Recent industry report shows need for consumer education on CBD, hemp and more
Medically reviewed by Katherine Golden, RN, and Eloise Theisen, NP
Written by Denise Rustning
Cannabis analytics firm BDSA released new Consumer Insights data on CBD consumption trends in February 2022. While the data are geared toward a business audience, we thought our Leaf411 followers might appreciate a quick look at some highlights, along with Leaf411’s unique insights on current trends based on the patients and consumers we serve on our guidance line.
Consumers lack education on using CBD
One of BDSA’s top findings was just how little CBD consumers know about the products they’re using. According to the BDSA Consumer Insights report, about 40% of CBD consumers rely on friends and family as their main source of information on CBD. Yet 30% of these consumers haven’t heard of terpenes, and 10% haven’t heard the term “cannabinoids.” Cannabinoids, including CBD, CBG, CBN and others, are core to hemp and marijuana’s beneficial effects, while terpenes play a vital role in the plant’s entourage effect. A basic understanding of these plant compounds can go a long way when it comes to finding the best product for your needs.
The BDSA report doesn’t surprise us at Leaf411. Our own data show that about 40% of our calls are focused on Plant 101. We sometimes even hear inaccurate information from callers who “heard it from a friend.”
At Leaf411, we hope to be part of the solution. The BDSA report mentioned the need for brands and retailers to improve their educational outreach–we can help! If you’re a hemp CBD or cannabis brand looking to level up your consumer education game, reach out to us or consider joining Leaf411 as a business member which brings benefits for both your brand and your consumers. Click here to learn more.
Using CBD for health and wellness? You’re not alone!
According to BDSA’s report, CBD consumers cite health and wellness as their primary reason for purchasing CBD. When it comes to specific uses, pain relief tops the list, with better sleep, stress management and anxiety management rounding out BDSA’s top four list.
While our Leaf411 caller data cuts across both hemp CBD and cannabis, we can also say that pain tops our list of conditions that callers contact us about, followed by mental health issues including anxiety and stress, and sleep issues. While the order is a bit different from BDSA’s findings, the conclusion is clear–many people are seeking alternatives for relief when it comes to these issues!
Smoke it? Not when it comes to CBD for most users
BDSA’s Consumer Insights report found that the majority of CBD consumers (around 75%) are using CBD edibles, with CBD topicals coming in second place. Only one-third of consumers report consuming CBD inhalable products including vapes, concentrates and flower.
There may be various reasons for the dominance of this CBD product format:
- CBD edibles offer a user-friendly format for new consumers who are familiar with other orally-ingested products like vitamin gummies.
- CBD edibles are portable and discreet, providing benefits without noticeable smells or smoke.
- The smokeless format may appeal to consumers’ concerns about respiratory health during the pandemic
- CBD edibles are shelf-stable and fit with other retail products sold by health foods stores, grocery stores and other general goods stores.
- CBD edibles are readily available when compared to hemp CBD flower and concentrates which can be difficult to find.
Whether you prefer edibles, topicals or inhalable products, we have fully-vetted business members who offer a wide range of hemp CBD products–visit our business member directory to learn more.
Our fully-licensed Leaf registered nurses (RNs) can also help guide you to the optimal product format for your needs, reducing the need for trial-and-error which saves you both money and time. Click this link to get started scheduling your call.
Assortment of CBD and THC products including Elixinol Omega Turmeric and CBD; KOR Calm CBD sublingual spray; 1906 Love milk chocolate edibles with 5mg THC and 5mg CBD; Wana Quick Pina Colada Gummies with 5mg THC; Altus Juicy Pear Gummies with 10mg THC; trupura Relief Cream with broad spectrum CBD; Seed & Smith Purple Punch strain flower; and a PAX Era Pro used for vaping cannabis oil extracts.
Many people use both hemp CBD and cannabis
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of CBD consumers also consume cannabis containing higher amounts of THC, according to BDSA’s report.
At Leaf411, a little over one-third (36%) of our callers report previous use of both cannabis and CBD hemp, a noticeable difference from BDSA’s Consumer Insights data. Keep in mind that the BDSA report is looking at a broad cross-section of consumers (purchases made), while Leaf411’s callers represent consumers (both thinking about a first-time purchase or have already made a purchase) seeking clinical information or guidance around specific issues.
Our Leaf nurses are here to help with your questions about CBD!
Click this link for our online scheduling service and find a day and time for your Leaf nurse guidance call. Every day our Leaf RNs help consumers and patients at all levels, from canna-curious people who’ve never used CBD or THC before, to experienced users looking for the best cannabis options to address specific health concerns.
Interested in joining Leaf411 as a business member and supporting our mission to improve access to trustworthy information and guidance on plant-based medicine? Visit our Business Membership page to learn the benefits of supporting Leaf411.
The Leaf411 cannabis nurse hotline provides education and directional support to the general public about the safe use of legal cannabis. We partner with select business members who meet our rigorous standards to extend our education and outreach efforts.
