What to Expect from CBD in 2021
One of the most popular cannabis products of the last few years has undoubtedly been CBD. This cannabinoid has gained so much traction in the cannabis industry with a multitude of upside left. CBD will play an integral piece in helping the cannabis industry surpass the projected $200 billion mark by the end of 2030. But what about in 2021? What should we expect from this cannabinoid this year, and why?
What is CBD?
CBD or Cannabidiol is one of 115+ cannabinoids that have been identified in cannabis. A cannabinoid is simply a unique molecular structure that is found in mature cannabis plants. Most consumers are more familiar with the cannabinoid THC thanks to its psychoactive properties. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. This means that CBD consumption does not get patients ‘high.’ In fact, CBD has been linked to a multitude of health benefits. This is one of the primary reasons that CBD has become a cornerstone in the advancement of the global cannabis industry.
How CBD works with your body
The endocannabinoid system generally referred to as the ‘ECS’, is the component of the human body responsible for the ‘digestion’ of cannabis. The ECS can also be found in a variety of other animals, such as familiar mammals and a few amphibians like turtles. The ECS is made up of a system of receptors created to react to the cannabinoids found in mature cannabis plants. The endocannabinoid system is accountable for the regulation of a variety of bodily functions.
Thanks to a study of cannabis around the 1980s, researchers identified the body’s endocannabinoid system. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid system gets its name from, you guessed it: mature cannabis plants. The links known as endocannabinoids that create the framework of the endocannabinoid system are located throughout the human body.
The health benefits of Cannabidiol
CBD has its own set of unique health benefits. Additionally, patients believe that CBD is the healthier cannabinoid of the two. Research has shown CBD to host more medicinal benefits than the cannabinoid THC. Some of these health benefits include:
- Battling anxiety
- Warding off depression
- Protecting the neurons and synapses of the brain
- Decreasing nausea and vomiting
- Reducing swelling and inflammation associated with bodily pain
- Decreasing the growth of cancerous cells
CBD projections in 2021
As aforementioned, CBD has become an integral piece of the cannabis industry worldwide. In 2021, specific market efforts will become more extensive and precise as brands continue to identify consumer shares that are not too crowded. In theory, this will further broaden and distinguish each brand and achieve higher returns on investments per each niche market’s efforts surrounding CBD. A recent study performed on CBD drinks found that less than ⅓ of CBD consumers have identified a specific brand of CBD beverages that they are choosing to stick with. Findings such as these fuel the aforementioned idea of a broader and more distinguishable CBD market in cannabis consumerism. In short, CBD is projected to do extremely well in 2021.
The Future of CBD in Cannabis Markets
CBD has been available for consumers for nearly a decade. Since the beginning, the sales associated with CBD have grown with every new fiscal quarter. As the cannabis industry continues to boom with the implementation of new markets, CBD is sure to continue making large waves. The latter end of 2020 also saw 5 states pass pro-cannabis legislation. Although CBD is already legal virtually everywhere, the passing of cannabis-friendly laws makes consumers more susceptible to additional cannabis products such as CBD. This cannabinoid likely will serve as a bridge for those new to cannabis consumerism thanks to its non-psychoactive nature. Simply put: people are more likely to try CBD when the plant it derives from does not have any sociopolitical infringements.