Is CBD Still Relevant? Hype or Hope for This Wellness Trend
The only way is up for the CBD industry!

Short for cannabidiol, CBD has found its way into everything from tinctures and gummies to skincare and bath bombs. Once a niche wellness product, it's now a multi-billion-pound industry, with influencers and enthusiasts swearing for its potential to ease anxiety, improve sleep, and even reduce inflammation.
But as the initial buzz wears off, questions loom over CBD's staying power. Does CBD truly work, or is it just another overhyped trend? More importantly, is CBD still relevant as a wellness solution in today’s fast-paced and innovation-driven industry?
This article explores CBD's scientific foundation, its place in the wellness movement, and where the market is headed next. Whether you're a seasoned CBD user, a curious newbie, or a wellness enthusiast considering adding CBD to your routine, you're in the right place.
The Science Behind CBD
To understand CBD’s potential, you first need a basic grasp of how it interacts with the body.
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
CBD works primarily by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors responsible for regulating essential functions like mood, sleep, appetite, and pain response. CBD doesn’t produce a "high" (unlike THC, another compound from the cannabis plant) but instead influences how the ECS operates, helping balance these important bodily functions in subtle ways.
For example, CBD is thought to enhance the natural production of endocannabinoids in the body, helping it respond better to stress or inflammation.
Scientific Backing
Studies continue to highlight CBD’s potential health benefits. Research has shown it to be anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic (reducing anxiety), amongst other promising effects. Examples include:
• Pain Relief: A study in The Journal of Pain found that CBD shows potential in alleviating chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis.
• Anxiety Reduction: A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal noted that 79% of participants reported reduced anxiety levels after taking CBD, while 66% experienced better sleep.
• Epilepsy Treatment: Epidiolex, a CBD-derived drug, has been approved by regulators for treating rare forms of epilepsy, proving that CBD isn't just snake oil.
However, not all research is conclusive. Expanding studies are urgently needed for more definitive answers.
CBD in Wellness: Hype or Help?
With its rise to fame, CBD has cultivated both passionate advocates and sceptics alike.
Market Trends Show Little Sign of Slowing Down
The global CBD market is expected to hit over £36 billion by 2028, an indicator of sustained growth. While CBD oils and tinctures remain the flagship products, the industry has diversified—CBD beverages, edibles, skincare, vapes, and even CBD pet products have become favourites among various niches.
Inside the Wellness Movement
The wellness industry’s adoption of CBD illustrates its broad appeal. From boutique spas offering CBD massages to fitness influencers using CBD for muscle recovery, the product seems to serve many purposes. However, experts warn that not all products are created equal. Low-quality CBDs, vague labelling, and false advertising have muddied the market, forcing consumers to be more discerning.
For some, this noise creates a perception of CBD as a passing fad. Yet, high-quality offerings backed by scientific rigour keep proving their longevity.
CBD: Legal and Regulatory Landscape
Cannabidiol occupies a grey zone when it comes to legality. For example, in the UK and most of Europe, CBD is legal provided it contains less than 0.2% THC. But even within these regions, nuances arise—food-grade CBD products, for instance, require specific Novel Food authorisations.
Meanwhile, in the United States, the FDA’s stance remains cautious, approving only certain medical-grade products but cracking down on unverified therapeutic claims. Globally, regulations differ wildly. Some countries have tightly regulated CBD laws, while others remain uncertain.
What Does the Future Hold?
The good news for consumers and brands alike is that as CBD’s popularity persists, more clarity is expected on its legal status. Organisations such as the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) are actively lobbying for standardised legislation across countries.
Still, for now, knowing your local laws is key if you're wondering, "Is CBD legal?" especially for specific uses like CBD vape legal status, which varies widely.
Why CBD Still Matters
CBD isn’t perfect, but its potential far outweighs the negativity some dismiss it with. Its plethora of uses—from wellness to medical—means CBD has carved itself a solid niche. Still, understanding whether it’s "hype" or "help” ultimately depends on you as an individual.
Have you tried CBD? Drop by the comments section to share your experience or personal insights. And if you're new to CBD, what’s stopping you from exploring its potential? Start small and smart—find a high-quality, lab-tested product that aligns with your personal wellness goals.