Who would’ve thought a compound that you inhaled during college when hanging with friends in the back porch of someone’s house, who you didn’t even know, would find it’s ways into your creams, lotions, moisturizers, serums, balms, and more. I certainly didn’t anticipate it, yet it’s on its way to becoming a near multi-billion dollar market in half a decade. As of 2018, the CBD skincare market is valued at $234.1M. It’s expected to grow by 32.9% from 2019-2025 and we’re on out way to 2021 at the moment. There is still time to get in on this Gold Rush, though there are some things to consider.
What is CBD? Formally known as Cannabidiol, it is one 113 identified cannabinoids derived from the Cannabis plant (Marijuana). It accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. In other words, it is plentiful. Unlike it’s psychotropic cousin, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD induces a body high. It relaxes the body and helps alleviate inflammation as opposed to giving you that “change in perspective.” For this reason, among others, it’s making an incredible journey to store shelves. The theme of the trend isn’t anything new: use an ingredient that’s plentiful in nature. The controversy lies more in its origins, and regulations. Luckily, the technology and knowledge on how to extract CBD from the Cannabis plant, then from the cannabinoids oil is well established. I’ve worked with CBD distillates ranging from 70-99% purity.
Regulations for the use of CBD are… intriguing to say the least. To date, the FDA has not approved of any marketing application containing CBD that cures or treats any disease or condition. If a company markets any product with such claims, steer clear. Here is a link concerning the FDA regulations on CBD. For the moment, the FDA is being vigilant regarding the CBD products making it on to shelves. Time will tell whether this will be a fad that fades in the next 10 years, or as research into CBD’s medicinal properties continues, whether it’ll be another anti-inflammatory agent like Camphor or Menthol. Cool times in which we’re living.
Greengen Labs 