The hemp industry has changed considerably as consumers have become more knowledgeable about cannabinoids and the different ways hemp-derived products can be formulated. While CBD oils and gummies remain popular, topical products have developed into an important category of their own.
One area generating particular interest is the use of CBD topicals among consumers experiencing nerve-related discomfort.
Research in this area remains limited, but it is beginning to provide researchers and consumers with more information. A small randomized, placebo-controlled study involving people with symptomatic peripheral neuropathy, for example, reported improvements in several measures among participants using topical CBD.
For hemp growers, manufacturers and retailers, developments like these demonstrate why responsible research matters. The industry’s long-term growth will depend not only on creating new products but also on understanding where scientific evidence exists—and where additional research is still needed.
A recent look at CBD topicals and nerve pain published by The Marijuana Herald examines some of the existing research while also discussing important limitations consumers should understand.
As the hemp industry matures, responsible companies should welcome this type of scrutiny. Better research can help consumers distinguish between legitimate cannabinoid products and exaggerated marketing claims.