The cannabidiol (CBD) market has officially exploded in the USA, Europe, and beyond. The unprecedented boom of this natural products sector stemmed from the case of a young girl in 2013; who was being treated with CBD for a rare and severe form of epilepsy.
Colorado, USA native, Charlotte Figi suffered from a rare type of epilepsy known as Dravet Syndrome, and the amazing effects reported from the Low-THC CBD administered to her is what sparked profound interest in the drug and other cannabinoids.
Some of the cannabinoids have been isolated from the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa L. alone, and were selected for their ability to interact with cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which all humans have, has been found to have potential effects on mood, memory, pain sensation, appetite, and the immune system, as well as attributing to fertility, pregnancy, and pre-and postnatal development.
Not only that, but the range of cannabinoids and cannabinoid-like molecules-called cannabimimetic- are quite diverse and have been identified in a diverse range of plants beyond cannabis, from cacao to coneflower and even pepper. This means you more than likely experience the benefits of these incredible compounds in small dosages in your everyday life.
Even some compounds found in hemp are the acid forms of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and more. Many more have weak or no psychoactivity at all, making them have even broader applications than THC; namely, therapeutic benefits. Not to mention, synthetic cannabinoids are already in the making, adding to the huge variety of endocannabinoids (analogs of those produced within the body) and phytocannabinoids (sourced from plants). There’s something for everyone when it comes to the cannabis plant.
It’s safe to say that CBD, other non-psychotropic cannabinoids, and the lesser-known cannabimimetic are a big deal for prospective business ventures. It is the birth of an industry with serious health benefits for a majority of the population.
