers

Even though research is still being conducted concerning CBN’s potential as a sleep aid, the general public seems convinced that CBN can improve sleep, increasing sales of sleep-promoting products containing CBN. Additionally, some awareness has spread about research on CBN as a pain reliever. However, it is more desirable to use this compound alongside other cannabinoids due to the entourage effect.

And while the average buyer doesn’t fully grasp the potential benefits of CBN, CBD has become a household name in a relatively short time, with the entourage effect known to many CBD lovers. As a result, CBD’s value may be boosted in the eyes of consumers when combined with other cannabinoids, such as CBN extract.

What is CBN extract?

CBN extract is produced from cannabis flowers that contain a high level of cannabinoids, most notably the cannabinoid CBN. This bulk hemp ingredient is typically available in several forms, most notably distillate and isolate. CBN distillate and CBN isolate have potency levels ranging from 70-97% of total cannabinoids, and each extract type can be used in a wide range of products.

What is CBN distillate?

With CBN distillate, large amounts of CBN are present in a distilled cannabinoid extract. Even though CBN distillate is far more refined than crude extract, it retains all the terpenes, minor cannabinoids, and other beneficial compounds found naturally in hemp flowers. Due to this feature, CBN distillate is highly preferred for products such as gummies, tinctures, and vaping products.

CBN distillate typically has a honey-like texture and appearance, offering CBN concentrations up to 80%. Although traces of THC can be found in some CBN distillates, this extract can be further purified to yield no detectable amounts of THC.

What is CBN isolate?

CBN isolate is almost entirely composed of pure cannabinol molecules. Due to its high chemical purity of 97%+, CBN isolate is suited to formulate many different products, despite not being particularly useful in its raw form.

The beauty of CBN isolate lies in its superior compatibility with virtually any cannabinoid extract. The nature of this ingredient allows any product to be easily infused with CBN’s distinct and fascinating benefits.

Uses

It’s possible to use CBN distillate and isolate for many of the same purposes despite their differences. For example, in vape cartridges, distillate offers a fuller spectrum of effects, whereas CBN isolate is more suitable for complex formulations that are difficult to balance. Plus, since both forms of the extract can be formulated with undetectable levels of THC, both CBN isolate and distillate are acceptable under federal and various state regulations.

Need Product Ideas?

Examples of products that are suitable for the simplistic nature of CBN isolate include:

– Tablets
– Capsules
– Topicals

Product types that work well with the rich flavor of CBN distillate include:

– Gummies
– Vape cartridges
– Tinctures

In reality, any of the products listed above can include CBN extracts of any type. Your strategy will ultimately depend on your goal and your target audience. You can customize the design of your new CBN-infused sleep products by partnering with an experienced cannabinoid white labeller.

When Sourcing The Ideal CBN Extract, What Should I Look For?

What is the best form of CBN extract for your specific needs now that you know all the essential details about CBN distillate and isolate? Here are some crucial facts to consider.

Historically, cannabinoid isolates were sought after because they contained no THC. However, today, removing any traces of THC from distillate is just as easy, so it is no longer an advantage unique to isolate.

When it comes to today’s hemp products, the primary reason to avoid using CBN distillate is because it has the potential to unbalance existing formulations. For example, for a product that already contains cannabinoid distillates, adding more extracts might not be a good idea. Alternatively, you could use an isolate extract to incorporate CBN into the product.

Realistically, these are just a few factors to consider before selecting a cannabinoid extract, none less important than the other. The best way to design your hemp product line is with the help of a trusted hemp white-label company like GVB Biopharma.

Address your Customers’ Concerns with the Best CBN Extract

The data shows millions of Americans actively seek natural solutions to their sleep problems. We can help you get started if you’re interested in providing customers with a CBN option. Plus, when searching for an effective CBN isolate or distillate, there’s no time to play guessing games. Our team at GVB Biopharma understands the nuances between extracts and is here to help. As an industry leader, we know what it takes to custom-fit products to your desired specifications. With unrivaled expertise, our integrated approach ensures optimal results for each of your final products.

By partnering with GVB Biopharma, you can unlock the maximum potential benefits and make all the difference to your clients and your company. Let us help give you an edge up on the competition with the best CBN extracts designed to give your customers a well-deserved restful night’s sleep. Contact us for your consultation today!

CBN & sleep FAQs

1. Does CBN make you groggy the next day?

People who use CBN before bed do not usually report that this cannabinoid causes grogginess or tiredness the following morning. In general, it is rare for users to complain of grogginess after using any cannabinoid — these natural substances have very limited side effects and have a limited overall impact on the human body and nervous system.

2. Can I take CBN every night?

While there does not appear to be any particular indication that taking CBN on a nightly basis poses any dangers to the average person, that’s the type of question for medical doctors and researchers — not cannabinoid producers. If you take CBN every night and you are worried about developing side effects, ask a doctor for their expert opinion.

3. Is CBN better than melatonin?

It doesn’t make sense to directly compare CBN and melatonin, but it’s true that CBN may have benefits that melatonin lacks while also making up for some of melatonin’s detriments. Melatonin, for instance, is a natural hormone, and nobody knows how introducing this hormone might disrupt melatonin already produced by the brain. The brain doesn’t produce CBN, though, eliminating this particular potential for conflict.

4. What are the side effects of CBN?

People who use CBN don’t usually note any side effects. If any side effects are reported, they almost always consist of excessive sleepiness or mild digestive disturbance. It’s possible that future research may unveil some previously unknown dangers of cannabinoids, but at present, these substances appear to be almost entirely benign.

Sources

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The CBD industry has expanded in many ways over the last decade. Thousands of times more people use CBD now than they did in the early 2010s, for instance, but the CBD market has also seen a massive expansion in the types of products offered.

During the early days of the industry, even CBD lip balms were viewed with skepticism. Now, the average person doesn’t have a problem with CBD being in drinks you can buy at a grocery store. Over the last few years, beverages have been touted as the next major pivot of the CBD industry, citing interest from major beverage producers and the recent uptick in CBD beer sales. 

Recent data from Hemp Industry Daily

For insights into this microcosm of the CBD industry, we turn to data provided by Hemp Industry Daily¹ for the year ending in March 2021. As the country neared the end of the pandemic, Hemp Industry Daily took a close look at the performance of CBD beverages in grocery stores and convenience stores.

Despite being the anchor for CBD’s entry into many grocery stores, CBD beverages had failed to deliver expected sales volumes in brick-and-mortar environments, a result that initially proved difficult to understand. By providing ample data and analysis, Hemp Industry Daily was able to shed light on the reasons behind the slow growth of CBD beverages in convenience and grocery environments and provide actionable insights going forward. Let’s take a closer look:

Consumers moved online during the pandemic

Hemp Industry Daily interviewed Rick Maturo, a cannabis specialist at legendary polling firm Nielsen, for further insights into this considerable shift in CBD beverage buying behavior. According to Maturo, “the pandemic has reinforced online CBD buyers’ behaviors” and has pushed CBD consumers online due to increased convenience and safety.

Just as CBD beverages were catching on in grocery stores and convenience stores, the pandemic arrived, shifting sales online. With retail shopping behaviors essentially normalizing post-pandemic, it would be reasonable to expect a similar uptick in CBD beverage sales as long as brands offer products that fit the needs of consumers.

CBD sparkling water is the most popular

There’s still a lot we can learn about CBD beverage sales in 2021 to properly prepare for the future’s needs. It’s important to note, for instance, that CBD sparkling water products made up 57% of total retail CBD beverage sales in 2021, suggesting that brands should lean heavily into this particular product type.

Followed by conventional water and tea

Conventional or non-sparkling CBD water products contributed 18% to overall CBD beverage sales, indicating enduring consumer interest in this product category. Packaged and ready-to-drink CBD teas were also reasonably popular (13%), suggesting that these three product types (sparkling water, bottled water, and bottled teas) should take up the majority of the focus of CBD manufacturers investing in beverages.

25mg products are the most popular

Consumers have voted with their dollars to tell brands exactly which dose of CBD they prefer in beverages. These days, it’s not ideal to include less than 10mg of CBD in a conventional 12oz beverage can, and most consumers want even more CBD in their drinks.

While 50mg CBD drinks might be more potent than most users would like, a 25mg dosage appears to hit the sweet spot. If you want to provide exactly what CBD retail consumers want, focus on sparkling CBD water products that contain 25mg CBD each.

Sales contribution of CBD beverage products by milligram:

 – <10mg: 16%

 – 10mg: 12%

 – 20mg: 7%

 – 25mg: 64%

 – Other: 1%

Consumers want a wider array of products to choose from

One refrain that consistently came up in Hemp Industry Daily’s reporting is that retail consumers want to be able to access a wider array of CBD products at their local grocery and convenience stores. In most cases, retailers only stock 1-2 different CBD beverage products, and if those products aren’t to a consumer’s liking, they’ll simply take their business online.

Ideally, convenience stores should offer at least 3-5 different CBD beverages, and grocery stores should have 6-10 options to choose from at the minimum. Any less, and consumers won’t have the patience to settle for the selection in front of them and will contribute to the trend of shopping for CBD online.

CBD beverages aren’t going away

It’s important to stay focused on the bigger picture. According to Nielsen’s Maturo, CBD beverages are still expected to make up 19% of total CBD sales by 2025, contributing nearly $1.3 billion to the domestic hemp market.

The important takeaway is that it’s time for manufacturers to reconfigure their approach to retailing CBD drinks in anticipation of a massive coming upsurge in popularity. It’s not that CBD beverages have no potential in grocery stores but that brands have so-far failed to nail down the CBD drinks consumers want and stores have failed to stock adequate variety.

Further analysis from 360 Market Updates

To better contextualize how the slow growth of CBD beverages in brick-and-mortar environments actually foretells great promise within this sector, we turn to recent analysis provided by market research firm 360 Market Updates. According to the firm’s 2022 report on the CBD beverages market², this subsector of the hemp industry is expected to grow by around 61% per year between now and 2026, swelling in size from $37 million in 2022 to $643 million in 2026.

The rising popularity of CBD beverages may mainly be growing under the surface for now, but this recent analysis predicts the dam will burst in the near future, leading to a renaissance of CBD beverage sales in brick-and-mortar environments. CBD itself had touch-and-go moments before it became a household name, and it’s common for any new product type to experience these growing pains during its first few years on the market.

While it’s true that the analysis conducted by 360 Market Updates differs slightly in its conclusions from the Hemp Industry Daily report, both predict massive growth in the future of the CBD beverage industry.

BevNet’s 2022 take

For further wide-angle data regarding the overall growth trajectory of the CBD beverage industry, let’s look at a recent report from BevNet, another notable market research firm. In its 2022 analysis of the CBD beverage industry³, BevNet reminds us that CBD beverages have been the fastest-growing CBD products since 2018 before moving on to note that 33% of CBD drink purchasers are self-described “stressed-out Millennials.”

Perhaps most notably, BevNet found that nearly half of CBD drink users were daily consumers, indicating a degree of regularity of use not commonly found in other CBD products. Unlike CBD tinctures, gummies, and other conventional oral products which last weeks or months, CBD drinks must be repurchased regularly, leading to greater brand loyalty.

With CBD drinks now staples in many grocery stores nationwide, the likelihood of CBD drink users becoming daily consumers will only grow. The convenience of being able to buy your weekly dose of CBD along with the rest of your shopping will only become more apparent as we return to a pre⁠-pandemic, in-person economy.

Analysis

The most relevant continuing impediment to the success of the CBD beverage industry remains ongoing lack of federal regulatory clarification. In the waning days of 2020, it seemed a near certainty that overall federal cannabis reform was imminent, which would bring with it that further level of legitimization of the CBD industry necessary for major consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers to get onboard.

With the pandemic, however, many functions of the federal government became incapacitated, and the hemp industry has become progressively more restive as month after month goes by with little meaningful change. It’s still likely that comprehensive clarification of CBD’s regulatory state remains upcoming, but there’s no longer reasonable confidence in any particular time frame.

Regardless, brands should continue offering the best products they can and proactively observing all possible compliance measures. That’s where working with an established bulk CBD producer can be advantageous — what grocery store and convenience store chains want is assurance that any CBD products they take on won’t increase their exposure to potential litigation.

The superior processes used by major CBD manufacturers can provide that assurance. Knowledge of how to properly produce water-soluble CBD extracts is also still something of a closely guarded industry secret, making it difficult to compete in the closely guarded retail CBD environment if your extract isn’t produced by a respected manufacturer.

What’s most important to keep in mind is that Nielsen still projects that CBD beverages will make up a considerable segment of the overall CBD economy within a few short years. Now, it’s only a matter of how we get there and which brands will end up on top once CBD beverages achieve widespread retail popularity.

To close on an uplifting note, we turn once more to Rick Maturo: “Unlike other hemp-CBD formats, beverages offer brands and retailers a multitude of innovative styles, flavors and functional benefits,” says Maturo, reminding manufacturers that these uniquely desirable features “are all built into a familiar, easy-to-use format.”

CBD beverage sales FAQs

Dive deeper into the world of CBD beverages in the FAQ section below:

1. Are CBD-infused drinks safe?

There’s no inherent reason that CBD-infused drinks should be any safer or more dangerous than any other type of CBD product. As far as ingestion methods go, there’s nothing about orally ingesting CBD in the form of a liquid that should cause concern. The process that makes CBD water-soluble does not change its chemical form, it just encapsulates it into a more easily dissolvable form.

2. What are the best CBD drinks?

The best CBD drinks feature CBD, water, and not much else. Overall, you’re better off without the sweeteners and artificial ingredients that are present in conventional ingredients — which are also present in CBD-infused drinks. Teas and sports drinks are usually okay, but watch out for sodas and other sugary beverages. They often contain artificial sweeteners and flavorings — whether they include CBD or not.

3. What are the pros and cons of CBD drinks?

Let’s break it down, starting with the pros:

– Convenient

– Recognizable product format

– Picked up by big box stores

– Low dose

– Low manufacturing cost

And now, the cons:

– Extra-low doses can lead shoppers to think their drinks are ineffective

– Sometimes contain low-quality or unnecessary ingredients

– CBD only stays suspended in water for around 90 days

4. How much CBD water should I drink?

Most CBD water beverages contain around 5-25mg CBD. Since the average dose of CBD is around 25-50mg, it would make sense to drink around 1-3 CBD drinks at a time. Make sure to look at the dosage before taking a sip, however, since dosage in CBD drinks varies considerably.

Sources

1. 1. MJBizDaily. (n.d.). CBD beverage sales a struggle for major US retailers. Retrieved January 1, 2022, from https://hempindustrydaily.com/cbd-beverage-sales-a-struggle-for-major-us-retailers
2. 3. Global Cbd Beverages Sales Market.€“ 360 Market Updates. (n.d.). https://www.360marketupdates.com/global-cbd-beverages-sales-market-16615889
3. 3. Caballero, M. (2022, April 2). Cool, Calm and Climbing: CBD Drinks Keep Growing, Despite Wait for Regulatory Clarity. BevNET.com. https://www.bevnet.com/magazine/issue/2022/cool-calm-and-climbing-cbd-drinks-keep-growing-despite-wait-for-regulatory-clarity/