Researchers aim to Build Credibility for CBD Products Following Shift in Regulations
The cost of medical expenses can pile up very quickly for some. According to a survey conducted by Eventbrite, an average American spends approximately USD 199 each month on self-medication. In total, a typical American can spend upwards of USD 143,280 in their lifetime to treat themselves. Self-medicating is considered purchasing an over-the-counter (OTC) drug to treat a simple condition like headaches or a common cold. However, often times, medical attention is required for more severe cases. Certain therapies and treatments can cost thousands of dollars, potentially even hundreds of thousands depending on the severity of the condition. For instance, treatment of epilepsy (VNS therapy) in the U.S. can cost as much as USD 20,000, which includes implants and a surgical procedure. However, the cost of the surgery can vary throughout parts of the U.S. and can increase over time, according to the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago. Due to the rising costs of medical treatments, researchers and medical institutions have sought out alternatives to offer consumers cheaper options. Notably, cannabis has become a popular alternative within the healthcare marketplace, as specifically, CBD or cannabidiol is being leveraged across global markets because of its therapeutic benefits. Researchers have discovered that CBD can effectively be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and even epilepsy. Remarkably, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first-ever cannabis-based drug in 2018, Epidiolex, which is used to treat Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a form of epilepsy common among children. However, the FDA explicitly stated that more positive and large-scale clinical trials are required before the agency can approve more cannabis-based treatments. And as a result, scientists and researchers are now undergoing vigorous trials to uncover the efficacy of CBD. According to data compiled by Acumen Research and Consulting, the global cannabidiol market is projected to reach a market value of USD 22 Billion by 2026. Additionally, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 33% over the forecast period from 2019 to 2026. Pressure BioSciences, Inc. (OTC: PBIO), Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZYNE), Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: NEPT) (TSX: NEPT), Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SRNE), iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. (OTC: ITHUF) (CSE: IAN)