CBD is a trendy ingredient used for its stress-relieving properties

As cannabidiol (CBD) becomes more mainstream, the ingredient has become ubiquitous, popping up in everything from cosmetics to beverages to pet products. 

CBD is a non-psychoactive natural compound found in the marijuana plant, which does not cause the mood-altering effects associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

This year alone, brand names and retail stores have embraced the ingredient for its purported effects, which include stress- and pain-relief, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.

These are some of the latest and most-anticipated CBD and cannabis launches this year.

Jelly beans

Those with a sweet tooth looking for the effects of CBD don’t have to look far, as the creator of Jelly Belly, David Klein, has come up with a product that will satisfy both needs.

According to Klein, who is selling the jelly beans through his company Spectrum Confections, he was unable to find jelly beans infused with CBD so he took it upon himself to make them.

Unfortunately, the beans are quite expensive – retailing for £461 ($600) for 800 pieces. 

CBD products for pets

Culinary expert Martha Stewart has also joined in on the cannabidiol action with her own line of CBD products – marketed towards pets.

To create the line of CBD health products, Stewart has teamed up with Canopy Growth, one of the world’s largest marijuana producers.

According to Stewart, the line will “offer sensible products for people’s beloved pets”.

Although the effects of CBD on pets are unclear, as research is in early stages, the ingredient has been proposed as a way of helping treat animal anxiety, osteoarthritis and epilepsy.

Speaking to The Independent, the RSPCA said more research needs to be done before CBD can be recommended for distressed animals.

 

“We are not aware of any studies which show proven benefits of CBD oil for pets,” said Caroline Allen, chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA.

 

“If anyone has concerns about their pet’s health, we would always advise them to contact their vet.”

Walgreens pharmacy

Walgreens, one of the biggest pharmacy chains in the US, will begin stocking CBD products in 1,500 stores across the country.

The range will include everything from CBD-infused creams to patches and sprays, according to the company.

 

Of the decision to stock the product, a spokesperson said it is “in line with our efforts to provide a wider range of accessible health and wellbeing products and services to best meet the needs and preferences of our customers”.

Barneys department store

CBD has also infiltrated the luxury retail market, as Barneys announced it would be adding a cannabis lifestyle and wellness section to its flagship location.

The new department, called The High End, is located in the Beverly Hills location and encompasses 300-square-feet of space on the fifth floor.

In addition to vaporiser pens, lighters and cases, the store also sells a range of high-end CBD-infused beauty products from brands such as, Foria, Boysmells, Malin + Goetz and Body Vibes.

Fast-food 

Proving the versatility of the ingredient, burger chain Carl’s Jr also announced it would be incorporating CBD into its menu.

 
The chain will be offering the Rocky Mountain High: CheeseBurger Delight (CBD), complete with a CBD oil-infused version of Carl’s Jr signature Santa Fe sauce on 420 – the weed-themed holiday – in Denver, Colorado. 

Although the release is currently limited to 20 April, the company said it is considering bringing the burger on as a permanent menu item.