The World Health Organization (WHO) became one of the strongest voices to encourage government and medical sectors to do further research on the medical benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), one of the 200-plus compounds found in the cannabis plant.
Based on an initial report of the WHO’s narcotics arm, the Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD), on CBD, the compound showed some significant therapeutic value for seizure due to epilepsy and related conditions.
The report was based on both animal and human studies and was shared during the annual meeting of ECDD, where they review several psychoactive substances and recommend whether or not they must be placed on the list of drugs under international control.
According to the WHO report, there is evidence that shows that CBD is not likely to be abused or create dependence compared to other cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In fact, the ECDD said that in its pure state, CBD does not appear to have an abuse potential or cause harm.
Although the WHO is quick to point out that the information should not be a basis to change its scheduling under substances of international control (not scheduling a substance means that it is not subject to strict international controls, including for production and supply) and that the legal status of CBD should remain under the authority of a country’s national legislation, there are still a good number of cases supporting its therapeutic claims.
In Hollywood, a number of actors and actresses have sworn by the benefits of marijuana and CBD. Comedian Seth Rogen, for example, gave his statement in the U.S. Congress regarding Alzheimer’s disease, advocating the use of medical marijuana and CBD as part of the treatment, and challenging CBD’s current legal standing. Actor Michael J. Fox, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, uses medical marijuana to control his condition, which actually helped him in continuing his career. The actor also promotes the use of CBD, which information he shares on his website.
Aside from the famous personalities, everyday people have claimed to have their lives changed thanks to CBD. In the U.K. last year, 11-year-old Billy Caldwell became the first person to receive a prescription for medical cannabis in the country. His mother, Charlotte, claimed that for the first time in many years, her son was able to enjoy 300 seizure-free days, from his usual 100 seizures a day, after taking CBD.
Growing business
Cases like Caldwell’s and Fox’s are positioning CBD not only as one of the most important medical breakthroughs of our time but also as one of the fastest rising and lucrative business industries to date. In fact, based on the study by research company Brightfield Group, it is already seeing a 55 percent annual growth for CBD extracted from hemp.
Based on its report, Brightfield Group is projecting that hemp CBD sales could actually hit the billion-dollar mark in the next two years. This projection is based on the CBD market’s performance since the year 2016, where the market hit $170 million.
With all the new milestones this industry is experiencing, there’s a chance to exceed the 55 percent annual growth rate.
Hemp only has 0.3 percent THC, the psychoactive compound often associated with marijuana, which means people get the full benefits of CBD without the danger of getting high. CBD oil is widely available in most states and online. Because of this, more people prefer hemp-derived CBD than those from marijuana (which is illegal in more states).
This is an exciting development especially for key players in the CBD industry such as PotNetwork Holding, Inc. (OTCMKTS: POTN). Its subsidiary, Diamond CBD, validates the growth projection of Brightfield Group, as indicated in the company’s Q3 2017 report. POTN is thus seen as a part of the growing legal cannabis and hemp markets, with more emphasis on the faster-growing hemp segment.
POTN, via Diamond CBD, exemplifies the outstanding performance of the CBD industry. The business’ main focus is to research and develop innovative CBD hemp extracts and to make them accessible worldwide. A team of doctors, scientists and marketing specialists ensure that the market gets only the best CBD from its wide range of products.
Diamond CBD’s products are manufactured with natural CBD extracts tried and tested in laboratories based on the highest standards. What’s more, the brand makes use of Supercritical Extraction, known as the most gentle approach to extract high-quality CBD and which retains the naturally occurring beneficial molecules in the hemp plant.
The hemp-derived CBD is found in a number of best-selling products such as Daily Boost CBD oil, Chill Plus Gummies, Liquid Gold for vapes, and even Biotech CBD cream among others — all of which ensures the medical benefits CBD is known for.
The growing number of consumer options for CBD is actually quite evident now in the medical market, where a significant number of patients already prefer taking CBD-based medicines than the traditional drugs prescribed by physicians for pain, insomnia, and even mild depression. And along with some of the new milestones in the cannabis industry, as well as the soon-to-be-passed 2018 Federal Farm Bill that could finally legalize hemp production in the U.S., the future is bright with possibilities for this emerging market.
