If you’ve ever wondered about the history of CBD in the United States, you’re not alone. Here’s a quick rundown of how this humble cannabinoid made its way from obscurity to one of the most popular natural remedies on the market today.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant that has become increasingly popular for its wide range of potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure properties.
CBD is often confused with marijuana, but they are in fact two distinct compounds. While both come from the cannabis plant, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects like THC, which is found in higher concentrations in marijuana. In addition, CBD has been shown to have a variety of potential therapeutic benefits while marijuana primarily produces recreational effects.
It has been used in the US for centuries in traditional medicine and more recently become legal, albeit with some conditions in some places, in all 50 states.
First known CBD usage in the United States
Did you know that CBD has been used in the United States for centuries, far before its current popularity? Evidence shows that settlers in the 1700s and 1800s made use of CBD for its therapeutic qualities, with hemp plants said to have medicinal properties.
The first reported therapeutic use of CBD in the United States dates back to the 1830s, when a New England doctor prescribed it for a variety of ailments, including inflammation, headaches, and rheumatism. By the late 19th century, cannabis tinctures were widely available over-the-counter to treat a variety of medical conditions. Reports claim early Americans even brewed hemp tea, used it as a tonic, and made their own CBD extracts. Additionally, the hemp plant (from which CBD is extracted) was widely used for things like rope and paper.
It’s fascinating to see the long history of CBD usage in the US – it may not be as trendy now as it is today, but our ancestors certainly recognized it was something special.
CBD in the mainstream market
In the 1930s, CBD was first introduced to the mainstream market of America as a component of hemp oil and other products. During this time, it was marketed as a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and even cancer. CBD was even being used by medical practitioners as a treatment for epilepsy, but knowledge of it outside of medical circles was still relatively minimal. It wasn’t until later in the century that research into its benefits would be conducted, revealing even more potential applications. However, in 1937, cannabis was criminalized and all forms of the plant were banned – including CBD.
Growth of CBD usage in the US
Since its introduction to the United States in the late 19th Century, CBD has grown in popularity. It wasn’t until the 1990s that research into CBD’s medical benefits began to be widely accepted in America. Since then, new studies have continued to shed light on the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD for a variety of conditions and ailments.
With the rise of medical marijuana over the past decade, people have naturally grown more curious about the potential of CBD. Derived from hemp plants, CBD has only recently gained mainstream recognition in the United States, as its benefits have become increasingly well-known and accepted by the public. Not long ago, hardly anyone knew about CBD or what it could do for physical and mental health; now it’s praised for its restorative and therapeutic effects that can repair damage from exercise, reduce fatigue and soothe chronic pain.
Specifically in recent years, CBD has become almost ubiquitous due to news of its effectiveness for treating pain relief, anxiety relief, seizure control, and more. Specialty stores were among the first to jump on the bandwagon and begin offering it in various forms – from edibles to topical ointments. These days you can even find people adding “CBD shots” to their morning coffee routines! In fact, just last year the FDA approved a CBD-based medication made by GW Pharmaceuticals that helps kids with rare types of epilepsy.
Today, CBD is legal in all 50 states and is widely available in a variety of forms, from oils to edibles
It’s hard to believe that only a few years ago, the therapeutic properties of cannabidiol (CBD) weren’t widely accepted in the United States. Now, thanks to scientific research and general acceptance of alternative forms of medicinal treatments, CBD is a much more widely accepted and its usage is growing everywhere. As long as it is derived from the hemp plant, which has a lower level of THC than marijuana (THC is what gives marijuana the “high” effect), CBD is relatively legal across the map – with some conditions attached, depending on what state you are in.
In this short amount of time, CBD has gone from being something found primarily in cannabis shops to becoming commonplace in health food stores and other retailers – it’s available as oils and edibles, tinctures and capsules, topicals, vapes, teas and chocolates. As research into the therapeutic benefits of CBD continues to expand, there’s no telling what else this powerful cannabinoid has yet to offer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the history of CBD in the United States is a fascinating one full of color and character. While it’s believed to have been used by our ancestors for centuries, it wasn’t until the 1930s that CBD was introduced to the mainstream market. Since then, it’s gained increasing popularity due to its touted benefits. Nowadays, it’s conditionally legal in all 50 states (make sure you check your local state laws) and can be found just about anywhere. From oils to edibles, Americans have plenty of choices when it comes to finding a quality CBD product that suits their needs. Regardless of which form you choose, investing in a quality product from a trustworthy source is always your best bet if you’re looking to reap the many rewards of CBD.