A few years ago, most of us had probably never heard of CBD; now it’s what everyone is talking about.
CBD is everywhere. And I mean everywhere; in your latte, your body washes, your dog treats, your mascara – everywhere. The CBD craze doesn't seem like it's going anywhere anytime soon.
CBD, otherwise known as Cannabidiol, is a chemical found in the cannabis plant. It differs from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) another compound found in cannabis that makes you high. CBD offers you a lot of the same benefits as THC but leaves your brain feeling alert and fresh.
The CBD Craze
Since CBD has imploded in society in recent years, it has proved to help a lot of different conditions. These include psychosis, anxiety, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and seizures. CBD also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why there has been a surge in using it in skincare and beauty products in recent years. The industry in the United States is said to be worth $1 billion in 2020, proving that CBD is here to stay; for now anyway.
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CBD has come at the perfect time to go to market. We are living in an era where many have lost faith in traditional institutions, such as the government and hospitals. The CBD industry has planted itself firmly in some of the most prominent cultural trends all at once; our obsession with self-care and wellness, the rising popularity of alternative therapies and medicine, and the advocacy of legalised marijuana. The industry has flourished because of this, as it still remains untainted by the mainstream.
Originally CBD was marketed towards the creative, trend-conscious professional, but now its consumer market has become more widespread. With CBD yoga and themed coffee shops and bars becoming the norm in larger cities like New York and London, it’s only a matter of time until we see the same here. Little Collins Dispensary in Galway is one of the first CBD cafés in Ireland, and I’m sure it will be the first of many. While, Irish company Celtic Wind are trailblazing the market here, offering products such as CBD Oil, infused lip balm, muscle balm and body oil.
CBD in Ireland
CBD products are available in plenty of different stores in Ireland, even mainstream retailers like Holland & Barratt. CBD products in Ireland are only legally permitted to contain 0.2% of THC, which can be hard to regulate. With the industry boom, come many opportunists who are capitalising to a mainly uneducated market. Additionally, many of the products in the CBD market are poorly labelled and have very low doses, which do little to help with things like anxiety or epilepsy; researchers say you need at least 300 ml of CBD to soothe anxiety. However, this lack of regulation is doing little to stop the selling of products.
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Despite this, high-quality CBD products are proving to be beneficial for many people. However, treat CBD like any new medication you start using, it’s imperative to do your research beforehand. Talk to trusted vendors before purchasing and explain what you are hoping to use CBD for, and they should offer you advice. Furthermore, if you are suffering from any medical issues, seek advice from your GP before using CBD.
