CBF Facts & Stats
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    CBD Stats & Facts

    Herb Maxwell ImageHerb Maxwell
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    Over the last few years, CBD has gone from being an unknown substance to one of the most popular food supplements in the world. During that time the products have been adapted, the industry has developed and new regulations have been introduced. To get a better understanding of CBD and the industry, let’s take a close look at the latest stats and facts.

    What is CBD?

    Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active substance found in cannabis plants. It’s one of a group of over a hundred natural chemicals called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids can interact with our nervous system via receptors and enzymes.

    CBD produces a range of useful effects that are beneficial to our health and wellbeing. It’s the second most abundant cannabinoid next to THC, but unlike THC, it’s not intoxicating. In the UK, CBD is commonly sold as a food supplement and can be found as an oil, gummies, in capsules, in e-liquids or in topically applied products.

    CBD FactsCBD Molecular Formula

    • CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that won’t get you high.
    • The chemical formula of CBD is C21H30O2
    • Cannabidiol interacts with the human body in many different ways, including via the endocrine system and enzymes in the endocannabinoid system.
    • CBD is found in the highest concentrations in the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant.
    • To extract CBD from hemp, the flowers and leaves are finely milled and then mixed with a solvent to separate the cannabinoids.
    • There are numerous different types of CBD products; most will either be eaten, inhaled, absorbed under the tongue, inserted rectally or applied to the skin.
    • Vaporising and inhaling CBD is the most efficient way to take it and results in up to 56% reaching your bloodstream.
    • When you eat CBD, between 4 and 20% reaches your blood. Eating CBD is the least efficient method of consumption.

    CBD History Facts

    • There is evidence to show that cannabis was used for its medicinal properties in ancient cultures, as far back as 2900BC.
    • CBD was first isolated from cannabis in 1940 by US chemist Roger Adams.
    • Its structure was discovered in 1963 by Israeli organic chemist Raphael Mechoulam.
    • By 1965 Mechoulam was able to create a synthetic version of CBD.
    • In 1988, Allyn Howlett and William Devane discovered the endocannabinoid system when they found receptors in the brain that could interact with cannabinoids.
    • The endocannabinoid system consists of receptors, human cannabinoids and enzymes; it’s a signalling system that allows your body to maintain a healthy internal balance.
    • In 1992, Lumir Hanuš and William Devane successfully isolated the human cannabinoid anandamide.

    The Price of CBD 

    • In the UK, the price of CBD oil ranges between 1p per mg of CBD for a budget product to 9p per mg of CBD for a premium brand.
    • The cheapest oil in the UK is £5.99 for 30ml bottle containing 300mg
    • The most expensive oil is £252 for a 10ml bottle of 40% oil (4000mg).
    • CBD capsules start at about 4p per mg of CBD and can cost as much as 9p per mg.
    • According to data collected by Weedmaps in the US, the cost of CBD purchased in bulk from between $3 to $15 per gram, without taking into account production costs, materials, or labour.

    The Size of the CBD Market

    CBD Production Costs

    • Organic certification and inspections cost about £500 per year, depending on the size of the farm and where it’s located in the world. However, the cost of converting to organic practices can be significantly more and drives up CBD prices.
    • Converting a farm for organic certification can take up to 3 years.
    • Hemp can cost up to £2000 per kg for high-quality buds with 8-10% CBD and as little as £15 per kg for low quality 3% CBD flowers. However, most brands will be able to get extra discounts by buying in vast quantities.
    • Pre-extracted CBD bought in bulk can cost between £2 and £11 per gram.
    • US CBD is usually priced more affordably because they can use strains with higher levels of CBD; this means it’s more economical to produce.
    • Companies that rely on more prominent manufacturers to make their products may have to pay up to £18,000 set up costs and then between £1.80 and £9 per unit.
    • A small CO2 extraction machine is estimated to cost between £100,000 and £110,000, but a high quality 40 litre unit could cost up to £400,000.
    • Also, there is at least another £15,000 in costs for an evaporator and centrifuge.
    • Decarboxylation is completed using an oven that costs approximately £3,500 to £5,000.
    • Third-party lab testing can be about £500 for a complete set of tests for one batch. However, this varies depending on which cannabinoids the lab are asked to analyse, if they screen for contaminants and how low they set the limit of quantification (LOQ).

    CBD User StatsHealth Benefits of CBD Chart

    A survey published in the Journal for Cannabis Research questioned 387 people about CBD:

    • The most commonly reported reasons for using CBD were anxiety (42.6%), sleep problems (42.5%), stress (37%), and general health and wellbeing (37%).
    • 54% of regular CBD users reported using less than 50mg of CBD per day.
    • 72.6% of those who consume CBD take it sublingually (under the tongue).
    • CBD users who took CBD for a specific condition reported that it was effective for stress, sleep problems, and anxiety.
    • Of those who buy CBD regularly 37% buy it from an online cbd shop and 11.5% get it from health shops.
    • 1% of CBD users take it in the morning, 25.6% take it in the evening and 23.8% take it in the morning and evening. 11.9% take it multiple times throughout the day and 20.2% take it when needed.

    400 patients in New Zealand were involved in a CBD study and gave detailed reports about their experience:

    • Across the 400 participants, scientists reported an overall increase in quality of life, a decrease in perceived pain, depression, and anxiety.
    • A majority also reported increased appetite and better sleep.

    Other surveys have used a larger sample of people to understand the widespread trends: