Ten years ago few shoppers had heard of CBD. Today it is sold in grocery stores, coffee shops and online. Here are the main reasons CBD has grown so quickly, and what to look for if you are thinking about trying it.
The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp legal
The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp and hemp-derived products from the federal Controlled Substances Act. That change let farmers grow hemp across the country and let businesses sell hemp-derived CBD openly, which brought CBD into mainstream stores.
CBD is not intoxicating
CBD does not cause the intoxicating effect associated with marijuana, so people can include it in their day without that concern. Our article Is CBD Psychoactive? explains the difference.
There is a format for everyone
- Gummies give a set amount of CBD in each piece and are easy to take on the go.
- Tinctures are oils taken with a dropper, so you can adjust your serving.
- Topicals such as balms, lotions, roll-ons and massage oils are applied to the skin.
Shoppers can check what they are buying
Reputable brands publish a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a testing lab for each product. A COA shows how much CBD a product contains and whether other compounds or contaminants were detected. That transparency builds trust. See our guide to reading a CBD lab report.
It is easy for stores to carry
CBD gummies and topicals are shelf-stable, compact and simple to display, which is why so many shops, salons, gyms and convenience stores now stock them. Wholesale gummies priced per piece let a store start small and scale up.
What to look for
- A COA for the batch you are buying, from a third-party lab when possible
- The amount of CBD per serving, clearly labeled
- A clear ingredient list
- A company you can contact
Shop lab-tested CBD
Discount Pharms sells CBD gummies in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg strengths and the Airlie CBD topical line, all with lab results on every product page.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before using CBD, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or take medication.