Liam Mays

For years, University of Kansas sophomore Alex Alt has had troubles with anxiety, sleep insomnia, and ADHD. He’s taken a heap of different medications and remedies to help with these issues. But nothing ever worked. It wasn’t until this year when he finally found a natural remedy that could help with all of these problems.

Alt is one of many people who contributed to the 512 million dollar CBD or Canaboid oil industry this year.

“With practically everyone I know there is some issue that CBD can help with,” said local CBD Specialist Skylar Blair who works at CBD of Lawrence on Massachusetts Street.

CBD of Lawrence on Mass St. at dusk. | Photo by Liam Mays

CBD is taken by many people for anything from epilepsy to depression. A New York Times article highlighted how CBD has been gaining extreme popularity across the country over the past year. Within the article, Dr. Esther Blessing called CBD one of the most propitious drugs tailored to neuropsychiatric diseases in decades.

“As somebody with ADHD and especially high stress and anxiety, and with all the ranting and raving that there is about it, I was like ‘Why not give it a go?’” said Alt who uses CBD for neuropsychiatric diseases.

One reason CBD is gaining popularity may be because it’s so accessible. According to a USA Today article, consumers are able to buy sodas, candy, lotions, oils, and even beauty products that all contain CBD. This makes the remedy much more appealing to consumers hesitant to use substances related to drugs. Another reason for its seemingly exponential popularity is “because in 2018 they allowed you to sell it if it contains 0% THC,” said Blair.

Gummies and grape soda containing CBD available at most CBD stores. | Photo by Liam Mays

CBD contains no THC it has none of the psychoactive effects that marijuana has. CBD consumption can create a feeling of tranquility and reduce feelings of stress, making a popular choice for busy students. The drug is well-known for helping people, especially young people, with their anxiety issues. On top of that, there are CBD dog treats that are given to dogs who are a little too temperamental. Alt says he knows of a family that successfully calmed down their high-strung dog with these treats.

The fact that CBD stores have had such sudden and rapid success leaves many people wondering if the success will last or if it’s just another fad. Frequent CBD user, Cara Peterson, who uses the remedy for anxiety and endometriosis pain said, “I think to an extent it could be considered a fad but it truly does help a lot of people including me.” This opinion seems to be shared by people who frequently use the product; they know that they’ll continue to use it because they need it but doubt that its popularity will continue to soar.

42% of CBD users reported that they stopped using over the counter pharmaceuticals and replaced them with CBD oil. According to a Forbes article, more and more people are replacing pharmaceuticals that they used to use. Drugs like Adderall and Zoloft are consistently being replaced by this new natural remedy. New CBD based drugs like Epidolex and Sativex which are used for epilepsy and alleviating multiple sclerosis pain have been hitting the market. Both of which are FDA approved. Blair said that many recurring customers have mentioned that their doctors recommended CBD as opposed to other mainstream pharmaceuticals. However, insurance companies do not help with CBD payments, so it can be a costly alternative.

CBD oils and supplements inside of CBD of Lawrence | Photo by Liam Mays

“I think that I could see myself using it as a replacement for Adderall but again it all depends on where research with medical marijuana and CBD goes.”