The history of CBD is relatively short, but the history of cannabis predates our ability to record, and reaches out to touch almost everybody across the globe. Cultures around the world use the cannabis plant in different ways, from the production of textile and rope in Ancient (and modern) China, to the hemp-vapor baths in Ancient Greece. Although the last century has seen the biggest changes, with global criminalization halting its public and safe use for some time.
Advocates for cannabis, and more specifically full spectrum and pure CBD oil, have had to fight tooth and nail for years to get CBD on the market as it is today. Even though it's finally legal, we can imagine more changes in the coming years which will further refine both the product and how it's used. Understanding these changes can be important for all sides of the market, from producers to consumers, as it may affect how we come to use CBD in our lives.
Here is a look at some of the changes we may see to CBD oil and related products in the not-too-distant future.
More Clearly Defined Types
One of the more confusing aspects of CBD oil as it stands are the three different types, and how they differ. Typically referred to as ‘pure CBD tincture’, ‘broad spectrum CBD’ and ‘full spectrum CBD’, in the coming years we can expect legislation and production to have more consistent laws to aid in defining these things.
As it stands, they are defined as follows:
● Pure CBD tincture or pure CBD oil - a pure CBD extract which contains 100% and no other plant compounds
● Broad spectrum CBD - all compounds of the cannabis plant without THC (or with minimal THC)
● Full spectrum CBD - all compounds of the cannabis plant including THC
Each of these is relevant in different situations, so in the future we may see broad spectrum strictly containing no THC, and even full spectrum CBD with higher percentages of THC.
Federal and State Legislation will Align
A common problem throughout the war on drugs has been inconsistencies between federal and state laws regarding cannabis. This has allowed federal agents to arrest storeowners and citizens who are legally abiding to local state laws, which simply doesn’t make any sense. In the next couple of years, we can expect a legitimate framework for CBD legislation put in by the federal government, which will either allow state autonomy on the matter or give guidance.
CBD Laws Regarding THC
One other change we can expect to occur on a federal level is a relaxation on the sale of CBD products which contain THC, the psychoactive substance. THC has already proven to have potent medicinal and therapeutic properties, and needs to be as accessible as CBD, especially alongside it.
We may also see pure CBD oil become more accessible to other parts of the market, including for children and pets.
More Consistent Product
A recent report from the FDA showed that many of the products on the marketplace contain more or less CBD than reported on the label. There were also many which contained THC or other cannabinoids which weren’t mentioned on the label.
The need for consistency is a given, as a pure CBD tincture may be fine for children, but any unknown THC content may be harmful to them. In the coming years we will see a framework built around the production, testing, and distribution of these products, and hopefully we will see all CBD producers become more transparent.
A Shift from Sublingual Ingestion
As it stands, the “best” way to take CBD, according to many of the companies out there, is through sublingual ingestion. Simply put, this means putting the oil underneath the tongue to absorb straight into the bloodstream, bypassing the time-consuming digestive process. While this may be efficient, it isn’t convenient, as many CBD oil products still have some taste to them which can make sublingual absorption a little uncomfortable.
CBD Food and Drinks?
While there are strict laws around this matter at the moment, among the CBD community there is a culture of adding the oil to foods rather than sublingually ingesting. This hints at the fact that we may see foods and drinks in the coming years containing CBD, either as a supplement or health booster. Although this would require a lot of frameworks around the consistent production of CBD oil to be used in food, as well as further examination of how it absorbs in our digestive system rather than sublingually.
Moving Forward
These are undoubtedly exciting times to be either making or taking CBD, as it truly seems to have miraculous properties which can benefit countless people worldwide. Be sure to use CBD products appropriately, and to always look for suppliers who are transparent in their sourcing and production methods.
