When we launched Love Hemp in 2015 we were one of the very first dedicated CBD companies on the market. CBD oil was practically unknown within the general public, and we made it our mission to not only sell the highest quality CBD products, but also to educate and raise awareness about this incredible natural substance.
Now, four years on, CBD is everywhere you turn, and it's being sold far and wide, from high street health food shops and pharmacies, to supermarkets and corner shops. In the UK alone, the market for CBD is thought to be generating around £300M annually, with around 1.3 million active users.
What caused this explosion, and what is the future for CBD? Is CBD a passing fad or is it here to stay?
What is CBD?
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of the many cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, found in cannabis. While beneficial for wellbeing, CBD will not get you high, unlike THC, and it's safe for all the family to use on a regular basis. CBD provides many benefits and is being adopted by people from all walks of life, all eager to support their health.
While decades of cannabis prohibition may lead some to assume that the lifestyle benefits of CBD are a recent discovery, that’s far from the truth. The first documented use of cannabis-derived medicine dates back to 2737 BC when Chinese Emperor Sheng Nung used a cannabis-infused tea.
Although these supplements have been around for thousands of years, it's only been in the last 2-3 years that CBD has become more mainstream. Sales of products containing CBD have skyrocketed by 99 per cent in the UK, according to data released by Wowcher in April 2019.
Why is CBD so popular right now?
Many people see CBD as a passing fad, while others are excited about its future. The future of CBD is uncertain but there are many factors which will determine its success and longevity.
One hope is that CBD becomes more like a vitamin supplement for the general public, giving the masses access to this seemingly vital source to support healthy lifestyle, which is both safe and legal.
Another key to the future success of the UK CBD industry is sensible regulation. Regulation will bring much needed safety, consistency and stability within the sector. The laws surrounding cannabis-based products are outdated, this needs to change.
While the perception towards CBD has progressed dramatically over the years, CBD still is not fully normalised across the UK. There are still many who stand in opposition to CBD and other cannabis-derived compounds, and many more who aren’t aware of their benefits. Therefore, increased research into this natural compound is also vital. And knowledge and education will play a key role too.
In order for CBD to reach its full potential there’s still more work that needs to be done. While there may be some challenges ahead, the strength of the CBD community has shown that nothing is going to stand in its way.
Love Hemp - leading the way
The world may only just be waking up to CBD, but we have been leading the way for years with our innovative and effective CBD collection. Right from the start, we have been passionate about creating the UK’s leading range of trusted CBD products. We provide the highest quality CBD products, with an option suitable for everyone. Please browse our website to find out more.
Some forecast the UK CBD market will hit almost £1Billion by the year 2025, while others are more conservative with their predictions. But what appears to be fact is that CBD is here to stay.
