When recreational cannabis was legalized across Canada in October, many people predicted that products high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the compound that causes users to get “high”—would be especially popular. However, since legalization a surprising trend has emerged: cannabidiol (CBD) products have been flying off of store shelves much faster than THC products.
CBD products are largely non-psychoactive, meaning they don’t cause a “high.” Yet stores are struggling to keep their CBD products in stock. So why has CBD become so popular? Check out some of the reasons below if you’re considering a career in cannabis.
1. Those with a Cannabis Dispensary Licence Know CBD Products Have a Very Broad Appeal
While for some recreational users CBD’s lack of non-psychoactive properties may be a mark against it, it may also help explain why it has become so popular. Unlike with THC products, people can still use CBD and not feel “high”.
Also, CBD products cross the divide between recreational and medical cannabis. Some people use them for recreational purposes, like relaxing, while others use them for health purposes, such as for pain management.
CBD can be used for a broad range of purposes
As a result, CBD products have massive appeal across many different demographics as they are seen as being safer and more accessible than THC products.
2. Celebrity Endorsements Are Fueling the CBD Boom
Another reason interest in CBD products has reached such a fever pitch is because of media and celebrity interest. Kim Kardashian famously held a CBD-themed baby shower for her fourth child, for example, where her guests got to make CBD salts and baby oils, while at the Oscars last year the 25 acting nominees left with a gift bag full of CBD-themed items.
A CBD-themed gift bag at the Oscars helped fuel interest in CBD
Celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg, Morgan Freeman, Michael J. Fox, and Jennifer Aniston have all become advocates for CBD. Those sorts of high-profile endorsements have helped bring CBD products into the mainstream.
As a result, many people who may never have considered using cannabis-derived products before are now expressing interest. If you’re considering applying for a cannabis retail application, this media attention is something that could be highly beneficial for your business.
3. Perceived Health Benefits Are Helping to Boost Popularity
Consumers today are becoming increasingly health conscious, with the demand for natural products being especially strong. That can benefit you if you want a cannabis dispensary licence, as CBD is widely seen by consumers as a safe and natural product. Many see it as a natural way to relieve a broad spectrum of ailments. Some of the health conditions that consumers have used CBD to find relief from include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Pain
- Inflammation
CBD is used by many people for relieving pain and inflammation
Of course, while early research looks promising, consumers are advised to speak with their doctor before using CBD for health reasons, and more research is still needed to better understand CBD’s health effects.
Are you interested applying for a cannabis retail licence in Ontario?
Contact the Academy of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences to learn about our cannabis programs.