It’s been over a decade since the hemp pioneers had the foresight to spot an opportunity in CBD, and what a decade it’s been! Over the years, the CBD industry has experienced remarkable growth as we witness the revolution of this historically misunderstood plant. Let’s take a look at the evolution of the CBD industry and its journey from the early days to its current standing in 2020.

It all began in 2010 with the passage of the Farm Bill, which allowed for the cultivation of hemp in America. This move sparked much interest from entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the potential of the hemp plant. One of the first companies to jump into the CBD game was Elixinol, whose founders were some of the earliest adopters of the cannabinoid. In the following years, we’d see more and more companies pop up, laying the groundwork for what is now the booming CBD industry.

CBD products were met with mixed reception in the early days, and much of the skepticism originated from the lack of scientific research available. Thankfully, the stigma surrounding CBD began to dissipate as the years went on and more studies were conducted. With increased scientific research came more public acceptance of CBD, and we slowly started to see more mainstream adoption of the cannabinoid.

The rise of CBD did not go unnoticed by the FDA, who began to take steps to regulate the industry in 2014. This resulted in a flurry of companies looking to capitalize on the growing market, leading to the overheated market we saw in 2018. Despite the influx of brands, there was still a certain level of quality control that was lacking, giving rise to issues such as false advertising and mislabeling of products.

Fortunately, the FDA has since stepped up their efforts to regulate the industry, making sure that companies are held accountable for producing accurate, high-quality products. This push for better regulation has made the CBD industry much safer for the general public and more appealing for businesses to join. We’re now seeing a new wave of companies entering the scene with innovative products and disruptive technologies, creating a more diverse field of options for consumers to choose from.

The CBD space is now being viewed with more curiosity than ever as researchers and entrepreneurs alike search for new ways to leverage the power of the cannabinoid. From edibles to topicals, tinctures to beauty products, we’re seeing an abundance of creative solutions bring CBD into the mainstream. As consumer demand for these products continues to grow, companies are focusing more on making sure their products meet the highest level of quality control and safety standards.

What’s more, recent developments in the hemp-extract industry have shed light on the many potential applications of CBD in the medical field. Companies are now researching ways to use CBD for its therapeutic benefits, which range from relieving pain to managing stress and anxiety. As the industry matures, we’re likely to see more and more CBD products targeted towards a variety of medical conditions.

Over the past decade, the CBD space has changed dramatically. What started as an industry dominated by a handful of pioneering companies has blossomed into an exciting, dynamic market with no shortage of new entrants. While the future of the industry remains unclear, one thing is for sure: the CBD industry is on track for continued growth and evolution in the years to come.

The launch of the UK’s first regulated medical Cannabis clinic in 2018 has been a landmark moment for the CBD industry as well, signalling the beginning of a new era in which CBD is being taken more seriously as a medicine. As awareness of the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD increases, more establishments are likely to open and we will likely see some exciting new treatments emerge in the near future.

As we move further into the 21st century, the CBD industry is likely to continue to grow at a rapid pace. With the rise of e-commerce, many companies are now opting to sell their products online, meaning that consumers have access to a wider range of products than ever before. This trend also provides an opportunity for smaller companies and niche brands who may not have been able to compete with the larger corporations.

The increasing popularity of hemp-based products has also spilled over into the food and beverage sector. We’re seeing a rising number of restaurants and bars offering delicious CBD-infused dishes, as well as products such as CBD coffee and tea. The industry is even branching out into the more exotic realm of CBD-infused cocktails, providing a whole new level of relaxation for those looking to unwind.

The media is also playing a role in the growth of the CBD industry, with both mainstream and alternative outlets covering the topic of cannabis on a regular basis. This increased coverage has helped to bring the discussion around CBD into the mainstream, raising public awareness and further normalizing its use.

It’s not just businesses that are experiencing growth due to the boom in the CBD industry. with the legalization of hemp, more farmers are planting the crop and taking advantage of the lucrative prices that it can fetch. Cultivation is now being carried out in states across the US, with many of these farmers turning to organic methods and focusing on producing higher-quality strains.

The booming popularity of CBD has also led to increased support from the government, with lawmakers recognizing the potential of the industry. In recent years we have seen a number of bills pass giving hemp farmers access to federal loans and protection from unfair regulations, allowing them to thrive in an environment that was previously hostile.

Another developing trend in the CBD industry is the emergence of international brands. Many companies are now setting up shop in countries outside the US, allowing customers access to a variety of products from around the world. This has helped to further expand the scope of the industry and make it more accessible to consumers.

The CBD industry is also becoming more professional, with companies investing in research and development in order to produce high-quality products and stay ahead of the competition. This is leading to the appearance of more innovative products as companies strive to stand out from the crowd.

As the industry continues to mature, so too does the infrastructure that supports it. Companies are now forming alliances in order to build production capabilities and secure supply chains, enabling them to reach a larger customer base. This is an important step towards increased stability and sustainability in the industry.

Finally, the industry is in a constant state of evolution, with innovative products and technological breakthroughs appearing on a regular basis. Paired with the ongoing drive for better regulation and safety standards, this is helping to ensure that the future of CBD looks bright.

Conclusion:
The CBD industry has come a long way in the last decade, having grown from a few pioneering brands to an established industry with a range of players. The continued expansion of the industry has been driven by increased public acceptance and better regulation, and we’re likely to see further growth in the years to come. From creative products to medical applications, the potential of CBD is infinite and the future looks incredibly exciting!