In 2023, there seems to be an increasing number of online sites and physical premises that are specializing in selling CBD products. This is a product and a topic that is not fully understood by the majority of consumers, partly because the CBD products themselves have not been on the market for an extended period of time yet. The subject of CBD is one that can cause confusion, especially for people who have only read a small amount of information on the topic. In fact, the topic itself is extremely interesting and has a longer history than many people might first be aware of. In this article a brief history of CBD and cannabis derived products will be discussed with information stretching back many hundreds of years and up to the present day.
First uses of cannabis-derived products
Many people will be surprised to learn that cannabis derived products are not a solely modern invention. In reality, the first recorded use of cannabis derived products is generally accepted to have taken place as far back as 2737 B.C. in China. During this period Emperor Shen Neng was recorded as using a cannabis infused tea for a range of ailments including gout and poor memory! Clearly these health benefits could not be verified at the time and even today there is little or no confirmed evidence of the therapeutic benefits of such beverages. However, it is interesting to note that products that were derived from the cannabis plant have such a long history. Further on in history there is documented records that indicate Queen Victoria may have used products derived from cannabis as a means to alleviate her menstrual cramps during her reign as ruler of the British Empire.
The discovery of Cannabinoids
The scientific proof of the discovery of cannabinoids is actually a much more recent development in this field. The British chemist, Robert Kahn reported the structure of cannabinoids in 1940 which was a world first for the scientific community. Only two years after this the American chemist Roger Adams became the first person to successfully isolate cannabidiol which is the scientific name given for CBD as people know it today. His work in this field also led to the discovery of the psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant which is now referred to as THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the part of the cannabis plant that give users the “high” that is associated with the drug (but is not present in CBD products).
The current market for CBD products
In 2023, there are now a wide range of CBD products that are available for adults. In some countries or states their use may be prohibited so it is wise to check the regulations in your location if you are considering using CBD products. In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in the creation of online shops that specialize in the sale of CBD products. For example, consumers can now buy edible gummies from supremecbd.uk and have them delivered to their door. The edible form of CBD products is proving especially popular with consumers who want to consume CBD but do not want to inhale it via vaping methods or rub it into their skin via topical products such as creams or lotions. In 2021 the global market for CBD products was valued at $5.1 billion and most industry experts predict that this market will continue to rise into the near future.
