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CBD interest grows among the U.S population

February 12, 2020

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been growing rapidly nationwide, especially in recent months. The product is legal in a majority of states and is picking up interest rapidly. In River Falls, a new CBD store has opened called American Shaman CBD. Puff Puff Glass, a local tobacco shop, has started carrying the product as well.

According to healthline.com, CBD is an ingredient within cannabis and is one of many chemical compounds that is extracted from the plant. The ingredient is not addictive and CBD does not cause any type of “high” because it is not psychoactive in any way. This is where it differs from marijuana and the ingredient can be used to improve many health issues.

CBD has gained popularity recently and is expected to grow at exponential rates in the near future. The ingredient was first used in medical marijuana to treat some cancer related symptoms as well as treating several forms of epilepsy syndromes. It is still used in medicine today to treat many health related issues.

According to healthline.com, CBD can be used to help with anxiety, depression, arthritis, acne, diabetes, heart health, insomnia and sleeping disorders and other health related concerns both mental and physical.

The product is also available in many forms. It can be used in edible form, ointment/topical, oil/tincture, pills or capsules and can also be used in a vape form which is inhaled. The way that CBD is used will determine how fast the effects are felt and for how long the effects are felt.

CBD can also be used for pets, there are CBD infused treats. These treats provide similar benefits for animals as they do for people. According to simplewag.com, CBD treats are given to pets to help with pet anxiety, arthritis and seizures in pets. The treats can also help with cancer symptoms in pets and are also used for different behavioral issues.

Ron Ryan owns American Shaman CBD located on Main Street in River Falls and opened the store in January. He has a personal connection with CBD as it has helped him heal from a shoulder injury. CBD is something Ryan is passionate about.

Puff Puff Glass
Several CBD products are displayed for sale at Puff Puff Glass in downtown River Falls. (Photo by Melissa Thorud)

“I want people to become informed and educated about the product and what it can do for them,” he said.

Ryan informs anyone about what the product can do in terms of health related problems. Ryan said, “This is the one thing that helped me heal from a shoulder injury and finally got me out of bed and active again.” This product was what made the difference for Ryan with his injury.

CBD is anticipated to grow extensively within the next year among consumers. According to loudcloudhealth.com, the CBD industry is expected to increase 700% from 2019 and is anticipated to reach $2.1 billion. The industry’s growth is predicted to increase in the coming years.

Although hemp-derived CBD is becoming widely used and is legal in many U.S. states, research on the chemical is scarce. According to an article in The New York Times, “CBD is Everywhere, but Scientists Still Don’t Know Much About It,” the hemp-derived product was only recently taken off of the Schedule 1 controlled substance list in 2018, meaning the accessibility to research hemp-derived CBD has only become easier for scientists recently. In general, there has not been much long-term research in regards to hemp-derived CBD.

Research is expected to flourish now that CBD has gained more popularity and many scientists hope to find answers regarding the trendy therapy.

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