Cannabis and CBD in food
Why ingest cannabis in food?
Ingesting cannabis in food or drink is an alternative to inhaling smoke or vapor from the combustion of its dried flower (e.g. cigars, bongs or vapes). Inhalation causes a faster effect, but damages the respiratory system.
When taking cannabis orally, the effects of cannabinoids take longer to appear, but the duration of the effect is much longer. This makes edibles an excellent choice for treating certain conditions.
In the preparation of edibles, either the whole plant or different cannabinoid extractions can be used. There are different methods to extract cannabinoids from the plant. Extracts containing all of them can be obtained, or processes are carried out to isolate each one. Once the extraction is done, they are infused in food or beverages.
Food can also be prepared using the plant as an ingredient. The leaves or seeds of the plant are used, which do not contain as many cannabinoids. In the particular case of the seeds: oils, protein powders and flours containing nutrients such as omega 3, omega 6, iron, vitamin E and all the essential amino acids are obtained. There are those who consider hemp seeds as a superfood.
Characteristics of CBD
CBD is one of more than 100 cannabinoids contained in the plant. It has a broad spectrum of biological activity, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
It exhibits an antioxidant activity between 30-50 % (higher than vitamin E or C).
Prevents the reduction of microelements responsible for preventing oxidation.
It modulates the inhibition of fat formation in the body and therefore has a positive impact on obesity and insulin resistance.
It inhibits the reuptake and degradation of endocannabinoids having a neuroprotective effect.
CBD Applications
CBD can be used for the treatment of:
Diabetes and diabetes-related cardiomyopathy.
Cardiovascular diseases (stroke, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis and hypertension).
Insomnia.
Chronic pain.
Cancer.
Arthritis.
Anxiety.
Psychosis.
Epilepsy.
Alzheimer's disease.
Skin diseases, etc.
Many companies offer CBD-infused foods because it fits their brand concept as a healthy food suitable for the whole family, and it does not produce the psychotropic effects of THC.
Which segments of the food industry could start with this challenge?
According to a report by Rabobank, two of the markets where cannabidiol (CBD) could develop very well are: sports drinks and sleeping pills, although there is also great opportunity for stress and pain treatments.
This report emphasizes an emerging market for sports recovery drinks (centered on the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD). Rabobank analysts note that a new product with scientifically proven anti-inflammatory benefits could totally revitalize the sports drink market, which is generally viewed as "unhealthy and out of line."
The largest food and beverage companies will struggle to find reliable sources of CBD; they will be tasked with finding practices and safety protocols necessary to bring new, high-quality products to market.
More and more sports organizations are admitting CBD as a viable treatment. Previously, anti-doping tests considered the use of any derivative of the plant as grounds for penalties. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, CBD may be used to treat ailments and treatments.
What does the data say?
According to Green Entrepreneur, the regulated cannabis market is projected to exceed US$17 billion, within which sales of THC-infused food and beverages account for US$1.5 billion. With the addition of CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, the market is estimated at US$4.1 billion.
Conclusions
In cultural terms, the adoption of this ingredient may represent a milestone in human food practices. While cannabis-based foods are a very old practice, they have not been on the table in countries around the world for the last century.