In today’s world, CBD products are becoming more mainstream than they’ve ever been before, and Gen Z might have much to do with that. According to Forbes and Bloomberg, Gen Z consumers are twice as likely to use CBD than the national average. 

CBD consumption is not exclusive to Gen Z. What is different about this audience is that “unlike their Gen X or Boomer parents, Gen Z shoppers have only known a time where hemp is edging toward acceptance,” Bloomberg states. In fact, California voted to legalize CBD’s medical use in 1996, one year before the birth of the oldest Gen Z consumers.

But with all the hype surrounding it, CBD strikes the curiosity of many people. What is CBD? What does it do for users? Is it legal? And why are so many turning to it?

What Is CBD? How Is It Made?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, a derivative of the hemp plant. Many people wrongfully associate CBD with the infamous “high” that is stereotypical of other hemp-derived products. However, CBD mostly lacks THC, the psychoactive component of the plant. Users of CBD have claimed that they enjoy the various health benefits from the products due to how CBD reacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS  receives and translates signals from cannabinoids and even produces some of its own, called endocannabinoids. The ECS helps to regulate functions such as sleep, immune-system responses, and pain.

There are three main ways to extract CBD from the hemp plant — alcohol, oil, and supercritical CO2 extraction.

1. Alcohol extraction involves steeping parts of the hemp plant in a high- or pure-alcohol solution. The mixture is then heated, resulting in the cannabinoids being drawn out of the plant material and into the liquid.
2. Oil extraction is similar in that the plant parts are fully submerged in edible oil, such as olive, coconut, or grapeseed oil. 
3. Supercritical CO2 extraction is a bit more complicated than the other methods. CO2, or carbon dioxide, is super-cooled and used to dissolve the CBD out of the plant material. 

Reason Behind Gen Z Turning to CBD Products

According to Live Science, one reason CBD is becoming more socially acceptable might be that “CBD products that don’t contain THC fall outside the scope of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) Controlled Substances Act, which means CBD products are legal to sell and consume as long as they don’t have THC.” Forbes reported in 2016 that CBD products are expected to be a $2.2 billion industry by 2020.

However, the main reason behind Gen Z and other users turning to CBD products are because they may help promote feelings of ease, support wellness routines, and help with soothing and easing stress. Much research is still being done to find out more information about how CBD may help support wellness and soothe users.

The Most Popular CBD Products In the USA

CBD products are available in dozens of forms, but among the most popular CBD products are gummies, oils, and beverages. There are also many different CBD brands out there, but the best ones sell CBD products containing the most natural form of cannabidiol available. Green Roads is one such brand. It uses the supercritical CO2 method of extraction to produce some of the best CBD products.

When choosing CBD products, it’s also important to know about CBD terpenes. These are essential oils responsible for the aromas, flavors, and colors of plants, including hemp. According to Green Roads, terpenes “also determine how a particular strain will affect your body and mind, thus having a direct effect on your whole CBD experience.”

The best CBD brands stand by their products and ensure that are pharmacist formulated, sourced from hemp grown in the USA, and independently lab-tested for quality assurance and safety.

CBD Gummies

CBD gummies are an increasingly popular option for CBD consumption because, in general, the edibles taste better than the oils. That’s because CBD gummies are often fruit-flavored and come in sour or sweet varieties, much like candy. For example, Green Roads’ CBD Gummy Bears each contains 10mg of CBD — and they come in assorted flavors.

CBD Oils

CBD oils are among the most popular form of CBD. The CBD is suspended in edible oil and is typically taken by placing a certain amount under the tongue for at least 30 seconds before swallowing. CBD oils usually come in different strengths and serving sizes, and many CBD brands offer oils ranging from 100mg to 3500mg per bottle.

CBD Beverages

If you didn’t know before that you can enjoy a coffee or tea infused with CBD, you know now. CBD can be infused with many different beverages. It is another way for consumers that are more sensitive to the bittersweet taste of CBD to enjoy its benefits. You can buy CBD-infused coffee — both caffeinated and decaf — as well as CBD-infused tea. 

Need More Help? 

While CBD and many other supplements rise in popularity, it is important to make sure that you choose reputable CBD companies. It is also worth noting that not every type of CBD will work for everybody. Some people wish to take CBD for anxiety, others for sleep, and some for pain. Read as many reviews as possible before making a purchase; this site does CBD research, which gives you the details you need on multiple brands. The more information you have, the more of an informed choice you can make when it comes to your CBD choices.