American consumers have significantly increased their use of CBD products

The concept of amending the current regulatory framework is presented, according to which in Ukraine in 2021 it will be possible to use the leaves and inflorescences of technical hemp of therapeutic orientation for industrial purposes (food, cosmetic preparations, food / feed / biologically active additives, etc.) ... The foundation of the above concept is the breeding and registration of therapeutic hemp varieties in our country, the leaves and inflorescences of which have tremendous therapeutic properties.

With the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and the US presidential election, it should come as no surprise that the level of anxiety among American consumers is sky-high. In particular, “concern” became one of the drivers of growth in the market for goods containing non-drug cannabinoids in the United States in 2020. Specifically, according to a June study by a Chicago-based analyst firm, at least 20% of consumers use more non-drug cannabinoid products as a response to the stress their psyche is exposed to in 2020. It is emphasized that it is the normalization of the psychophysical state that is observed in drug-free cannabinoid users that will be one of the main incentives for the above products to be actively used even after the end of the COVID 19 pandemic.

In particular, in the course of the study, it was found that in the administrative-territorial units of the United States, in which there is the possibility of legal use of the therapeutic properties of the hemp plant, every fifth consumer indicates that they purchase more products containing drug-free cannabinoids in their composition during the period pandemics. More than half (55%) of the respondents said that despite the deterioration of their financial situation, the number of purchased goods containing non-drug cannabinoids did not change. The findings indicate that American consumers spend an average of about $ 900 per year on hemp products with significant therapeutic potential, with the largest spending on cosmetics, food, beverages, or hemp flowers. Consumers of products containing non-drug cannabinoids use the above products daily and 88% use them several times a week. 

The main reasons for using products containing non-drug cannabinoids are:

•  pain relief (58%);

•  anxiety (58%);

•  relaxation (48%);

•  sleep (37%);

•  general well-being (30%).

US cannabis market analysts argue that as the coronavirus pandemic continues, the underlying reasons for consuming drugs containing drug-free cannabinoids are becoming more pressing as consumers seek ways to cope with growing stress and anxiety. In particular, research by the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that more than 53% of adults say that the coronavirus pandemic has a negative impact on their mental health and well-being, more than a third of adults reported regularly showing symptoms of anxiety in recent times (in some US states, the number of prescriptions for drugs for anxiety increased by 34%).

Researchers in the course of the conducted surveys found that in June 2020, consumers of cannabinoid products agreed with the statement:

•  “I feel more stress during a pandemic than before” - 68% of respondents;

•  “I buy more foods and supplements that increase immunity in order to improve my health” - 42% of respondents.

Commentary of experts of the Association "Ukrainian technical hemp"

Analysis of the national market for the use of hemp products suggests that during 2020 the number of hemp products purchased by Ukrainian consumers that have significant therapeutic properties has increased significantly compared to 2019. Unfortunately, most of the products on the market are of extremely dubious quality and those whose formulations include drug-free cannabinoids not of plant, but of synthetic origin (much cheaper). We can talk about the emerging market of goods in Ukraine, which include drug-free cannabinoids, however, unfortunately, the lack of the necessary regulatory framework does not allow national hemp companies to work in this highly liquid market. That is why the specialists of the specialized association of Ukrainian cannabis growers presented the concept of amending the current regulatory and legal framework, according to which in Ukraine, already in 2021, it will be possible to use the leaves and inflorescences of therapeutic hemp for industrial purposes in front of the state structures responsible for the implementation of policy in this matter. (food, cosmetics, food / feed / dietary supplements, etc.). The basis of the above concept is the breeding and registration of therapeutic hemp varieties in our country, the leaves and inflorescences of which have tremendous therapeutic properties.