Author: GVB Biopharma

Proper product testing is of paramount importance in the CBD industry Companies that choose to pursue proper testing protocols inevitably reap the greatest rewards, but new data from Leafreport¹ reveals that a surprisingly small number of CBD producers comprehensively test their products².

Why is CBD product testing so important, and how should the CBD industry respond to its systemic lack of testing rigor? Learn the latest information and discover pragmatic solutions in this guide.

What is CBD product testing?

Since the inception of the modern CBD industry, third-party product testing has been a key tool for expressing product quality to both consumers and regulators³. Though the FDA has not established testing protocols for the CBD industry, following proper testing procedures proactively is understood to be a reasonable policy in anticipation of eventual industry-wide standardization.

In the absence of such testing standardization, third-party lab testing is the only tool at a consumer’s disposal to determine the safety and purity of a CBD product they are considering using. Over the years, consumer awareness of the importance of CBD product testing has risen to the extent that lab reports now serve a marketing purpose that’s just as important as their furtherance of transparency. CBD product lab tests should provide information on the constituent components of the hemp extract and also provide parts-per-million (PPM) information for various common contaminants. Especially due to the hemp plants’ ability to bioaccumulate possible contaminants from soil, total transparency regarding contamination in CBD products is absolutely vital⁴.

Why is CBD product testing important?

CBD product testing provides consumers with assurance that the CBD products they use are safe and provides brands with a key tool for relaying the benefits of their CBD products to consumers. Especially in the absence of meaningful federal regulation of the CBD industry, lab testing is essentially the only mechanism in place to ensure that contaminated products are detected and prevented from entering the CBD supply.

Product testing also provides the overall CBD industry with a level of legitimacy that it would otherwise have difficulty projecting. By conducting proper lab testing, CBD companies prove that they are “on the level” and that their products do not contain detectable levels of THC. Without comprehensive lab testing, CBD users are left in the dark, and the industry itself loses legitimacy.

Areas CBD tests must cover

Due to the nature of the hemp plant, CBD product testing is complex and must cover a variety of different factors. To start, it is important that CBD products fall within 10% of their stated potency. Lab tests must also accurately represent the concentrations of common contaminants they contain, including microbes, heavy metals, and pesticides.

Here is a look at each area in more detail:

Potency

The amount of CBD a product contains is known as its potency. If the total size of a CBD tincture, for instance, is 1000mg and it contains 800mg CBD, its potency is 80%.

The potency information in a CBD lab report should not only pertain to CBD, however. Just as vital is information regarding the concentration of THC in the product, which must remain below 0.3% to be in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill⁵.

Depending on the product, it may also be relevant to relay the concentrations of minor cannabinoids and terpenes present. The role terpenes play in the benefits of hemp products is not being actively explored, and consumers increasingly demand information about the terpenes in their CBD products.

Microbial content

During maturation, hemp is relatively prone to fungal and bacterial infections and may be contaminated with microbes during harvesting and extraction. The onus is on CBD producers to prove they properly prevented microbial contamination while making their products.

Heavy metals

Heavy metal contamination in soil leads to product contamination in a variety of industries, but it is especially prevalent in the CBD industry due to hemp’s bioaccumulative properties. During maturation, hemp draws everything in the surrounding soil into itself — even harmful contaminants like heavy metals. To prove they pursued cultivation processes that prevented contamination, CBD companies must show that their products do not contain any traces of these heavy metals.

Pesticides

Even organic hemp products can become contaminated with pesticides used in neighboring agricultural operations. Carried by air or water runoff, pesticides can enter hemp roots and contaminate flowers, making it essential for hemp brands to provide sufficient evidence that their products are pesticide-free.

The latest data from Leafreport

What Leafreport has to say about the current status of testing in the CBD industry is not particularly positive. In great crisis, there is also great opportunity, though, and by learning about the ways CBD testing currently falls short, we can make sure the industry takes a better approach in the future. At GVB, we strive for excellence in our product quality, testing multiple times throughout the production process to ensure we are producing the highest quality ingredients and finished products on the market. 

Leafreport’s opening paragraph states that “transparency within the CBD industry appears to be stagnating and deteriorating in several critical respects.” Slightly further in, the report goes on to say that “CBD purity testing for three main contaminants… is still conducted at very low rates across the board” and that “the number of brands with products that measure beyond acceptable potency variance levels is rising.”

We’ll get into what all this means below.

Methods

To produce its report, Leafreport analyzed 4,384 products made by 188 different CBD brands. Leafreport conducted its own tests of each product and compared them to the tests provided by the producer. A full list of the criteria Leafreport tested includes:

 – The percentage of products tested for potency

 – The percentage of products that tested within 10% of their stated potency range

 – The percentage of products tested for pesticides

 – The percentage of products tested for heavy metals

 – The percentage of products tested for microbes

Key findings

Here’s a summary of the results of Leafreport’s massive, industry-wide analysis:

 – 20% of brands do not test their products for pesticides, heavy metals, or microbes

 – 28% of brands did not test for pesticides

 – 26% did not test for heavy metals

 – 24% did not test for microbes

 – Only 7% of brands tested for all three contaminants

 – 42% of brands test the potency of almost all their products

 – Only 12% of brands had all their products test within 10% of the stated potency

 – 88% of brands had at least one product that tested outside the acceptable potency variance

 – Two brands did not provide any test results whatsoever

Analysis

In some ways, Leafreport’s new 2022 data has improved over 2021’s analysis. Twenty-five percent of brands failed to provide purity testing in 2021, representing a 5% year-over-year decrease. The percentage of brands that test for all three common contaminant types also improved by one percentile point.

In other areas, however, testing within the CBD industry worsened. 84% of brands had at least one product that tested outside the acceptable potency variance in 2021, for instance, marking a trend of four percentile points in the wrong direction in 2022.

Leafreport summarizes its data thusly: “Compared with our 2021 analysis, brand commitment to potency, purity testing, and ensuring acceptable levels of potency variance appears to be floundering.” Even if brands are weary of a continuing lack of comprehensive federal guidance on CBD, the only option is to stay the course and place further emphasis on industry standardization and preemptive compliance.

To conclude, Leafreport turns to two major executives in the CBD space, Papa & Barkley’s Guy Rocourt and Green Roads’ Laura Fuentes. Both concur that the CBD industry is engaged in a “race to the bottom” in which “many brands who only do the bare minimum that is required by law.”

The answer, Fuentes says, is not necessarily further regulation. “[T]he best way consumers can protect themselves is by choosing reputable CBD brands.”

Choose your CBD products wisely

The message that CBD consumers should take out of Leafreport’s 2022 data is that it is more important than ever before to choose your CBD products with an abundance of caution. While the trajectory of the CBD industry appeared firmly pointed at ever-greater professionalism and rigor a few years ago, something within the industry’s culture has seemingly soured.

It is not too late to put things straight. The best members of the CBD manufacturing community can now take it upon themselves to set a standard for compliance and testing that makes it impossible for brands that do not take testing seriously to compete.

Continue calling for rigorous testing

The best way to ensure a better future for CBD product testing is to continue raising awareness about the importance of testing and the vital role it must play in the consumer decision-making process. The more CBD consumers know they should only purchase safe, tested products, the more that disreputable brands will either be forced to adopt proper testing standards or go out of business.

Rising testing standards are not the only facet of the CBD industry that has recently stagnated — everywhere throughout the world of cannabis and hemp, stakeholders are feeling the squeeze as global economic conditions tighten and geopolitical projections destabilize. True leaders in the CBD industry are now presented with an opportunity to lead a consolidated industry into a future of greater standardization, improved product quality, and even more widespread acceptance.

State of testing in the CBD industry: FAQs

1. How are CBD products tested?

CBD products are usually tested using chromatography, a method that involves separating and measuring components in a mixture. A variety of chromatography methods can be used with CBD products, and each lab has its own proprietary approach to the process. Contact a specific lab if you have questions about their testing methodology. 

2. Does CBD have to be tested?

While there is no legal requirement for CBD products to be tested at the federal level, it has become the sign of a high-quality and trustworthy CBD product if it is accompanied by a verifiable lab report. In the absence of meaningful federal regulations that would otherwise ensure quality within the CBD industry, shoppers must rely on tools like lab tests to determine if the CBD products they use are safe and effective.

3. How do you tell if CBD is high-quality?

Since federal regulations regarding CBD are still lacking, it remains a case that lab reports are the most effective tools you can use when determining the quality of a CBD product. Always ask if you have any questions about the lab reports a company provides for its products.

Sources

1. 1. Evans, D. G. (2020). Medical fraud, mislabeling, contamination: all common in CBD products. Missouri Medicine, 117(5), 394. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7723146/
2. 2. Stone, E. F. (2022, October 16). CBD Market Transparency Report: Only 7% of Brands Test for Pesticides, Heavy Metals and Microbes. https://www.leafreport.com/education/cbd-market-transparency-report-only-7-of-brands-test-for-pesticides-heavy-metals-and-microbes-16349
3. 3. Blebea, N. M., Costache, T., & Negres, S. (2019). The qualitative and quantitative analysis of CBD in hemp oils by UHPLC with PDA and applications. Animal Science, 72(1). Retrieved from http://animalsciencejournal.usamv.ro/pdf/2019/issue_1/Art20.pdf
4. 4. Rheay, H. T., Omondi, E. C., & Brewer, C. E. (2021). Potential of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) for paired phytoremediation and bioenergy production. GCB Bioenergy, 13(4), 525-536. Retrieved from  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcbb.12782
5. 5. Abernethy, A. (2019). Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill. US Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Testimony_Abernethy%2007.25.19.pdf

Social anxiety disorder has affected people for millennia, but it is only recently that psychologists have been able to identify this mental health disorder and provide assistance to those in need of help. With conventional treatments for social anxiety often coming at a cost, both patients and clinicians have increasingly looked to natural therapies for the answer.

Over the last decade, CBD has received a startling amount of attention as a potential social anxiety aid. During that same period, millions of people have used CBD for anxiety, providing a massive amount of anecdotal evidence. What does it all say about the usefulness of CBD for social anxiety? Find out in this review of recent research¹.

What is CBD?

CBD is the most popular and well-known cannabinoid found in hemp. Lacking intoxicating properties, CBD instead usually provides a gently relaxing feeling without manifesting any considerable side effects.

Since it is now abundant in hemp, products containing CBD are now equally abundant on the internet. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabinoid products containing less than 0.3% THC are generally considered industrial hemp, so CBD products are bought and sold in all 50 states with few meaningful restrictions².

What does CBD do?

Not displaying the defining characteristics of THC-containing cannabis, CBD mildly calms and relaxes you instead of making you high. Even though they consist of the same atoms, CBD has a considerably different structure from THC. Furthermore, the two compounds have affinities for entirely separate parts of the brain.

Because of this difference, no matter how much CBD you consume, you will not get high. If the usual experience is any rubric, though, you will most likely feel increasing stages of relaxation as you take larger doses of CBD — to the extent that some users complain of falling asleep after taking unusually high doses of this sometimes-soporific cannabinoid.

What is social anxiety?

Social anxiety is a psychiatric disorder typified by the fear of social situations, such as meeting new people or public speaking, with an underlying perception that they are under the scrutiny of others.2 Sometimes caused by trauma, social anxiety can also emerge due to no discernible cause or be related to neurochemical or genetic complications. Social anxiety can be debilitating to those who suffer from it and common pharmaceutical treatments are often ineffective or cause considerable side effects.

What are the symptoms of social anxiety?

Someone who experiences social anxiety will typically have anxious symptoms that become progressively worse when exposed to triggering social situations. These symptoms can manifest as both physical and psychological symptoms. On the psychological side, social anxiety often appears in the form of intrusive, negative thoughts regarding social situations. Patients commonly feel embarrassed or even humiliated by their intrinsic behaviors or personal appearance, or they may fear feeling that way when exposed to social situations.

The symptoms of social anxiety often take on the form of a negative synergy in which fear of exhibiting certain physical symptoms causes them to manifest, leading to a feedback loop that can end in full-blown panic attacks. Due to this inability to interact socially, individuals with social anxiety often retreat from society, depriving themselves of the many benefits of social interaction.

Research into CBD and social anxiety

Though studies into the usefulness of CBD for other forms of anxiety were conducted during the period, not much research was published regarding CBD for social anxiety after 2011 until a flurry of data suddenly arrived in 2019. The results of a clinical study published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry in January of that year was one of the first to bring in this new data⁴.

This trial consisted of a much larger sample than its 2011 predecessor with 57 healthy male subjects participating. The volunteers were separated into groups that received either 150mg, 300mg, 600mg, or 0mg (placebo) of CBD prior to a social anxiety test.

Researchers found that while both 150 mg and 600 mg had positive responses, compared to placebo, pretreatment with 300 mg of CBD had the most significant reduction in anxiety during the speech phase. The results from this study indicate that acute doses of CBD can decrease public speaking anxiety in some individuals and that there may be an effective dose window when using CBD for social anxiety.

Is CBD useful for social anxiety?

People have bought and continue to buy large amounts of CBD with the express purpose of using it for social anxiety, indicating there is some merit to the idea that CBD should be investigated further for this potential purpose. When you take the reported personal accounts along with research studies of CBD into account, the apparent efficacy of this cannabinoid to potentially relieve symptoms of social anxiety becomes clear.

People who use CBD report feeling more confident and less afraid, explaining in common-sense terms why this simple, non-intoxicating cannabinoid has rapidly become one of the most popular natural remedies for anxiety in all its forms.

Which types of CBD products are best for social anxiety?

At this point, it is unclear which forms of CBD products might be the most effective against social anxiety from a scientific point of view. The majority of clinical studies that have been conducted with CBD and social anxiety typically involve administering large doses of CBD orally.5 Further research is needed regarding the specific dosage to improve the knowledge base on how to dose anxiety symptoms appropriately. 

When you take anecdotal testimony into account, however, things become considerably clearer. As available scientific research suggests, people with social anxiety tend to report positive results when taking CBD orally. Thus, standard oral CBD products like tinctures, gummies, and capsules should all be taken into consideration.

Summary: Should CBD be used against social anxiety?

Putting aside the merits of CBD for a moment, there is a clear and critical need to identify and develop effective, safe, and natural treatments for social anxiety and all other anxiety disorders. As a result, it is imperative that any promising treatment — including CBD — be explored if it shows any likelihood of relieving the mental health crisis currently gripping the world. As long as it continues to not display any unexpected dangers or detractors, CBD should certainly be taken seriously as a potential solution to social anxiety and other anxiety-related disorders. 

CBD & social anxiety FAQ

1. Does CBD help in social situations?

At this point, thousands of people have reported that CBD has helped them overcome social anxiety. While anecdotal evidence can be compelling, there’s a big difference between what people say about something and what it actually does. To that end, preliminary research is being conducted to explore the possible connections between CBD and social anxiety have emerged — but, only a few relevant studies have been published so far.

2. How can I reduce my social anxiety naturally?

CBD is far from the only thing you can try if you want to naturally reduce your social anxiety. For some people, even purely psychological tactics like deep breathing (in through the nose, out through the mouth) or visualization exercises can be effective.

Also, entirely substance-free, cognitive approaches like meditation and therapy have become very popular in recent years as methods for treating anxiety. All told, there are dozens of options at your disposal if you’re determined to reduce your social anxiety and only want to use natural means.

3. What are the top 5 mental health uses of CBD?

Aside from social anxiety (#1), people also commonly use CBD for general anxiety (#2), depression (#3), PTSD (#4), and ADHD (#5). Overall, those uses comprise the top 5 reasons people with mental health concerns turn to CBD.

4. What is the root cause of social anxiety?

The root cause of anxiety is different for everyone, but some examples of factors that can support anxiety disorders include:

– Past trauma

– Neurological makeup

– Genetics

– Process of ideation

– And many more

The best way to determine the root cause of your particular anxiety disorder is to consult with a qualified psychiatric professional.

Sources

1. 1. Bergamaschi, M. M., Queiroz, R. H. C., Chagas, M. H. N., De Oliveira, D. C. G., De Martinis, B. S., Kapczinski, F., … & Crippa, J. A. S. (2011). Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naive social phobia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology, 36(6), 1219-1226. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/npp20116
2. 2. Abernethy, A. (2019). Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill. US Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Testimony_Abernethy%2007.25.19.pdf
3. 3. National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Social Anxiety Disorder. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/social-anxiety-disorder
4. 4. Linares, I. M., Zuardi, A. W., Pereira, L. C., Queiroz, R. H., Mechoulam, R., Guimarães, F. S., & Crippa, J. A. (2019, February). Cannabidiol presents an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve in a simulated public speaking test. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 41(1), 9–14. Retrieved from https://www.scielo.br/j/rbp/a/ksNG6tq9JC8pT8rdmCk7TTb/?lang=en
5. 5. Skelley, J. W., Deas, C. M., Curren, Z., & Ennis, J. (2020). Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 60(1), 253-261. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S154431911930514X

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can interfere with a person’s ability to relax. Furthermore, this trauma-related disorder is difficult to treat with medications¹. CBD is a cannabinoid that many people find to be uniquely calming and soothing. As a result, it is natural to consider using CBD for PTSD, but is this approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder backed by science?

In this guide, learn why CBD is theorized to be useful for PTSD, and discover recent scientific research that might back this position. CBD should certainly be researched further for its potential to help with PTSD — as you will see as we continue.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa². While similar compounds like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN) have also come to light recently, CBD is considerably popular over any cannabinoid aside from THC. It is the undisputed cornerstone of the online hemp market. In terms of effects, CBD will not cause any sort of euphoric, pleasureful high. It does, however, generally help you relax and research suggests that the use of CBD might be helpful to reduce symptoms of anxiety³. Since anxiety remains such a major target of CBD research, it was only a matter of time until this profoundly beneficial cannabinoid would be researched for PTSD as well.

What are the benefits of CBD?

Despite its notable lack of intoxicating effects, CBD nonetheless appears to exert a wide range of benefits in the human body. People who use CBD commonly report that it reduces their pain, helps them get to sleep at night, and alleviates their overall anxiety levels⁴. International researchers are hard at work exploring these claims, seeking to either discount or substantiate CBD’s apparent benefits in the furtherance of the science of natural health.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a persistent set of negative emotions and behaviors centered around a past traumatic event or series of events. Often founded upon feelings of guilt or continued fear of danger, PTSD represents both a cognitive and neurochemical puzzle to clinicians, many of whom have been forced to classify cases of PTSD as “treatment-resistant.”¹

Along with depression and other mental conditions that appear to be treatment-resistant, PTSD has been extremely challenging for the medical community. With some people reporting improved symptoms after using CBD for PTSD, more attention is being paid to this simple, non-intoxicating cannabinoid and its incredible healing power⁵.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

If you are managing symptoms of PTSD, it is common to no longer feel in control of your own mind and behaviors. Some patients experience vivid flashbacks in which it is like they are reliving the trauma once more.

For almost all PTSD patients, intrusive thoughts are common. Defined as uncontrolled and often damaging ideas and self-perceptions, intrusive thoughts continually plague PTSD patients throughout all hours of the day and night.

These thoughts and other symptoms make sleep or even just basic relaxation difficult for PTSD patients. It is understandable why scientists are so interested in the potential usefulness of CBD’s benefit palette against the unnecessary torment that accompanies  PTSD.

Research into CBD for PTSD

In the April 2019 edition of the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine, the results of a study conducted by Elms et. al. were published that revealed CBD as a substance that could potentially deliver relief from the symptoms of PTSD.6 The study included 11 subjects, but even this small set of data is enough to draw some initial conclusions about the actual usefulness of administering CBD for PTSD in a clinical setting.

The subjects were all patients at a psychiatry clinic that also received routine psychiatric care during the course of the study. At the end of the eight-week study, 91% (or 10) of the 11 patients reported improvements in their PTSD symptoms after using CBD. Using the PTSD Checklist provided with the DSM-5, the facilitators of the study calculated an overall 28% decrease in PTSD symptom severity among the patients.

The authors of the study concluded that orally administering CBD over the eight-week window “was associated with PTSD symptom reduction in adults with PTSD”. Perhaps most interestingly, the authors go on to note that “CBD also appeared to offer relief in a subset of patients who reported frequent nightmares as a symptom of their PTSD”. These findings line up with academic and anecdotal evidence regarding the sleep-impacting effects of CBD.

Is CBD useful for PTSD?

The study we examined above is hardly the only piece of published research pertaining to CBD and PTSD. A handful of clinical trials into using CBD for PTSD have been initiated in the United States, for instance, and all signs point to this research accelerating in recent years.

Across the medical research discipline, an evolving sense of importance is being placed on conditions like PTSD for which we currently have no truly effective treatments. Whether it is psychedelics or cannabinoids, scientists and medical institutions are eager to find treatments for affective and stressor-based disorders that actually work without causing considerable side effects. We will know more about CBD’s usefulness for PTSD as this research continues.

The bottom line: Should CBD be used for PTSD?

It certainly appears that CBD should continue being seriously examined as a potential treatment for PTSD. While initial research directly into the usefulness of CBD for PTSD is certainly intriguing, what’s even more promising is the overall impressiveness of CBD’s apparent usefulness for mental health. From anxiety to depression to PTSD, people swear by CBD, and it’s about time we discovered exactly why.

CBD PTSD FAQs

1. How do you calm down when you have PTSD?

Some of the most basic ways that people calm down when they are feeling the symptoms of PTSD include deep breathing and visualizing calm or soothing environments or images. Therapists may ask people with PTSD to try additional techniques when symptoms occur, but ultimately, the most valid approach is gently soothing the underlying emotions that support PTSD. This is a complex process that no single substance can facilitate on its own.

2. What strain of CBD is best for pain?

No one is quite sure if there is a particular strain of CBD-rich hemp flower that is better for pain than others. If CBD is good for pain overall, though, the strain with the highest concentration of CBD would most likely be the most effective in that regard. At the same time, cannabis is a massively complex plant that we are only beginning to understand — perhaps some combination of cannabinoids and terpenes might be more effective than any one cannabinoid alone.

3. Does CBD help with feeling overwhelmed?

Some people feel that taking CBD can help them relax when they are overwhelmed. Most CBD products take a while to kick in, however, so expecting immediate relief from feelings of overwhelm might be a bit unreasonable.

4. What kind of CBD is best for severe anxiety?

If you suffer from severe or acute onset of anxiety, you’ll want to use a form of CBD that kicks in quickly. CBD tinctures, for instance, absorb in your mouth before swallowing, potentially allowing faster activation times. Ask your doctor if you have any further questions about treating severe anxiety.

Sources

1. 1. Fonzo, G. A., Federchenco, V., & Lara, A. (2020). Predicting and managing treatment non-response in posttraumatic stress disorder. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 7(2), 70-87, Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7748158/
2. 2. Protti, M., Brighenti, V., Battaglia, M. R., Anceschi, L., Pellati, F., & Mercolini, L. (2019). Cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L.: a new tool based on HPLC–DAD–MS/MS for a rational use in medicinal chemistry. ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 10(4), 539-544.Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6466817/
3. 3. Skelley, J. W., Deas, C. M., Curren, Z., & Ennis, J. (2020). Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 60(1), 253-261. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S154431911930514X
4. 4. Haack, M., Simpson, N., Sethna, N., Kaur, S., & Mullington, J. (2020). Sleep deficiency and chronic pain: potential underlying mechanisms and clinical implications. Neuropsychopharmacology, 45(1), 205-216. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6879497/
5. 5. Bitencourt, R. M., & Takahashi, R. N. (2018). Cannabidiol as a therapeutic alternative for post-traumatic stress disorder: From bench research to confirmation in human trials. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 502. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2018.00502/full?_ga=2.28443646.376123967.1620850395-746040275.1604383068
6. 6. Elms, L., Shannon, S., Hughes, S., & Lewis, N. (2019, April). Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(4), 392–397. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0437

As the American hemp market matures and stabilizes, all eyes are on emerging markets throughout the world that are finally starting to allow their populations access to CBD. In August of 2022, the esteemed hemp market research firm Brightfield Group released a new report¹ assessing the current status of the international CBD industry and its expected trajectory between now and 2024. Learn the most important details contained in the Brightfield report to better assess investment and entrepreneurship opportunities within the international hemp sector.

International CBD is on the rise

It’s well known in CBD right now that the biggest movement happening is in international markets. The Asia Pacific region, long resistant to the very mention of CBD or hemp, is gradually loosening up, and both Latin America and Europe are showing an increase in domestic use to offset their considerable hemp export potential.

In its report, Brightfield spends considerable time examining the miniature international CBD market that has just erupted in Israel. As of March 2022, CBD is now legal in Israel² for the first time, releasing massive pent-up demand for the cannabinoid.

The recent news out of Israel is just one facet of an emerging kaleidoscope of global cannabis reform. Those looking for the next great pivot point in the ever-evolving saga of industrial hemp would do best to address their attention overseas.

How fast is the international CBD industry growing?

Taken all together, the recent Brightfield report indicates that the total value of the international CBD market is set to double over the next two years. While this might be difficult to believe at face value, keep in mind that the industrial hemp cultivation boom in the United States took far less time to reach its peak.

Brightfield backs up this assessment with hard data. Latin America and Asia Pacific are set to grow at breakneck paces, but they won’t contribute much to the overall value of the international CBD industry. The biggest mover is set to be Europe, where CBD is expected to finally become nearly as plentiful and accessible as it is in the US over the next couple of years.

The new Brightfield international CBD report: Key highlights

What, exactly, does the new Brightfield report have to say about the international CBD industry? Let’s break it down by region — just as Brightfield did.

European CBD sales 2020-2024:

 – 2020 total value: $800m

 – 2022 total value: $1.5b

 – 2024 projected value: $2.75b

 – Largest contributors: UK, Germany, Austria, France, Spain

The UK has long been a major exporter of cannabis, and its domestic CBD market is finally picking up to match. With Germany and other European nations each contributing smaller portions of the overall CBD market pie, the UK leads an EU CBD market rife with conflicting regulations separated by borders average people cross every day for work and shopping.

With medical cannabis regulations lagging behind North America, the primary driver of CBD sales in Europe will continue to be sales of ingestible products like tinctures and capsules. An increasing number of European nations are adopting pro-CBD regulations, and the European Commission itself is moving forward with various “novel food” approvals³ for ingestible CBD products.

Asia Pacific & Middle East CBD sales 2020-2024:

 – 2020 total value: $230m

 – 2022 total value: $294m

 – 2024 projected value: $670m

 – Largest contributors: Japan, Australia, China, Thailand

The Asia Pacific region is led by Japan, which continues to adopt an increasingly pro-CBD stance. China, on the other hand, has recently cracked down on CBD use. Even though Chinese officials recognize CBD itself has no intoxicating properties, they fear use of the cannabinoid could lead to “lax drug attitudes among young Chinese consumers⁴.”

Recent moves in Thailand indicate that this market of nearly 70 million may soon open to CBD sales, and CBD markets in Australia and New Zealand continue to grow at a snail’s pace. Look to Japan, Australia, and — increasingly — Thailand as the biggest APAC movers in CBD over the next few years. Middle East markets show some signs of accepting CBD in the near future, but they won’t contribute much to the overall economic bloc’s CBD industry by 2024.

Israeli CBD sales 2020-2024:

 – 2020 total value: $3m

 – 2022 total value: $5m

 – 2024 projected value: $28m

 – Largest contributors: Flower, Tinctures, Topicals

It’s Brightfield’s current spotlight within the Middle East market, and the market researcher’s focus on Israel is shared by many international cannabis industry stakeholders. There’s a general belief that Israel is paving the way toward gradual acceptance of CBD in the region. In the end, Israel may even serve as a stepping-stone to the as-yet-unexplored North African CBD market.

For the moment, only CBD-rich flower and tinctures will be available in Israel with flower offered solely through the nation’s medical cannabis system. By 2024, however, the Israeli Ministry of Health expects to have properly regulated CBD in cosmetics and food products as well.

Latin American CBD sales 2020-2024:

 – 2020 total value: $110m

 – 2022 total value: $357m

 – 2024 projected value: $620m

 – Largest contributors: Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Chile

CBD has been legal in Mexico since 2017⁵, and the Latin American nation is famous for its relatively lax CBD regulations. Mexican CBD products can contain up to 1% THC, and Mexico isn’t the only country in the region that has recently opened its doors to CBD.

Colombia, long an epicenter of the illicit drug trade, has now turned over a new leaf by focusing on producing legal cannabis and hemp for both export and domestic use. Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Uruguay are all also expected to contribute an increasing amount to the overall Latin American CBD economy over the next two years.

International CBD growth expectations 2020-2024: 

 – 2020 total value: $1.2b

 – 2022 total value: $2.2b

 – 2024 projected value: $4.1b

 – Largest contributors: Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific

Overall, Brightfield predicts that the international CBD industry (comprising everywhere except North America) will surpass $4 billion by 2024. Europe will comprise the largest segment of this international market at nearly $3 billion all by itself, and other regions will catch up more slowly.

The fact that areas outside the United States and Canada are accepting CBD at all, however, is major news. For years now, isolated pockets like Australia and the UK have led their regions toward CBD acceptance, and these efforts appear to have paid off.

Despite the unpredictable Chinese economy apparently closing its doors to CBD once and for all, other areas of the world nonetheless are becoming friendly with the cannabinoid for the first time. Of particular note are nations like Thailand and Colombia, which unlike most European countries are not closely tied to the Western economic bloc within which CBD has seen the majority of its spread so far.

How to prepare for CBD’s international acceptance

There’s always a new frontier to explore, and as the second decade of the third millennium heats up, it seems that frontier is shifting to the wider world once again — at least when it comes to CBD. Now that major (and mostly unaffiliated) economies like Japan, Israel, Thailand, and Mexico have gotten on the CBD bandwagon, it’s only a matter of time until this non-intoxicating cannabinoid reaches a level of general global acceptance.

Once that time comes, those still focusing exclusively on the North American market will be left behind. Without abandoning the markets from which it emerged, the CBD economy must now prepare itself to reach a much wider audience with an equally wide set of expectations from CBD products. CBD must now become something for everybody, a feat that shouldn’t prove too difficult given the cannabinoid’s universal appeal.

Summary: Does CBD have a future internationally?

From the crystalline peaks of the Himalayas to the alpine shores of Lake Titicaca, news of CBD has spread across the entire globe, and people everywhere are clamoring to experience the benefits of this latest natural health revolution. While cultural differences and economic hurdles have prevented the spread of international CBD so far, all that is set to change.

As Europe, Latin America, and even Asia and the Middle East gradually become more accepting of hemp, CBD will reach an exponentially wider audience than it has so far helped. The United States makes up less than 5% of the world’s population⁶, after all, leaving the rest of the world to catch up to the American standard of hemp consumption, which is currently estimated to sit at $7.8 billion per year⁷.

It’s a fact that much of the rest of the world lacks access to the standard of living enjoyed by Americans, but let’s run some quick numbers anyway. If a mere 5% of the world population is currently consuming nearly $8 billion in hemp products per year, the global CBD market could be conceived to have a cap at least as high as $160 billion.

To be sure, the CBD industry has an international future ahead of it. Just how effectively CBD spreads across the globe, though, will be determined by the level of success achieved by today’s international hemp entrepreneurs.

International CBD market FAQ

1. What is the projected growth of the CBD market?

If optimistic projections from Brightfield and other market analysts are to be believed, the international CBD market is likely to double in size between 2022 and 2024. Add in the continued strong growth of the American CBD market, and the overall hemp industry appears to be in for a period of rapid acceleration. With the addition of more markets globally, CBD will take on even more respect at home, heralding the true beginning of the mainstream CBD age.

2. How big will the CBD market be in 2028?

Some might consider 2028 to be too far out for the purposes of reasonable prediction. Some analysts, however, have the global CBD market pegged at more than $50 billion by the year 2028 or more than $60 billion by 2030. The world could change in many unpredictable ways between now and then, however, making accurate prognostication exceedingly difficult.

What we can say for certain is that the global CBD market is on an upward trend. The cannabinoid is only becoming more popular around the world over time, and there’s no sign of this momentum coming to a halt.

3. Is the CBD market declining?

No, the CBD market cannot be said to be in a position of decline either domestically or abroad. Whenever any product or category performs exceedingly well, ensuing normalization can sometimes be interpreted as a slowdown.

CBD continues to grow just as it always has. The primary difference is that the breakneck pace of growth has slowed due to consolidation and the establishment of general standards.

4. Is CBD a good investment?

CBD remains as valid an investment as it was in 2010, 2015, or 2020. The industry may have matured, but every stage of evolution simply brings about new forms of opportunity. For those who read the market properly, the CBD industry is an undiminished vehicle for accumulating wealth.

Sources

1. 1. International CBD Report 2022. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://content.brightfieldgroup.com/international-cbd-report-2022-global-trends-projections
2. 2. Efrati, I. (2022, March 1). Israel moves to decriminalize CBD, active cannabis ingredient, but only in two years – Israel News. Haaretz.com. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-03-01/ty-article/.premium/israel-moves-to-decriminalize-cbd-active-cannabis-ingredient-but-only-in-two-years/0000017f-db06-df9c-a17f-ff1eaa200000
3. 3. European Commission Validates Five Natural Plant CBD Novel Food Applications In Milestone For Industry. (2022, February 21). BusinessCann. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://businesscann.com/european-commission-validates-first-natural-plant-cbd-novel-food-applications-in-milestone-for-industry/
4. 4. Tan, S. (2021, June 4). China’s CBD crackdown deals blow to emerging market using cannabis-derivative in cosmetics. South China Morning Post. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3136056/chinas-cbd-crackdown-deals-blow-emerging-market-using
5. 5. Burns, J. (2018, July 9). Mexico Could Make History By Treating CBD Like A Supplement, As It Should Be. Forbes. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/janetwburns/2018/07/09/mexico-could-make-history-by-treating-cbd-like-a-supplement-as-it-should-be/?sh=494b0354575d
6. 6. United States Population (2022) – Worldometer. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/us-population/
7. 7. CBD Industry Predictions for 2022. (2022, September 26). The BigCommerce Blog. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.bigcommerce.com/blog/cbd-industry-predictions-2022/

With some sources boasting that it is 100 times more effective than CBD, it’s no wonder that the hydrogenated cannabinoid, H4CBD, has been getting a lot of attention recently. In this guide, we’ll examine H4CBD from every possible angle and explain how to find the best H4CBD products available on the market. Dive into our in-depth guide to H4CBD: what It is, what it does, and how it compares to CBD.

What is H4CBD?

Hexahydrocannabidiol (H4CBD) is a synthesized cannabinoid created by converting the two carbon-carbon double bonds in the limonene part of CBD to single bonds via the addition of four hydrogen atoms. This process, known as hydrogenation, is very similar to that used to make margarine from vegetable oil.

What does H4CBD do?

The exact properties of H4CBD remain largely unknown, The limited information available on this cannabinoid indicates that it has a considerably higher affinity for your brain’s CB1 neuroreceptors than conventional CBD. Since CBD normally does not have any direct affinity for CB1 receptors, it is unclear what to make of this data. Nonetheless, people who use H4CBD generally report that it feels like CBD but with considerably higher psychoactivity.

Is H4CBD the same thing as CBD?

No. H4CBD and conventional CBD share many similarities, but they are not exactly the same molecule. These two cannabinoids offer completely different experienced effects. Also, from its chemical structure down to its method of procurement, CBD is fundamentally different from H4CBD.

H4CBD vs. CBD

How exactly do CBD and H4CBD compare when examined side-by-side? Discover the differences and similarities between these cannabinoids across the seven categories below:

Source

Both CBD and H4CBD come from hemp. CBD is derived directly from hemp, while manufacturers artificially modify H4CBD via hydrogenation to finalize its form.

As a result, H4CBD must technically be considered a synthetic cannabinoid, even if it is only as synthetic as margarine. It’s technically possible to synthesize CBD as well. However, this cannabinoid is so abundant in hemp that there is no incentive to produce it synthetically.

Structure

H4CBD has been structurally altered to be slightly different from CBD. To transform CBD to H4CBD, four additional hydrogen atoms have been added to the limonene head of the molecule, replacing two carbon-carbon double bonds with single bonds and thereby changing its shape and inherent properties.

Effects

Due to the results of a single study from 2006, there’s widespread speculation that H4CBD may be as much as 100 times more potent than CBD — at least in certain ways. The study in question found that hydrogenated forms of CBD showed surprisingly high affinity for the brain’s CB1 neuroreceptors.¹

The level of affinity was nowhere near as high as is observed in the case of THC, but it was, nonetheless, notable. While a 2017 research review echoed this opinion, no new studies into the bioactive or psychoactive properties of H4CBD have been conducted recently.²

Anecdotally, H4CBD users have noted that using this cannabinoid feels something like taking a 2:1 CBD:THC product. The familiar, non-intoxicating effects of CBD are still dominant. There’s also a slight sense of intoxication that might help take the edge off or make the effects of CBD more enjoyable.

Potency

Overall, it would be safe to say that H4CBD might offer something in the range of three times the potency of CBD. It’s been claimed that H4CBD offers 100 times the potency of normal CBD. Even if that’s the case, CBD’s potency at your CB1 receptors is negligible, at best.

In mathematical terms, if you take a tiny number and multiply it by a hundred, you’re still left with a tiny sum. The potentially increased activity of H4CBD at your CB1 receptors certainly appears to be worth further investigation. At present, it is unknown whether  H4CBD is “100 times more effective” than CBD in every area that CBD affects.

Legality

The legality of cannabinoids — both synthesized and natural — is currently a matter of considerable dispute. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, any cannabinoid that isn’t delta-9 THC is considered industrial hemp. Beyond this, the FDA has yet to produce meaningful regulations to help guide the rapidly growing online cannabinoid industry. Continue checking this space for updates as they emerge.

Availability

Of the two, CBD is currently by far the more widely available cannabinoid. Demand for H4CBD is rapidly growing and will naturally lead to the development of a wider array of products. Already, high-quality H4CBD distillates, isolates, and finished products are starting to appear online, heralding the beginning of a brand-new hemp renaissance.

Is H4CBD better than CBD?

Scientists have known about H4CBD since the 1940s, but it’s only recently that this hydrogenated form of CBD entered the spotlight.³ As CBD has reached heights of popularity no one previously thought possible, demand for alternatives that might offer even-better benefits has arisen along with it.³

Is H4CBD truly the dark horse that will supplant CBD as the dominant option on the market? Because CBD is abundant and widely beloved, it’s unlikely. If it’s true that H4CBD is more potent than conventional CBD in certain ways, it will certainly carve out a niche that requires new products.

H4CBD and CBD may have distinct differences, but consider their collective benefits: CBD could be the traditional, lower-strength, all-natural option while H4CBD would serve as the slightly-tweaked, higher-potency alternative. As the modern cannabinoid pharmacopeia continues to evolve, both CBD and H4CBD will certainly play pivotal roles.

H4CBD vs. HHC

What Is HHC?

HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol, is created by taking THC (the cannabinoid best known for causing a “high”) and adding hydrogen atoms through a process called hydrogenation. It’s somewhat similar to how oil becomes margarine once it’s hydrogenated. Because HHC starts off as THC, it generally offers mild to moderate psychoactive effects—though individual experiences vary.

How Is H4CBD Different?

H4CBD, on the other hand, is formed by hydrogenating CBD rather than THC. Since CBD is famously non-intoxicating, users sometimes report that H4CBD produces calming sensations without a strong head high. That said, detailed studies on H4CBD’s properties are still in the early stages. Most of what we hear about its effects is anecdotal.

Safety & Research

Neither H4CBD nor HHC has been around long enough for in-depth clinical research. While HHC appears to retain some psychoactive traits from its THC origins, the full extent of its benefits or side effects remains unknown. H4CBD seems to be even less documented, so any claims about its potential advantages or hazards come mostly from user testimonials or early lab findings.

Legal Considerations

Because cannabinoid regulations shift rapidly, the legal status of each compound can depend on your location. HHC may face stricter scrutiny, given that it’s closely related to THC. H4CBD might be subject to some of the same rules that apply to CBD products, but it’s always a good idea to double-check local laws or consult legal experts.

Which Option Suits Your Needs?

• H4CBD might be better for those seeking a milder, more “CBD-like” experience.
• HHC might work for those looking for a gentle psychoactive effect that’s not as strong as Delta-9 THC.

How to choose the best H4CBD source

With H4CBD being such a new cannabinoid, it’s essential that you choose a source of H4CBD products that has an established reputation for excellence. An ideal H4CBD manufacturer is established and renowned for reliability, purity, and stellar customer service.

Their facilities will be professionally certified and fully compliant with the latest regulations. Manufacturers should offer you a choice between pre-formulated and custom-formulated products. The best H4CBD company for your needs will assign a customer support specialist to guide you through the entire process to ensure your complete satisfaction from start to finish.

H4CBD FAQs

1. What are hydrogenated cannabinoids?

Hydrogenation, which adds hydrogen atoms to molecules, produces a hydrogenated cannabinoid. Many cannabinoids can undergo hydrogenation, and producers can vary both the number of hydrogen atoms and their molecular placement. Every hydrogenated cannabinoid has unique properties. But in most cases, the chemical hydrogenation of a cannabinoid typically increases its potency.

2. Is H4CBD synthetic?

Yes, H4CBD is technically synthetic. Producers did not artificially construct this hydrogenated cannabinoid from scratch or combine it with complex substances. However, altering any natural compound is still considered a synthetic process. Also, synthesized versions of substances almost always have new and unique properties.

3. Is H4CBD 100 times stronger than CBD?

The claim that H4CBD is 100 times stronger than conventional CBD is more hype than it is fact. Based on a single, unreplicated study from more than 15 years ago, scientists now speculate that H4CBD may demonstrate remarkably increased activity compared to CBD — but at the nervous system’s CB1 receptors, not the main targets of conventional CBD.

Normally, CBD has very little affinity for CB1 and may even reduce its activity. While CBD acts to potentiate the effects of endogenous cannabinoids, it acts to oppose THC’s interaction with CB1. It is a modulator of THC’s psychoactive effects. As a result of hydrogenation, H4CBD acquires a measurable affinity for CB1, making the synthetic cannabinoid more psychoactive.

4. Does H4CBD get you high?

It wouldn’t be quite accurate to say that H4CBD gets you high. Still, this cannabinoid certainly doesn’t provide the effects you usually associate with CBD, either. Based on limited preliminary research and anecdotal testimony, it appears that taking H4CBD feels like taking a big dose of CBD alongside a small dose of THC. As anyone who has ever combined the two cannabinoids knows, CBD has a tendency to drown out THC without completely eliminating its effects.

5. Is H4CBD the same thing as HHC?

No, H4CBD and HHC are different. Many users confuse the two cannabinoids because of their similar origins. Just as H4CBD is a hydrogenated form of CBD, HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC. Experts believe H4CBD is more active at CB1 receptors than CBD, while HHC appears weaker than conventional THC. Both examples show how hydrogenation can make modulate the potency of a substance.

6. Are there strains with H4CBD?

No, there are no strains of cannabis or hemp containing H4CBD because this cannabinoid is not naturally occurring. Because producers cannot extract H4CBD from natural sources, they must create it artificially.

7. What is the best type of H4CBD product?

So far, users generally seem to prefer H4CBD vapes and gummies. Over time, we expect H4CBD capsules, tablets, and, even, topicals to also come into high demand. Whichever type of product you choose, H4CBD products should contain simple ingredients and be accompanied by thorough lab reports.

8. What are some common H4CBD effects?

Based on what little we know so far, it appears that H4CBD has roughly the same effects as CBD. Some evidence suggests that this synthetic derivative of CBD may be more effective at certain neuroreceptors. These neuroreceptors are not, however, commonly associated with the effects of CBD. Because research is still lacking, we cannot make definitive statements about H4CBD’s effects.

9. What is H4CBD distillate?

H4CBD distillate merges H4CBD with a “denatured” hemp distillate after producers remove other cannabinoids. Manufacturers often sell rare cannabinoids like H4CBD in distillate form because it’s easy to blend a distillate base with virtually any isolated cannabinoid.

Manufacturers must derive H4CBD from a natural hemp cannabinoid, making H4CBD distillate inherently synthetic. Even though its dominant cannabinoid is synthetic, H4CBD distillate still looks like you’d expect a distillate to look — honey-colored, viscous, and translucent.

10. What is the difference between CBD and H4CBD?

The primary difference between CBD and H4CBD is that CBD is natural while H4CBD is not. The dissimilarities don’t end there. It’s also an indisputable fact that we know far less about H4CBD than we do about conventional CBD — though there’s still plenty left to learn about both cannabinoids.

11. H4CBD gummies vs. H4CBD tinctures

Out of the two products, H4CBD tinctures are more likely to be simple and natural while H4CBD gummies might taste better or be easier to use. All new cannabinoids go through a transitional, scale-up period before many high-quality product sources become readily available.

Therefore, thoroughly research how manufacturers produce H4CBD gummies or tinctures before making any commitment. The H4CBD market is just beginning to emerge. It may take some time until competition and production systems drive product quality up to standard acceptable levels.

References

1. Ben-Shabat, S., Hanuš, L. O., Katzavian, G., & Gallily, R. (2006, January 6). New Cannabidiol Derivatives: Synthesis, Binding to Cannabinoid Receptor, and Evaluation of Their Antiinflammatory Activity. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 49(3), 1113–1117. Retrieved from https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jm050709m
2. Morales, P., Reggio, P. H., & Jagerovic, N. (2017, June 28). An Overview on Medicinal Chemistry of Synthetic and Natural Derivatives of Cannabidiol. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00422/full
3. Jacob, A., & Todd, A. R. (1940). 119. Cannabis indica. Part II. Isolation of cannabidiol from Egyptian hashish. Observations on the structure of cannabinol. Journal of the Chemical Society (Resumed), 649. Retrieved from https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/1940/JR/jr9400000649
4. Laprairie, R. B., Bagher, A. M., Kelly, M. E. M., & Denovan-Wright, E. M. (2015, October). Cannabidiol is a negative allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. British Journal of Pharmacology, 172(20), 4790–4805. Retrieved from https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.13250

Cannabis has been cultivated and revered for thousands of years. Nonetheless, it is only during the last century that science has begun to unveil its true complexity. As recently as the mid-20th century, our misconceptions, regarding the chemical structure of cannabis components, remained considerable. In fact, it’s only in the last few decades that the taxonomy of the hemp plant and its derivatives has become truly comprehensive.

For instance, scientists only recently started looking closely at rare, minor cannabinoids, like cannabimovone (CBM). Only present in rare varieties of hemp and in very small quantities, CBM has been incredibly hard to obtain. This is frustrating because CBM may offer exciting benefits for certain medical conditions.

Now, for the first time ever, CBM products are finally appearing on the market. What does CBM do and why should you use it? Find the answers in this thorough introduction to cannabimovone.

When was CBM discovered?

Cananbimovone was discovered by accident in 2010¹ in a regional Italian hemp variant, called Carmagnola. Later, another Italian research team discovered the “super-cannabinoids” THCP and CBDP² in Carmagnola, fueling further interest in this peculiar hemp strain.

In 2020, a team led by Fabio Arturo Iannotti submitted a study to Molecules³ that would gain international attention for CBM. In this publication, the research team found evidence that CBM may act as a PPARγ(Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma or PPARG) agonist – a type of therapeutic compound that stimulates PPARγ and is currently used to treat metabolic syndrome. If further research supports this evidence, CBM could prove useful in metabolic regulation and have a massive impact on the worldwide cannabinoid economy.

Is CBM a natural cannabinoid?

Yes, CBM is a natural cannabinoid, found in certain strains of Cannabis sativa. In nature, however, cannabimovone is available in quantities too small to be economically extracted. As a result, this cannabinoid is usually synthetically derived from CBD rather than extracted from hemp.

Where does CBM come from?

CBM occurs in some varieties of hemp, aside from Carmagnola. Most CBM is synthesized from CBD, making it similar to many other cannabinoids, like CBN and CBG. Because it has been synthesized, CBM is usually offered in its isolated form. However, it can be added to broad-spectrum or full-spectrum hemp extracts as well.

What does CBM do?

CBM is a very new cannabinoid, so it’s hard to speculate on all its potential effects. Based on initial evidence, it appears CBM should be investigated in more detail for its possible benefits against diabetes, metabolic disorders, and other conditions caused by faulty metabolic signaling.⁴

Scientists have been investigating the potential benefits of cannabinoids for conditions ameliorated by increased PPAR signaling since at least 2007⁴. Research into this subject has accumulated over the years and will likely accelerate in the wake of recent discoveries, regarding CBM.

How does CBM work?

The regulation of energy metabolism in the human body is heavily influenced by two receptors, located in the nucleus of all our cells: PPARα (PPAR-alpha) and PPARγ (PPAR-gamma). PPARα stimulates genes that increase fat metabolism, modulate insulin secretion, and decrease vascular inflammation. In essence, it helps to prevent diabetes and the development of “fatty liver disease.” PPARγ complements PPARα by regulating the formation and metabolism of fat cells, increasing sensitivity to insulin, and enhancing glucose metabolism.  Together, these molecules help to regulate the body’s energy budget.

Poor insulin regulation leads to metabolic disorders, like diabetes and liver steatosis. By activating PPARγ receptors, cannabinoids like⁵ CBM might both promote proper cell growth and hormonal regulation, helping people with diabetes and similar conditions. However, research on the potential benefits of CBM is still ongoing.

What are the benefits of CBM?

As a PPARγ agonist, CBM is ideal since it can be made abundantly and inexpensively from CBD. Its benign pharmacological activity may provide an improved side effect profile compared to other potent PPARγ agonists.

Scientists have known about and targeted the body’s PPAR receptors in attempts to pharmacologically treat diabetes and other metabolic disorders over the years. There are even a few FDA-approved PPARγ agonist drugs on the market. However, consumers have shied away from this drug class due to certain unpleasant side effects (e.g., weight gain and fluid retention).

Cannabinoids are generally known as safe, making CBM a worthy target of research. If proven to be a safer source of PPARγ agonist activity than conventional pharmaceuticals, CBM could become a hotly desired commodity within the nutraceutical sector.

Is CBM legal?

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabinoids other than delta 9 THC are generally considered “industrial hemp.” We are not aware of any efforts on the state or federal level to regulate CBM specifically. So, in the absence of specific legal prohibitions, it is reasonable to assume that CBM has roughly the same legal status as similar hemp-derived cannabinoids.

Can you buy CBM online?

Yes, it is now becoming possible to buy CBM online for the first time. Producers have recently learned how to produce this ultra-rare cannabinoid in scalable, commercial quantities. They are ready to put CBM products on the shelves, just as consumers are discovering the potential benefits of this cannabinoid.

At present, CBM is usually only available online in bulk quantities. A variety of different hemp extract types, containing CBM, may be available. Isolated CBM may also be combined and sold with broad-spectrum or full-spectrum hemp extracts, containing other cannabinoids.

Summary: Should you try CBM?

More and more, cannabis is amazing researchers with its vast list of potential cannabinoid-derived benefits. Each cannabinoid contributes its own unique health-promoting effects that can work together with others to alleviate certain ailments.

Consumers are starting to view CBM as yet another strand in that web of cannabinoid wellness. While CBM is still too new for us to make any firm statements about it, it’s also true that what we know about cannabis already tells us that any future discoveries, regarding CBM, are unlikely to be disappointing.

Already, cannabinoids have revolutionized fields of medicine in ways nobody ever expected. CBM could well be the next chapter in this saga of natural hemp wellness. It’s now time to explore everything this new and promising cannabinoid can do.

CBM FAQs

Learn more about CBM, its benefits, and what it can do in the FAQ section below:

1. Is CBM the same as CBN?

No, despite being known by acronyms with final letters that are right next to each other in the alphabet, CBM and CBN are, in fact, quite different. Cannabinol (CBN) is a natural metabolite of THC, but it isn’t a primary product of the cannabis flower.

CBM, however, is its very own, naturally-produced cannabinoid — it isn’t a metabolite of anything. CBN and CBM also appear to have very different effects, though there’s still a lot we need to learn about both cannabinoids.

2. Is cannabimovone related to cannabicitran (CBT)?

No, cannabimovone and cannabicitran aren’t directly related. However, both substances are considered to be rare, minor cannabinoids. Discovered in the 1970s, CBT has been on the radar of international researchers for much longer than CBM. Even so, we still know just about as little about CBT as we do about CBM, CBE, or any of the other minor cannabinoids that are now becoming available online.

3. Is cannabimovone an HHC metabolite?

No, cannabimovone is not related to HHC or any other cannabinoids in the THC family. Instead, cannabimovone is structurally similar to CBD, although these two cannabinoids are not identical. Like CBD, CBM appears to serve a unique purpose that separates it from other hemp compounds.

4. Does CBM affect your cannabinoid receptors?

No, initial research into CBM does not indicate that this cannabinoid has any significant impact on your conventional CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Instead, this cannabinoid appears to primarily target your PPARγ receptors, which are critically important for combating insulin resistance.

5. What kinds of CBM products are there?

Right now, cannabimovone products are usually only available online in bulk quantities. From select producers, you can buy CBM either in bulk ingredient form or preformulated into finished products, like tinctures, capsules, and gummies. The sky’s the limit when it comes to this relatively untapped component of the online hemp market.

6. Can you use CBM with other cannabinoids?

Yes, there appears to be no reason to avoid using CBM in conjunction with other cannabinoids. Generally, cannabinoids are observed to synergize with each other, so using CBM with other cannabinoids may be beneficial. Nonetheless, keep in mind that we still know very little about the overall safety of CBM.

7. Is CBM the same as HHC?

No, cannabimovone is a different cannabinoid entirely from hexahydrocannabinol, also known as HHC. The differences between these two compounds are many:

– HHC is easy to create and already abundant

– CBM is practically unheard of and almost nonexistent

– HHC has potent intoxicating properties

– CBM does not appear to be intoxicating at all

So many cannabinoids have recently become popular that it can be a challenge to tell them apart. Learning the differences between the new cannabinoids that have flooded the market is key to choosing the right ones for your needs.

8. Is cannabimovone synthetic?

No, cannabimovone is not inherently synthetic — it naturally occurs in certain strains of  Cannabis sativa—so it’s a natural compound. Since CBM is only available in very small quantities in nature,  all of the CBM currently available online has been synthesized from another cannabinoid. Chemically modifying one cannabinoid to produce another isn’t usually dangerous, but it does make the resulting substance, technically, synthetic.

9. Where can I buy CBM?

At present, CBM is only available for research purposes from large pharmaceutical manufacturers. The type of CBM sold by these manufacturers is chemically isolated and not suitable for consumption. Expect the world’s first CBM products to enter the market around the same time that shoppers start becoming aware of the benefits of this obscure cannabinoid.

10. Is CBM safe?

There is no evidence, indicating that CBM poses any particular dangers to the average user. Most cannabinoids, aside from THC, have been determined to have very little if any significant side effects. It’s very unlikely that CBM will break this trend. Be sure to only use CBM products that are designed for human consumption to avoid ingesting laboratory contaminants.

Sources

1. 1. Taglialatela-Scafati, O., Pagani, A., Scala, F., de Petrocellis, L., di Marzo, V., Grassi, G., & Appendino, G. (2010). Cannabimovone, a cannabinoid with a rearranged terpenoid skeleton from hemp. European Journal of Organic Chemistry, (11), 2067–2072. Retrieved from https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejoc.200901464
2. 2. Citti, C., Linciano, P., Russo, F., Luongo, L., Iannotta, M., Maione, S., Laganà, A., Capriotti, A. L., Forni, F., Vandelli, M. A., Gigli, G., & Cannazza, G. (2019). A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Scientific Reports, 9(1). Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-56785-1
3. 3. Iannotti, F. A., de Maio, F., Panza, E., Appendino, G., Taglialatela-Scafati, O., de Petrocellis, L., Amodeo, P., & Vitale, R. M. (2020). Identification and characterization of Cannabimovone, a cannabinoid from Cannabis sativa, as a novel PPARγ agonist via a combined computational and functional study. Molecules, 25(5), 1119. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/5/1119
4. 4. Sun, Y., & Bennett, A. (2007). Cannabinoids: A new group of agonists of PPARs. PPAR Research. Retrieved from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2007/023513/
5. 5. O’Sullivan, S. E. (2016). An update on PPAR activation by cannabinoids. British journal of pharmacology, 173(12), 1899-1910. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882496/

Cannabinoids are complex substances that come in many different forms. For research purposes, it’s important to label and categorize each and every unique substance found in Cannabis sativa. For average consumers, though, the arcane mysteries like the differences between CBE and CBD aren’t as relevant — even if they are fascinating.

CBE is a cannabinoid that’s just now appearing on the market in consumer-grade products. What does CBE do, and what role might it play in the future of the hemp industry? Find out in this guide.

When was CBE discovered?

Cannabielsoin (CBE) was discovered in 1973¹ as part of ongoing efforts to firmly establish the endlessly complex pharmacology of cannabis.1 It was originally stumbled upon as part of an experiment that involved heating cannabis extracts in oxygen-free environments, and it took until 1991² for cannabielsoin to be recognized as a metabolite of cannabidiol (CBD).

Chemical compounds rarely stay in the same form after they enter your body. Instead, they usually transform into substances called metabolites after encountering native tissues. CBE is simply a natural step along the way as the CBD you ingest in hemp products is processed by your body. 

Is CBE a natural cannabinoid?

Yes, CBE is considered to be a natural cannabinoid since it is not produced using synthetic means. However, CBE only naturally occurs when CBD is exposed to enzymes in your body, so technically, CBE is not naturally occurring in cannabis.

This seemingly unimportant fact has one significant impact: CBE can only be made outside the human body by exposing CBD to synthetic approximations of digestive enzymes. As a result, any CBE you find for sale online is certain to be synthetic at least to this degree.

Where does CBE come from?

CBE comes into existence when digestive enzymes transform CBD inside the human body. You cannot derive CBE directly from cannabis and hemp, and to be sold for research or consumption purposes, it must be enzymatically converted. In some cases, synthetic forms of human liver enzymes are used, but it has also been demonstrated that CBE can be converted from CBD using cannabis suspension cultures³.

What does CBE do?

CBE is generally believed to offer effects that are very similar to the effects of CBD. A paucity of scientific evidence exists regarding the effects of CBE, however, and since products containing consumer-grade CBE are very new to the market, there isn’t much anecdotal evidence either.

Based on the simple fact that CBE is not considerably structurally different from CBD, though, we can expect the two cannabinoids to behave similarly in the human body. If — as has been the case with CBDa and other alternative forms of CBD — CBE is discovered to offer unique benefits, this CBD derivative may become desirable for specific therapeutic applications.

How does CBE work?

Given the fact that we still know very little about what CBE even is, it’s hard to speculate regarding the potential mechanisms of action this CBD derivative might use in the human body. Based on the assumption that CBE behaves similarly to CBD, though, it’s reasonable to expect that this cannabinoid might interact with your 5-HT⁴ and TRP⁵ neuroreceptors, which are the primary neurological targets of CBD.

What are the benefits of CBE?

Even though we still know so little about CBE, it’s still possible to speculate on the potential therapeutic benefits of this compound. CBE also has certain undeniable practical benefits.

First, CBE’s chemical closeness to CBD gives us a significant leg up when researching this cannabinoid. So much has already been learned about CBD that studying CBE doesn’t need to involve reinventing the wheel.

CBE is also believed to be non-intoxicating, and there’s no reason to believe it is unsafe. 

Like CBD, CBE may end up being researched for its usefulness against anxiety, depression, pain, epilepsy, and other conditions. For that to happen, though, CBE must first be demonstrated to have some amount of practical utility.

Is CBE legal?

There are no laws or regulations specifically targeting CBE, so this cannabinoid is generally considered to be a hemp substance under the 2018 Farm Bill. The DEA has clarified⁶, however, that it views modified cannabinoids like CBE differently than unmodified, natural cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa. Theoretically, therefore, CBE might be regulated differently from CBD.

Can you buy CBE online?

Yes, the world’s first consumer-grade CBE products are beginning to appear online. That’s right: CBE will soon be available in the same types of tinctures, gummies, and capsules that we’re all accustomed to containing CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids that are abundant in cannabis.

Since CBE was still only available from bulk chemical suppliers not so long ago, it pays to be cautious with CBE products you find on the internet. Prefer labs with abundant certifications that perform thorough in-house contaminant testing.

The bottom line: Is CBE worth trying?

At this point, the question isn’t whether CBE is worth trying but rather if it’s even possible to try CBE in the first place. With the only types of CBE products available online consisting of overpriced isolate extracts mostly used in university research labs, you’ll be hard pressed to find opportunities to try CBE even if you’d like to.

Think about it this way, though: You already use CBE every time you use CBD. Never forget that CBE is, first and foremost, a metabolite that CBD turns into as it is processed by your body. At a certain point, every CBD molecule you ingest becomes CBE, and then it continues on throughout your body in its new form.

That’s part of the reason CBE hasn’t become more popular. There usually isn’t much of a market for metabolites that transform right after ingestion unless an unexpected application can be found. CBE could well be the next wonder cure for something, but for exactly what, we don’t yet know.  

CBE FAQs

Learn more about CBE from the answers to these frequently asked questions:

1. How many different cannabinoids are there?

Estimates indicate that well over 100 different cannabinoids have been discovered. Some of these cannabinoids (like CBD) naturally occur in cannabis and hemp, but others only appear after they interact with the human body.

Most cannabinoids, in fact, are simply iterations of a core group of around 10 substances. For example, CBD has two alternate forms: CBDa, a precursor substance, and CBDV, an entirely separate but very similar cannabinoid.

Then, CBDV also has its own precursor, CBDVa. You can see how things get complicated quickly. It might be quite some time until we establish exactly how many cannabinoids there are.

2. Is cannabielsoin the same thing as cannabifuran?

No, even though their acronyms are deceptively similar, cannabielsoin (CBE) and cannabifuran (CBF)⁷ aren’t at all related. CBF is believed to be a derivative of THC and have intoxicating properties, but we know even less about CBF at this point than we do about CBE. For instance, it’s not even clear whether CBF naturally occurs in cannabis or if it can only be synthesized.

3. Does CBE come from CBD?

Yes, CBE is a derivative of CBD. This cannabinoid is derived from CBD when it is exposed to liver enzymes after ingestion. Based on the limited research that has been conducted into CBE so far, this cannabinoid appears to essentially behave as a “watered-down” form of CBD that has already been partially processed by your body.

4. Is there CBE in CBD products?

No, CBD products do not contain CBE since this cannabinoid does not naturally occur in cannabis or hemp. Instead, CBE naturally occurs in the human body when CBD is exposed to digestive enzymes. As a result, you could say that CBD products are filled to the brim with “potential” CBE molecules, but they don’t contain any CBE at all until after you ingest them.

5. Is there a CBM cannabinoid?

Yes, there is a cannabinoid known as CBM or cannabimovone. Only just discovered in 2010, CBM is one of the newest and most mysterious cannabinoids, but initial research⁸ has been conducted to determine the usefulness of CBM for conditions as varied as eating disorders and diabetes.

6. What is the difference between CBD and CBE?

The primary differences between CBD and CBE are their rarity and the amount of research that has been conducted on each cannabinoid, which ultimately are related variables. The reason CBE has received hardly any research attention is that it is very rare.

CBD, on the other hand, has been researched intently for multiple decades due to its abundance, and it now composes a major portion of the global hemp and cannabis industry. In terms of effects, it’s hard to know exactly how CBD and CBE compare since so little is known about CBE in general.

7. Where can I buy bulk CBE distillate?

At this point, we aren’t aware of any safe or reputable sources of CBE distillate. This cannabinoid is too new and little-known to be produced in great quantities, and the producers who make it do so only for research purposes. 

The type of CBE you can buy online comes in isolate, not distillate form, and it is not suited for human consumption. It will likely be a few years before reputable sources of CBE appear on the market.

8. Is cannabielsoin psychoactive?

There is no reason to believe CBE is intoxicating, and its chemical structure resembles that of a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Every cannabinoid so-far discovered, however, is psychoactive to some degree.

Even CBD is psychoactive — it just doesn’t cause the type of intoxicating psychoactivity associated with THC. Hopefully CBE is determined to be psychoactive in some ways just as long as it stays the case that this cannabinoid is judged non-intoxicating.

9. What are the effects of cannabielsoin?

We don’t know enough about CBE to say much about its effects. All we know for certain is that anecdotal reports indicate that this cannabinoid feels a lot like CBD.

Sources

1. 1. Küppers, F. J. E. M., Lousberg, R. C., Bercht, C. A. L., Salemink, C. A., Terlouw, J. K., Heerma, W., & Laven, A. (1973). Cannabis—VIII: pyrolysis of Cannabidiol. Structure elucidation of the main pyrolytic product. Tetrahedron, 29(18), 2797-2802. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040402001934040
2. 2. Yamamoto, I., Gohda, H., Narimatsu, S., Watanabe, K., & Yoshimura, H. (1991). Cannabielsoin as a new metabolite of cannabidiol in mammals. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 40(3), 541-546. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/009130579190360E
3. 3. Hartsel, S., Loh, W., & Robertson, L. (1983). Biotransformation of Cannabidiol to Cannabielsoin by Suspension Cultures of Cannabis sativa and Saccharum officinarum. Planta Medica, 48(05), 17–19. Retrieved from https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-2007-969870
4. 4. Martínez-Aguirre, C., Carmona-Cruz, F., Velasco, A. L., Velasco, F., Aguado-Carrillo, G., Cuéllar-Herrera, M., & Rocha, L. (2020). Cannabidiol Acts at 5-HT1A Receptors in the Human Brain: Relevance for Treating Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 14. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2020.611278/full
5. 5. Muller, C., & Reggio, P. H. (2020). An Analysis of the Putative CBD Binding Site in the Ionotropic Cannabinoid Receptors. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 14. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2020.615811/full
6. 6. Jaeger, K. (2021, November 4). DEA Emboldens Delta-8 Hemp Businesses By Signaling That The Cannabinoid Is Federally Legal. Marijuana Moment. Retrieved from https://www.marijuanamoment.net/dea-emboldens-delta-8-hemp-businesses-by-signaling-that-the-cannabinoid-is-federally-legal/
7. 7. Novák, J., & Salemink, C. A. (1983). Cannabis. Part 28. A new route to the synthesis of cannabifuran. Journal of the Chemical Society, Perkin Transactions 1, 2873-2877. Retrieved from https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/1983/p1/p19830002873
8. 8. Iannotti, F. A., De Maio, F., Panza, E., Appendino, G., Taglialatela-Scafati, O., De Petrocellis, L., … & Vitale, R. M. (2020). Identification and characterization of cannabimovone, a cannabinoid from Cannabis sativa, as a novel PPARγ agonist via a combined computational and functional study. Molecules, 25(5), 1119. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/5/1119/htm

The cannabinoid market is nothing like it was a decade ago. In 2012, the very first CBD products started to become available, and it wasn’t until 2018 that the CBD industry received an official nod from the US federal government.

On the other hand, the cosmetics industry has stayed relatively stable over the last 10 years. It hasn’t grown considerably, but it hasn’t declined at all. Interest in cosmetic products is the same as it always has been, but the cosmetics people are using are very different than they once were.

In this guide, learn the current size of the US cosmetics industry and the exact ways it has evolved in recent years. Then, discover the best hemp cannabinoids currently on the market that you can add to cosmetic products.

What is the current size of the US cosmetics industry?

According to a recent report from market analytics firm IBISWorld¹, the US cosmetics market is expected to be valued at just over $49 billion in 2022, a 1.5% increase over 2021’s total. As a result, cosmetics is among the larger consumer products industries, but it doesn’t show much room for overall growth.

Has the cosmetics market grown in recent years?

No, the US cosmetics market has not grown considerably over the last decade. The best year for cosmetics between 2012 and 2022 was 2015 at $55.4bn, and the worst year was 2020 at $44.7bn. As you can see, the cosmetics market has floated around the $50 billion annual revenue mark for quite some time.

How has the cosmetics market changed over the last decade?

The cosmetics market may not have gotten any larger or smaller over the last 10 years, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t changed. Considerable shake-ups have taken place under the hood of the cosmetics industry, and outdated products are being phased out while newer ingredients are being added to the market.

Overall market size has stayed steady

If you look at market conditions closely, it’s surprising that the cosmetics industry hasn’t diminished from its stable $50 billion yearly revenue. During the last decade, the profound dangers of dozens of cosmetic substances² have come to light, and thousands of products have been taken off the shelves permanently.

To make up for the parabens, PFAs, methylene glycol, and other substances that are thankfully no longer present in cosmetics, new ingredients must have emerged within the cosmetics market or else the entire industry would have collapsed. As the raw data suggest, cosmetics manufacturers have ditched synthetic toxins and have started embracing natural healing substances instead.

Natural substances are on the rise

Whether it’s aloe vera, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, essential oils, or even CBD, cosmetic products are now packed with natural substances believed to be even more effective than the dangerous ingredients they in some cases replaced. Access to the internet and its treasure trove of publicly accessible medical studies has given consumers the tools they need to make their own health and beauty decisions, and they’re starting to recognize the incredible potential present in nature’s unaltered bounty.

The population is aging

The US Census bureau indicates that by 2060, more than a quarter of Americans will be over 65³, an unprecedented “aging-out” of the US population that will have a profound impact on the cosmetics market. Interest in anti-aging compounds that don’t have any side effects will rise, and as budgets become constrained to Medicare and Medicaid, affordability will also be a prime concern.

Can you use cannabinoids in cosmetics?

Yes, you can certainly use cannabinoids in cosmetics, and the practice has become quite widespread. Cannabinoids that are commonly used in cosmetics include CBD, CBG, CBC, and CBN. The latter cannabinoid isn’t used all that commonly, but CBD, CBG, and CBC have all been investigated for their usefulness against conditions commonly treated topically.

What do cannabinoids do in cosmetics?

Consumers don’t just want cosmetics that make them look better anymore. They want cosmetics that actually make them better — in other words, cosmetics with healing properties. That’s where cannabinoids come into the picture.

Most substances present in Cannabis sativa flowers are believed to have at least some anti-inflammatory or antioxidant utility. Since oxidative stress is now widely known to be the primary cause of skin aging, antioxidants have become incredibly popular in cosmetic products over recent years. Anti-inflammatory substances, in addition, can often directly reduce the redness of skin conditions like acne, eczema, or rosacea.

Benefits of adding cannabinoids to cosmetics

As far as cosmetic ingredients go, cannabinoids are practically ideal. Cannabinoid extracts are easy to add to many different cosmetic formulations including lip balms, serums, and moisturizers, and cannabinoids are believed to have an overall positive effect on your skin health without causing considerable side effects.

“CBD” has become a buzzword within the online natural health community, so the inclusion of this cannabinoid often adds value to cosmetic products in and of itself. This effect has expanded recently to also apply to CBG and CBC, which consumers are starting to recognize as potentially being just as, or potentially even more useful in cosmetics as CBD.

What are the best cannabinoids to add to cosmetics?

If you don’t know which cannabinoids to include in your products, learn more about the most popular options below:

1. CBD

The most popular and well-known hemp cannabinoid by far, cannabidiol (CBD) has been investigated extensively⁴ for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, and consumers generally believe it is at least somewhat useful in this regard. CBD should not have any noticeable psychoactive effects when applied topically in the form of a cosmetic, but it will provide benefits at the site of application for 3-6 hours.

2. CBG

Cannabigerol (CBG) has received a lot of attention recently due to research into its usefulness for bacterial infections⁵. Resultantly, CBG has become a red-hot popular substance in hand creams and other cosmetics designed to prevent transmissible illness. CBG is also rapidly gaining popularity in anti-acne topicals.

3. CBC

Cannabichromene (CBC) is still considered to be a rare cannabinoid, but consumers are catching onto research into this cannabinoid’s activity at your TRP receptors⁶, the primary neuroreceptors involved in inflammation. Manufacturers are accommodating this trend by infusing anti-inflammatory cosmetics with CBC.

4. CBN

The THC metabolite cannabinol (CBN) is currently the subject of a clinical trial⁷ into its potential wound-healing attributes. At present, CBN remains very rare in topical products, but hemp brands would be wise to watch this emerging space within the cannabinoid topical industry closely.

5. CBDa, CBGa, CBDV, etc.

CBD, CBG, CBC, and CBN are hardly the limit of the cannabinoids present in Cannabis sativa. Most cannabinoids, for instance, also have carboxylic acid forms with unique properties. CBDa isn’t the same chemically as CBD, for instance, and CBDV is another unique compound in itself. Over the years, the cannabinoid cosmetic industry will widen to accommodate even more of these natural healing substances.

Which cannabinoid-infused cosmetics products are the most popular?

Not sure which product types are best for infusing CBD, CBG, or CBC into? Here are the most popular types of cannabinoid cosmetics currently on the market.

Lip balms

Simple, affordable, and easy to produce, cannabinoid lip balms have been on the market longer than practically any other type of cannabinoid cosmetic. In this day and age, it can be a struggle to make a cannabinoid lip balm product stand out, but the addition of new cannabinoids to your ingredient pool allows new opportunities for diversification.

Moisturizers

It’s relatively easy to add CBD, CBG, or CBC to moisturizers, and there’s a general consensus among consumers that these substances improve moisturization via the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress. Cannabinoids are common in both face moisturizers and products designed for your body and hands.

Serums

Relatively new to the market are serums: light, water-based cosmetics that you usually apply to your face. Designed to deliver beneficial substances deep into your skin with as few ingredients as possible, serums can be marketed at high prices as long as they feature formulations that are deservingly high-quality. Consumers generally view the inclusion of cannabinoids in serums as a value addition.

Body lotions and oils

Cannabinoid body lotions and oils are essentially no different than cannabinoid tinctures, which makes them affordable and easy to make. Used for massage, moisturization, and other purposes, adding cannabinoids to body oils is believed to make these products more therapeutic.

How to add cannabinoids to your cosmetics line

Using cannabinoids in cosmetics is no longer a risky move. Consumers have had enough time to accept the benefits of these essentially risk-free compounds, and demand for cannabinoid-infused cosmetics continues to rise.

Ten years from now, it’s likely that the US cosmetics market will be roughly the same overall size that it is today. Cannabinoid-infused cosmetics will take up a much larger share of the market, however, and every new cannabinoid cosmetic product launch will serve as a stepping stone along the way.

Pick the right cannabinoid or cannabinoids, choose a formulation type, and find a manufacturer. Within no time, you’ll have claimed your place within one of the biggest cosmetics industry shake-ups of the century.

Cannabinoids & cosmetics FAQs

Which cannabinoid is best for skin?

So far, it’s looking like CBG will shape up to be the superstar of the cannabinoid skincare industry. There’s a lot we don’t know about all of the cannabinoids present in hemp, however, so it’s too soon to decide if one cannabinoid is truly better than all the rest at keeping your skin healthy.

Are cannabinoids absorbed through the skin?

Yes, cannabinoids are naturally absorbed through the skin, but they usually must be accompanied by some form of carrier to achieve ideal penetration. As a result, water-based cannabinoid topicals are often preferred over oil-based equivalents since using a water base allows topicals to absorb with greater efficacy — even if they contain oil-based ingredients.

Does CBD work in skincare?

CBD has not been approved as an ingredient in any skincare products, so we can’t provide any official data regarding its usefulness as a skincare substance. What we can say, however, is that CBD users who apply this cannabinoid to their skin often report incredible results. According to users, these improvements could never have been accomplished with non-cannabinoid products.

Sources

1. 1. IBISWorld – Industry Market Research, Reports, and Statistics. (2022). IBISWorld. https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/cosmetic-beauty-products-manufacturing-united-states/
2. 2. Zanolli, L. (2019, July 2). Pretty hurts: are chemicals in beauty products making us ill? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/may/23/are-chemicals-in-beauty-products-making-us-ill
3. 3. Nasser, H. E. (2021, October 9). The U.S. Joins Other Countries With Large Aging Populations. Census.Gov. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2018/03/graying-america.html
4. 4. Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021
5. 5. Aqawi, M., Sionov, R. V., Gallily, R., Friedman, M., & Steinberg, D. (2021). Anti-Bacterial Properties of Cannabigerol Toward Streptococcus mutans. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.656471
6. 6. Izzo, A. A., Capasso, R., Aviello, G., Borrelli, F., Romano, B., Piscitelli, F., Gallo, L., Capasso, F., Orlando, P., & di Marzo, V. (2012). Inhibitory effect of cannabichromene, a major non-psychotropic cannabinoid extracted from Cannabis sativa, on inflammation-induced hypermotility in mice. British Journal of Pharmacology, 166(4), 1444–1460. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01879.x
7. 7. INM-755 (Cannabinol) Cream for Treatment of Epidermolysis Bullosa. (2022). US National Library of Medicine. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04908215

Using cannabinoids to improve the health of your skin is all the rage. In 2019, Grandview Research¹ valued the CBD skincare market at $698 million with an expectation that it will grow at a rate of more than 27% year over year until 2025. The previous year, The Benchmarking Company analyzed women’s willingness to try CBD skincare and their preferred product types. Learn the results of this analysis and what they entail for the future of the cannabinoid beauty product industry.

New Market Data from 2024

The cannabinoid beauty products market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with projections indicating a continued upward trend. In 2021, the market was valued at approximately USD 5.45 billion and is expected to reach USD 8.86 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during the forecast period.

More recent analyses suggest even more robust growth. The global cannabis-infused beauty products market was estimated at around USD 35.34 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to approximately USD 207.24 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of roughly 21.84% between 2024 and 2032.

Focusing specifically on CBD skincare, the global market size was estimated at USD 2.49 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 21.4% from 2025 to 2030.

These figures highlight rising consumer interest in cannabinoid beauty products, fueled by awareness of benefits and expanding cannabis legalization.

What are cannabinoid-infused beauty products?

Simply put, cannabinoid-infused beauty products contain non-intoxicating hemp cannabinoids. The most common cannabinoids in beauty products are CBD, CBG, and CBN, added to various skincare and beauty items.

What are the benefits of cannabinoid-infused beauty products?

Cannabinoids like CBD have been researched for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects². Most substances in hemp appear to have at least some antioxidant potential, and reducing oxidative stress is one of the main ways that beauty products improve the appearance of skin and prevent it from aging.

How many women are aware of cannabinoid-infused beauty products?

According to TBC’s report, 64% of women were already aware of the existence of cannabinoid-infused beauty products in 2018. Considering CBD’s rise over less than a decade, it’s remarkable that most women are already familiar with cannabinoid beauty products.

How many women would be willing to try cannabinoid beauty products?

Out of the women who have not yet tried cannabinoid-infused beauty products, 72% indicated that they would be willing to give them a shot. Let’s break down the willingness of women to try cannabinoid beauty products by generation:

Percentage of Gen Z women willing to try cannabinoid beauty products

Women in Generation Z are just now starting to reach adulthood, and they’re starting to make purchasing decisions. The TBC report indicates that, as of 2018, 68% of Gen Z women were already willing to consider trying cannabinoid-infused beauty products.

Percentage of Millennial women willing to try cannabinoid beauty products

Composed entirely of adults with at least some peripheral awareness of cannabinoids, Millennial women polled at 74% likely to try cannabinoid-infused beauty products. Since Millennials are younger, though, they’re not yet as preoccupied with skin aging.

Percentage of Gen X women willing to try cannabinoid beauty products

Gen X women, familiar with modern hemp’s evolution, were 77% likely to try cannabinoid beauty products in 2018. Now, as a major part of the middle-aged demographic, they increasingly prioritize preventative anti-aging skincare.

Percentage of Boomer women willing to try cannabinoid beauty products

Women of the Baby Boom generation still vividly recall when “cannabinoid” was a buzzword linked to illegal drugs. At 60%, they’re still not quite as ready as other age groups to try cannabinoid-infused beauty products. 

How many young women have already tried cannabinoid beauty products?

Keep in mind that the above statistics pertain only to women who had not already tried cannabinoid beauty products. The Benchmarking Company found that 72% of women between the ages of 18 and 38 had already tried cannabinoid beauty products in 2018, indicating that cannabinoid-infused beauty products are remarkably widespread.

Where do women buy cannabinoid beauty products?

Even though women everywhere are using cannabinoid beauty products in droves, they massively prefer certain sources of cannabinoid beauty products to others. According to the TBC report:

• 38% of women who use cannabinoid beauty products buy them from specialty beauty stores
• 34% buy cannabinoid beauty products via multi-brand online retailers like Amazon
• 27% buy directly from brand websites
• 21% buy from conventional consumer packaged goods stores like Walmart

Why do women prefer buying cannabinoid beauty products at specialty retailers?

Women want to make sure that the cannabinoid beauty products they buy are authentic and high-quality. Twenty-four percent of women who buy cannabinoid beauty products say that concerns over authenticity are why they don’t want to buy from a retailer like Amazon.

Women who buy beauty products often stick to trusted brands or rely on relationships with specialty store clerks, preferring trusted sources over vetting numerous products online.

Once aware of cannabinoid beauty product benefits, women confidently buy from brand websites. Shoppers at major retailers like Walmart prioritize convenience but can explore better-suited options online.

How to design and market cannabinoid products for specialty beauty retailers

Wherever you intend to sell it, a cannabinoid beauty product should befit the shelves of an upscale beauty shop. These shops are where women learn about the products they want to buy, and they’ll trust a product that looks and feels upscale.

As long as it’s justified by the ingredients you use, it’s reasonable to charge a premium for cannabinoid beauty products. Women understand that cannabinoids are expensive, and they’re willing to spend considerable sums on preserving their appearance.

What are the top 5 types of cannabinoid beauty products?

Women are most interested in cannabinoid beauty products they can use to improve the overall health and youthfulness of their skin. They also find themselves in need of certain specialized products like hand creams, lip balms, and even more conventional types of hemp products. Let’s take a look at the five most popular cannabinoid beauty product types The Benchmarking Company identified in its 2018 report:

1. Body lotion

Body lotion and other all-body skincare products are the most popular types of cannabinoid beauty products available. Women using these products often believe they maintain skin youthfulness on arms, neck, thighs, or posterior, frequently applying them as body lotions.

2. Hand cream

Cannabinoid-infused creams designed to be applied only to your hands are also quite popular. Researchers have looked into the potential ability of cannabinoids to improve hydration³, which is a common reason women apply creams to their hands. 

3. Lip balm

Hydration is the primary purpose of lip balms, and cannabinoid-rich hemp extracts complement oil-based lip balm formulations perfectly. Women generally use cannabinoid-infused lip balms to improve their lip hydration or prevent aging oxidative stress.

4. Bath products

According to the TBC report, women commonly buy bath products that have been infused with cannabinoids. CBD bath bombs are one popular example, and there are also CBD bath salts and CBD bubble bath products to choose from.

5. Oils

Some women use plain-old CBD oils on their skin. Certain CBD oils are specifically formulated with skincare in mind, but it’s also reasonably common for women to use CBD tinctures intended for oral ingestion on their skin instead.

Why do women use cannabinoid beauty products?

According to the TBC report, the primary reason women use cannabinoid beauty products is because they believe hemp is a substance that is good for you. The report also indicates that Gen Z women, the youngest women using cannabinoid beauty products, are highly driven by positive customer reviews as they sift through available cannabinoid beauty products. Overall, TBC found that women generally believe cannabis has medicinal value, so they have no problem using it in skincare products that offer no potential of intoxication.

Which objections might you need to overcome?

To help hemp companies market their products to women, The Benchmarking Company investigated the most common objections women have to using cannabinoid beauty products as part of its 2018 report. Fifty-two percent of women are simply unaware of the potential benefits of using cannabinoid beauty products, and 30% are concerned about the topical safety of cannabinoids. A further 24% were simply content with the products they were already using, and 18% were concerned about potential intoxication.

Some of these objections are based on misconception, and the rest are based on lack of information. For women who simply don’t know what cannabinoids can do for their skin, education is the key. For women who are concerned about safety, certifications and lab reports are useful. Women satisfied with their routines can learn about cannabinoids’ unique topical benefits, while those worried about intoxication can be assured that CBD, CBG, and CBC are completely non-intoxicating.

Marketing cannabinoid beauty products to women: The bottom line

The cannabinoid beauty market is growing even faster than the overall cannabinoid market. Women are increasingly aware of cannabinoids’ topical benefits, with clear needs and easily addressed concerns. Given cannabinoids’ proven advantages, now is the perfect time to develop and market cannabinoid beauty products.

Cannabinoid beauty FAQ

Learn more about how cannabinoids fit into the beauty industry and the habits of female shoppers below:

What are the benefits of CBD in beauty products?

In beauty products like serums, moisturizers, and makeup, CBD is usually included as an antioxidant or anti-inflammatory compound. Driven by early research on CBD’s antioxidant potential, beauty manufacturers embrace this natural ingredient, praised for its minimal side effects. CBD is increasingly becoming an affordable ingredient as well, making it ever more ideal for beauty products.

Will CBD beauty products show up on a drug test?

No, CBD beauty products will almost never show up on a drug test since they are applied topically. Generally, the only types of CBD products that can cause a false positive on a drug test for THC are those that you internally ingest. Topically applied CBD products like beauty products do not enter the bloodstream in sufficient concentrations to pose any danger of accidental THC ingestion.

Is CBD good to put on your face?

Many users believe that CBD is very helpful when applied to your face. People with acne, rosacea, and inflammatory skin conditions praise CBD topicals, which are equally popular among those with chronic pain.

Do CBD lotions actually work?

Anecdotal evidence suggests CBD lotions are effective, with minimal chance of a placebo effect. However, their benefits rely on high-quality formulations with premium ingredients.

Sources

1. 1. Global CBD Skin Care Market Size Report, 2020–2025. (2019). Grandview Research. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cbd-skin-care-market
2. 2. Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021
3. 3. Martins, A. M., Gomes, A. L., Vilas Boas, I., Marto, J., & Ribeiro, H. M. (2022). Cannabis-Based Products for the Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases: A Timely Review. Pharmaceuticals, 15(2), 210. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15020210