What’s Making Cannabis the New Trend in the Wellness Business?
Cannabis—once a taboo topic reserved for hushed conversations—is now front and center in the wellness world.
Yoga studios are hosting cannabis-infused meditation sessions, luxury spas are offering CBD massages, and cannabis is even making its way into social wellness spaces.
So, what’s behind this surge in popularity? Here, we’ll dive into the key factors that are fueling the cannabis boom in the wellness industry.
Factors Driving the Cannabis Boom in the Wellness Industry
The cannabis boom in the wellness business isn’t happening by accident. Rather, it’s driven by several factors that are reshaping the industry:
1. Legalization of Adult-Use Cannabis
Though cannabis use predates Christianity, it has been legalized for recreational use only recently.
For starters, legalization removed much of the stigma surrounding cannabis. It’s no longer just about getting high. Rather, it has now become a legitimate tool for wellness—whether you’re looking to relax, manage pain, or improve sleep.
The U.S. News & World Report informs that 24 states, including California, along with D.C., Washington, and Guam, have legalized cannabis.
Even Indiana, though it has restrictive cannabis laws, is bordered by several states that have approved the drug for recreational use.
Three of its neighbors—Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio—have legalized recreational cannabis use. As a result, several dispensaries have opened doors for cannabis enthusiasts. These dispensaries sell a wide range of products, such as topicals, edibles, extracts, and flowers, notes Vibe.
Now, if someone wants to buy cannabis for stress relief or pain management, they can get it at a recreational dispensary near the Indiana border.
As more and more dispensaries pop up, it’s easier than ever to get cannabis products tailored to wellness needs.
2. Celebrities Advocating for Cannabis Use
Big-name celebs are helping to erase the stigma around cannabis use and spark mainstream acceptance.
We aren’t just talking about Snoop Dogg. He is well-known for cannabis use. But there are many more who have been vocal about cannabis use, particularly products high in CBD.
Jennifer Aniston is a prominent name. The American actress used CBD for managing stress and anxiety. Kim Kardashian West is also a huge fan of CBD and uses it whenever she feels overwhelmed. Kristen Bell, known for Frozen, uses CBD oil whenever stressed.
While sharing their experience, celebrities are normalizing cannabis use and fostering discussions about its benefits.
3. Demand for Natural Remedies
The wellness world has seen a massive shift toward natural, plant-based remedies, and cannabis fits perfectly into this trend.
For years, many have been frustrated by the side effects and dependency risks tied to traditional medications. Whether it’s prescription painkillers or anti-anxiety meds, people are seeking options that work with their bodies, not against them. And cannabis delivers on that promise.
CBD, for instance, is non-psychoactive and offers relaxation, pain relief, and improved sleep without the foggy head or risk of addiction. Meanwhile, THC, the psychoactive part of cannabis, is gaining popularity in low, controlled doses for its therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief.
Key Areas Where Cannabis is Making an Impact in the Wellness World
Here are key areas where cannabis is making an impact in the wellness world:
1. Stress and Anxiety Relief
The rise-and-grind ethos of hustle culture has left many people feeling overwhelmed, burned out, and anxious. With endless to-do lists and little downtime, managing stress has become a priority—and cannabis is stepping in as a natural solution.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led team of researchers has found that the chemical—d-limonene—found in cannabis significantly reduces feelings of panic and anxiety.
An article published in The Hill informed that many Americans consume cannabis to relax after a long day or to manage anxiety.
2. Pain Management
Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp stab, pain is an unpleasant emotional and sensory experience. It interferes with daily life and can result in depression and anxiety, says the Cleveland Clinic.
Cannabis offers quick relief without the risks associated with traditional painkillers like opioids. It’s no wonder gaining recognition as a natural and effective way to manage pain.
A recent feature of Medscape revealed that chronic pain is by far the number one reason patients take medical cannabis. In fact, a new study has found that Cannabis sativa terpenes were just as potent at reducing chronic neuropathic pain as morphine minus the negative side effects.
Even athletes use cannabis to help manage pain, inflammation, and muscle soreness associated with intense exercise. Star athletes like Calvin Johnson and Conor McGregor are examples.
3. Skin Health
Skincare enthusiasts, rejoice! Cannabis is making waves in the beauty world, too.
The substance can inhibit and repair damage from ultraviolet A radiation. Another study suggests that a cannabis extract—cannabinoid PHEC-66—can help treat skin melanoma cancer. It can potentially decelerate melanoma cells’ growth and increase the rate at which these cells die.
CBD also boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can soothe redness, calm acne, and even slow signs of aging.
So, Should You Jump on the Bandwagon?
If you’ve been curious about trying cannabis as part of your wellness routine, now might be the perfect time.
Whether you’re looking to de-stress, manage pain, or improve your skincare game, you will find a cannabis product that fits your needs. Just start small and choose reputable brands that provide third-party lab testing for their products.
