When American Farmers learned they could plant hemp thanks to changes in the 2018 farm bill, many of them were just discovering the nature of the plant and the crops it could produce. Without the processing infrastructure, however, most of the useful things made from hemp required much more than simply planting a field of hemp. The domestic market for hemp at that point was relatively small, consisting of a few niche companies importing hemp from countries with established hemp industries. As farmers and investors researched the opportunity of hemp farming in America, they learned that growing for CBD was the most lucrative legal option available.When planting time came around over 500,000 acres of hemp were planted, mostly for CBD. Similar to Tetrahydrocannabiniol (THC), the psychoactive plant, Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-intoxicating plant, is a sticky resin that is secreted by glands (called trichomes) on the stems, leaves and the outside of some cannabis sativa (hemp) flowers. It’s primary purpose for the plant is protecting the flower and any developing seeds from insects and herbivores. CBD is useful for a wide range of conditions and has exploded in popularity. CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that’s been overshadowed by the stigma of psychoactive THC for generations. As medical cannabis applications evolved, many people wanted to overcome the stigma of plant medicine. Developing a predictable, safe and effective product from a skunky green flower was a challenge but as laws changed and laboratories began to test and analyze the flowers, things changed a lot. With non-intoxicating effects, plants producing CBD were practically bred out of existence by cannabis growers striving for a strong psychoactive effect. As analytical labs tested and reported their findings, some growers sought the rare CBD-producing varieties to diversify their options. CBD-rich plants were sampled for a wide range of conditions and many patients found relief that regular cannabis didn’t provide. Those who saw its healing powers knew it had a high potential to benefit many people and a grassroots effort sprouted up to expand its availability. Cannabidiol finally started to become a sought-after product in 2013 when CNN aired a documentary featuring Charlotte Figi and a syringe of CBD. Charlotte had a rare condition called dravet syndrome that resulted in multiple seizures and no medications were working. After exhausting other options, Charlotte’s mother tried CBD oil and reduced seizures from 300 per week to two to three per month. In honor of Charlotte, the growers renamed their high-CBD strain “Charlotte’s Web,� and expanded their operations to help others in need with their high-CBD cannabis oil. With Charlotte’s help, Charlotte’s Web oil became more available and continues to be known as a safe, non-intoxicating alternative to typical cannabis, and a possible alternative to ineffective treatments. As the supply grew, so did the known benefits. Patients with a wide range of conditions started trying CBD and many found relief. Still mostly relegated to the shelves of marijuana dispensaries, CBD options usually contained at least a small amount of THC and those benefiting usually also had their weed stash nearby. Many people found that a small amount of CBD would help their cannabis provide a greater level of relief while using less. With the passage of the 2018 Farm bill, the logistics of CBD production changed drastically. Moving from climate-controlled lighted warehouses to large sunny fields, production costs decreased dramatically. Instead of following all of the restrictive regulations designed for marijuana growers, hemp farmers growing for CBD just had to make sure their plants produced less than 3% THC. Finding strains with ultra-low THC was a challenge at first, but cannabis breeders with controlled environments quickly took advantage of the dioecious annual nature of cannabis sativa and re-created some of the most popular cannabis varieties rich in CBD instead of psychoactive THC. After living in the shadows of the cannabis industry, CBD has created a place for itself on countless stores shelves. Depending on where you shop, CBD is available in capsules, gummies, tinctures, oils, flowers, and many other forms. It’s useful to help with pain, inflammation, digestion, anxiety, sleep, and countless other conditions. Some people find that a combination of CBD and THC are more effective than either by itself. With such a broad range of formulations and conditions, it can be a challenge to find the best way to benefit from CBD. As the hemp industry grows, other special cannabinoids like CBD will come along and countless people will be able to live a better life because of their benefits. The story of CBD’s rapid rise in popularity is just a small preview of the potential of hemp and it’s ability to heal people, the earth, and the soil that it grows in. Hemp is here to stay and is ready to be used in many many ways! Chris Conway is a long-time Hemp advocate from Topanga. He has worked on reform campaigns, consulted farmers, and advised patients on the best ways to grow, process, and utilize hemp, CBD and cannabis. He is excited to see the expansion of the hemp industry to help heal humans and the planet.