Here at the Co-op, you may have noticed a recent surge in products containing CBD. While we do carry an array of CBD-infused products from Nutty Steph’s chocolate hearts to Luce Farm’s CBD honey and even Kimball Brook Farms infused iced teas, this trend is not specific to City Market or even to Vermont. According to Forbes Magazine, “Hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is projected to be a billion-dollar market in just three years…hemp CBD sales have already hit $170 million in 2016 and a 55% compound annual growth rate over the next five years will cause the market to crack the billion-dollar mark.” Clearly, there is a demand for CBD products, but what exactly is this three-letter term that seems to be all the buzz?
We set out to answer this question and others at last week’s special Vermont Restaurant Week edition of The Dish. Joined by panelists from Zenbarn, UVM Extension, Luce Farm, and Elmore Mountain Therapeutics, we dove deep into the world of CBD and hemp. CBD is short for cannabidiol, a compound found in marijuana and hemp plants that is considered “non-psychoactive” with THC levels of less than 0.3%. Research has shown CBD to have anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a natural fit for those looking to treat a variety of issues ranging from epilepsy to anxiety. The panelists themselves shared anecdotes from their own experiences including treating back issues and postpartum anxiety.
As interest in this supplement has grown, so too have innovative uses like infusing beer, coffee, tea, and juice. Noah Fishman from Zenbarn, shared how his business has found its niche by offering CBD-themed events infusing cocktails and food alike. For other businesses looking to incorporate CBD into their products, there are companies like Elmore Mountain Therapeutics, which offers whole plant CBD extract and partners with businesses like Nutty Steph’s and Laughing Moon Chocolates.
For Luce Farm, theirs was a natural progression to the marketing of CBD-infused products as the farm itself grows hemp (one of about 90 growers in the state, registered with the Agency of Agriculture) and offers a CBD honey and CBD coconut oil.
As hemp cultivation gains steam in the state, farmers are exploring opportunities for this versatile crop beyond CBD as hemp can be used for feed, fuel, and fabric. One thing is for certain, though, the growth of CBD represents an opportunity for our agricultural landscape. See below for a current list of our CBD products at City Market and check out the video below for a recap of the Dish discussion!