“To CBD or not CBD?”

A lot has been written about Cannabidiol (CBD) recently in the media. You may have seen it as an add-in booster to smoothies or coffee, or as creams, oils, tinctures or sweets. But what exactly is CBD and why is it suddenly so popular? CBD is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While it is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant and not the marijuana plant. Contrary to some articles you may have read it does not cause a ‘high’. According to the World Health Organization “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

The reason for the hype is its use to address anxiety and reduce insomnia and sleeping disorders. WHO also found that CBD could provide relief for a variety of debilitating conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, cancer and diabetic complications, as well as general pain. There isn’t enough evidence to say that CBD definitely can help such medical conditions, but so far doctors are very optimistic about their research. This is why CBD is so popular, with informed consumers actively searching for products that contain CBD, even though manufacturers cannot yet make claims about their alleged medical benefits. While the vast majority of cannabinoids are listed as controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act, CBD is an exception and is completely legal in the UK.

An independent retailer can sell CBD products without fear of damaging their customers health or breaking the law. So, if you want to stock CBD products ensure your suppliers talk you through the manufacture process and its provenance and that they have derived the CBD element from an EU-approved industrial hemp strain. Check that they are not making wild medical claims on the packaging and that dosages are clear.

What is the future for CBD oil and other CBD products? It’s looking as though it will quickly develop into other markets and not just remain in the medicinal world. It’s already expanded into other products including burgers, breath sprays, gummy sweets, artisan chocolate bars and even tooth picks in America, and is on its way to being added to water, pet products, and skincare to allegedly help with acne. Market research by the Centre for Medicinal Cannibis estimates that the CBD market in the UK could be worth almost £1bn a year in just five years. Supermarkets and the big national chains view them as somewhat controversial and are currently avoiding stocking them,
despite their popularity with the public. There is a real opportunity for independent retailers to stock CBD oils, creams and general food and drink products with added CBD before the nationals start to gain realise the potential of the category.

Sue Nelson presents The FoodTalk Show with Holly Shackleton.