The global CBD market was valued at USD 19 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow by 16 percent annually until 2030. This rapid growth highlights the need to examine the complicated history of cannabis as a commercial product, which serves as a warning for today’s market.
CBD, a cannabis-derived product, is often referred to as “the wonder drug of our age.” It promises health benefits without the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis. Today, consumers can find CBD in various products, including juices, coffee, truffles, and ice cream, all marketed to help with issues such as anxiety and insomnia.
However, there are concerns about safety. In the UK and EU, CBD products fall under “novel foods” regulations rather than pharmaceutical standards, meaning they do not undergo the same rigorous safety and quality checks as drugs. The UK’s Committee on Toxicology has raised alarms about potential health risks, including liver injury, prompting the Food Standards Agency to issue safety guidance.
The regulatory issues faced today echo those of the 19th century when cannabis was widely commercialized by the food industry. In the 1830s, Irish doctor William Brooke O’Shaughnessy found that cannabis could effectively treat muscle spasms and stomach cramps. French psychiatrist Jacques-Joseph Moreau explored its potential for mental health treatment, leading many doctors of that era to promote cannabis as a universal remedy.
Before long, cannabis became a common ingredient in patent medicines. However, its use wasn’t limited to pharmacies; it also found its way into food products. Interestingly, this shift was not initiated by the food industry but stemmed from efforts in Sweden to combat tuberculosis, a leading cause of death across various social classes at that time.
Paul Petter Waldenstrom, a leader of the Swedish Mission Covenant, wrote a letter to Svenska Morgonbladet about a woman who was reportedly cured of tuberculosis by consuming a homemade gruel made from hempseed, rye flour, and milk. His endorsement of this remedy made “Waldenstrom gruel” popular, prompting many to create their own versions.
Recognizing a business opportunity, entrepreneur J. Barthelson developed a powdered commercial version called Extrait Cannabis. He marketed it as a dietary remedy for tuberculosis, chest diseases, and fatigue. As the demand for such products increased, competitors quickly adopted similar tactics, sometimes using fear-based marketing to convince consumers they risked their health without these remedies.
One of the most notable cannabis-infused products of that time was Maltos-Cannabis, a blend of maltose and cannabis marketed by the Red Cross Technical Factory as both a nutritious beverage and a health solution.
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