Month: March 2024

When assessing the long-term viability of the cannabinoid market, it’s natural to turn to Europe. Classically conservative in its economic outlook, the European bloc is hard to sway in favor of trends.

Innovations of genuine value, though, are inevitably brought within the fold of European daily life. It’s no wonder that Europeans are clamoring for cannabinoids, but it’s also understandable that growth is hampered by various factors.

For deeper insight into the evolving European cannabinoid industry, we turn to a recent report published by Prohibition Partners. Then, we’ll unpack our expertise in the European region to provide advice for entrepreneurs aspiring to evangelize cannabinoids on the continent.

The latest Prohibition Partners data

Cannabis market researcher Prohibition Partners regularly releases new reports on the international cannabis industry, one of the latest being titled The European Cannabis Report: 7th Edition¹ — free for download on the firm’s website. In this report, everyone from industry CEOs to cannabis activists weigh in on the current status of European cannabinoids, providing honest, multifaceted analysis.

Overview of an evolving European market

Beginning with comments on how LEDs are making the European cannabis industry greener and more efficient, Prohibition Partners goes on to detail its methods in compiling the report before turning to expert interviews and initial takeaway points. The interview section is rife with jargon like “becoming more diverse” and “democratizing,” but once Prohibition Partners gets into its factual analysis, the focus tightens.

Medical cannabis remains the main system by which cannabinoids are dispensed in Europe. Prohibition Partners expects this branch of the European cannabinoid industry to grow from €354 million in 2022 to €2.3 billion in 2026.

Turning to CBD, Prohibition Partners notes that the European Commission has moved forward with plans to make it possible for certain CBD products to be regulated as food. If these efforts are successful, many smaller producers will likely be shuttered, triggering consolidation into the hands of more-capable, larger companies.

Growth to remain steady during a consolidation period

Getting into the raw data, here’s what Prohibition Partners predicts for the next few years of overall revenue in European CBD:

– 2022: €3.05bn

– 2023: €3.39bn

– 2024: €3.47bn

– 2025: €3.43bn

– 2026: €3.44bn

At a glance, these predictions could indicate that the European CBD industry is heading for a period of stagnation. Deeper analysis reveals a different picture, however.

Continuing its analysis, Prohibition Partners first notes that the European stance toward CBD is fragmented. Each country has its own views on the cannabinoid — both socially and in a legislative sense. CBD may be widespread and just as widely accepted in the UK, for instance, but it’s often still associated with marijuana just across the Channel in France.

There are promising signs that European regulatory authorities are moving to allow larger brands to consolidate their influence throughout the entirety of the continental bloc, however. In November 2020, for instance, the European Court of Justice ruled that CBD should not be considered a narcotic.

With European regulatory authorities continually moving to mainstream CBD, resistance to the cannabinoid will likely soon gravitate to those nations that generally eschew the EU’s centralized mandates. The most striking exception to this rule is the UK, which has used its independence from the EU to fully embrace CBD more than any other European country.

Exploring regional dynamics

If an overall consolidation of European political power is ever to take place, it won’t occur over the issue of cannabinoid legalization. European countries will continue to go their own way both culturally and in a regulatory sense, so it may be prudent to approach each European culture differently rather than attempt to defragment the continent all by yourself.

In the UK, for instance, full-spectrum CBD is often whole-heartedly embraced despite its THC content. Other European nations, however, are more skeptical of anything related to THC. Instead of attempting to shift their perspectives toward the UK position, respect the stage they’ve achieved in cannabinoid acceptance, and start with isolated extracts.

Ultimately, the only difference between the European and North American cannabinoid markets is the levels of complexity. Just as many (more, in fact) people in Europe want to use CBD and other cannabinoids, it’s just a matter of helping their governments allow equitable access.

US growth provides an EU roadmap

Some commentators take a cursory look at the European cannabinoid market and throw their hands up in despair. How could it be possible for so many countries to agree on how to regulate cannabinoids?

It’s not as if the situation in Europe is entirely unique. The cannabinoid industry faced numerous hurdles and setbacks in the United States, for instance, before becoming the mainstream component of society that it is today. Even in Canada, consumers manage to access cannabinoids in a regulatory climate just as oppressive as the EU’s, so it’s clearly possible for cannabinoids to thrive even under adverse circumstances.

Why are cannabinoids taking longer to take off in Europe, then, and what can we all do to help the industry thrive faster? Those are some of the questions we’ll be exploring in this section.

Cannabinoids becoming mainstream worldwide

The pressure being placed on governments and regulators worldwide to open up on cannabinoids is reaching a boiling point. CBD, CBG, and a whole host of other hemp cannabinoids are now available in the United States, and there have been no related increases in crime, car crashes, or the like.

The example of the United States has proven to the world that there is little to be feared from legalizing hemp cannabinoids. As a result, the government’s reasoning for keeping hemp illegal are becoming increasingly threadbare. It’s only a matter of time before Europe appeases the public and makes access to cannabinoids efficient and streamlined.

Legacy relationships are tantamount

Now is not the era of headlong European expansion. On the contrary, at least a handful of smaller cannabinoid brands fold every day in Europe. The European cannabinoid industry would massively deflate over the next few years if the revenue formerly accrued by smaller CBD companies weren’t already on its way to the hands of more qualified, larger producers.

As regulations regarding cannabinoids in Europe become more sensible, it will become easier for more established operators in the United States and Canada to enter the European market. Since they offer better products at better prices and are easier to work with for suppliers, regulators, and consumers alike, the cannabinoid industry will naturally consolidate under the influence of these competent operators.

Establishing or maintaining relationships with the world’s largest bulk cannabinoid producers will be a vital necessity for operators throughout the European cannabinoid supply chain. As this decade wanes, Europe will open up to the wider world of hemp, providing massive opportunities for those who align with companies that have already acquired coveted industry relationships and access.

Massively untapped potential

The population of Europe is approximately 750 million people. Compare that to the population of the United States, which sits at around 330 million. So, why does a CBD market that is 2.2 times the size of its competitor nonetheless bring in less than the US?

According to a different Prohibition Partners report², the US CBD industry was worth around $4.1 billion in 2022 and will be worth around the same amount in 2026. Changed into US dollars, Prohibition Partners pegs the European CBD industry at $3.2 billion in 2022, swelling to $3.77 billion in 2026.

The positive takeaway is that the European CBD industry will be worth nearly as much as the US CBD industry by 2026. The only difficult part is that the European CBD market is nearly twice the size of its US counterpart. If the US CBD market is worth $4 billion, the EU CBD market would need to be worth $8 billion to be representative.

The dawning decade of European cannabinoids

How will the European cannabinoid industry transform from its current state into a genuine rival of the markets in North America? The key approach for both domestic and foreign operators will be to spend equal time appeasing the EU and reaching out to individual national markets.

The needs and concerns of, say, the Italian CBD shopper could be very different from those of the Irish. European borders shift often throughout history, but cultures and ethnicities remain intact, resulting in a patchwork of cultural values of unsurpassed richness and complexity.

Success stories of individual markets, such as the UK, should be observed in greater detail to glean good ideas. Areas that are currently struggling, such as Germany and the Netherlands, can serve as cautionary tales and areas for improvement.

Cannabis legalization won’t be the issue that makes or breaks European unification. What it does show, however, is that Europe is still a very vibrant and dynamic organism — would-be cannabinoid entrepreneurs will need to study up if they hope to approach this market profitably.

European cannabinoid market FAQ

Dive deeper into the European CBD market in the following FAQ section:

1. What is the EU position on CBD?

The EU does not consider CBD³ to be a narcotic drug. It either considers CBD to be a novel drug or a novel food depending on the product type. So far, the EU has not opined on acceptable THC levels in CBD products, leaving this determination to individual member nations.

2. Is CBD legal in Germany?

Most CBD products are legal in Germany as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC. Certain types of CBD products, however, such as edibles and flower, may not be legal in Germany.

3. Is CBD legal in France?

Yes, CBD is legal in France as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. And, due to a recent court ruling⁴, even CBD flower is now legal in France as well.

4. How big is the CBD market in Europe?

According to the latest Prohibition Partners data, the European CBD industry is worth around €3.39bn. This makes the European CBD market the second-largest in the world next to the US CBD industry.

5. What is the future of CBD in Europe?

The future of the European CBD industry looks bright with both EU and member nation regulators coming together to make rulings on CBD in food and other significant concerns. While growth will not be quite explosive over the coming years, the European cannabinoid market will continue to consolidate and evolve, rewarding responsible companies.

Sources

1. The European Cannabis Report: 7th Edition | Reports | Prohibition Partners. (2022, April 8). Prohibition Partners. https://prohibitionpartners.com/reports/the-european-cannabis-report-7th-edition/

2. Statista. (2022, October 10). CBD product dollars sales in the United States from 2022 to 2026. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1067467/cbd-product-dollar-sales-us/

3. European Food Safety Authority. (2022, June 7). Cannabidiol novel food evaluations on hold pending new data. European Food Safety Authority. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/cannabidiol-novel-food-evaluations-hold-pending-new-data

4. Sabaghi, D. (2023, January 5). France’s Court Overturns Government Ban On Sale Of CBD Flowers. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2023/01/05/frances-court-overturns-government-ban-on-sale-of-cbd-flowers/#:~:text=A%20French%20court%20has%20overturned,strict%20legislation%20in%20recent%20years.

In this CBG Isolate guide, you’ll learn more about the potential uses of our CBG concentrate and why GVB Biopharma is one of the world’s premier producers of this niche bulk ingredient. Cannabigerol (CBG) isolate is an ultra-pure cannabinoid extract that contains greater than 98% CBG. While CBG is similar to cannabidiol (CBD) in many ways, CBG is a distinct molecule with its own set of properties. Accordingly, there is a unique market for CBG products. GVB Biopharma’s CBG isolate can also be combined with other cannabinoid extracts to harness a potential form of cannabinoid synergy, called the entourage effect. This effect is the embodiment of the idea that the sum is greater than its parts. In this effect,  cannabinoid compounds work together to produce a more beneficial effect than when used alone¹.

Since our ultra-pure CBG is in powdered form, it is easy to add bulk CBG to almost any other product type.

To order samples, or learn more about our CBG Isolate click here

What is CBG Isolate?

This isolate is a type of hemp extract that has been purified so that almost all other substances besides CBG have been eliminated. GVB Biopharma’s CBG isolate routinely tests at ~99% purity, making our CBG preparation one of the purest options on the market.

While other forms of CBG extract possess tiny amounts of CBG from low-yielding hemp plants, GVB Biopharma derives its bulk CBG isolate and CBG Distillate from plants that have been bred to contain high levels of cannabigerol.2 Not only is deriving CBG from high-CBG producing plants more efficient and environmentally friendly but also requires less processing.

In GVB Biopharma’s isolate, nearly all traces of compounds other than CBG have been removed from the extract. Furthermore, this powdered extract contains non-detectable levels of THC. There is so little of this intoxicating cannabinoid present that even the most advanced testing equipment cannot detect it. Our CBG preparation does not contain detectable levels of CBD, CBN, CBC, or any of the other cannabinoids.

Now that the CBD market is firmly established, consumers are looking to CBG for variety and its unique properties. Whether you choose to combine our CBG isolate with CBD or other stand-alone cannabigerol products, there are many products consumers are learning to associate with CBG.

Which product types are ideal for CBG isolate?

Our CBG preparation can be used in any product where CBD isolate is currently used. For instance, this powder can be added to tinctures, capsules, and other orally ingested products. CBG is also becoming popular in topical products due to growing awareness of this cannabinoid’s potential for treating pruritus (itchy, dry skin) and inflammatory skin diseases³.

Like other purified cannabinoid products, CBG is easy to work with. Since the isolate is ~99%-pure, it is easy to calculate dosages when formulating CBG products. Our CBG isolate is ideal in products that wish to include the particular benefits of cannabigerol. This bulk ingredient adds value to CBD products due to its synergy with other cannabinoids.

Combining CBD and CBG easily creates products that provide cannabinoid synergy. Purified CBD products generally target consumers who do not wish to consume any THC. However, these products do not provide any entourage effect. By adding CBG, these consumers can enjoy the improved synergy of the combined cannabinoids without any  THC in their product⁴.

Why is GVB Biopharma the best source of bulk CBG isolate?

GVB Biopharma rises above the competition by producing this product from only high-CBG hemp plants. Since our CBG comes from hemp flowers that are already high in CBG, less agricultural space is used and less plant material is wasted, resulting in better, environmentally friendly, less expensive, bulk ingredients.

Our CBG isolate is incredibly pure and sustainably derived, providing better reliability and effectiveness than competing bulk CBG ingredients. In addition, our strict oversight at every stage of production ensures that our bulk CBG isolate meets or exceeds the highest regulatory and compliance standards.

Currently, GVB Biopharma is one of the world’s most popular producers of wholesale purified CBG extract.  We owe our success to rigorous, multi-stage testing, total transparency, and state-of-the-art production processes. Our clients trust us for timely and reliable CBG delivery.  In the following section, we’ll discuss each of the factors that set GVB Biopharma apart from our competitors.

Testing and Quality

All GVB Biopharma products are tested multiple times throughout the production process. First, we test the seeds used to grow our hemp crops to ensure that they meet our purity and quality standards. As our hemp grows and matures, we make regular quality control assessments to ensure that no pesticides or other toxins contaminate our crops.

We test our newly harvested hemp to make sure that our previous quality control measures were accurate. We test the crude extract, derived from our hemp, to ensure that no residual solvents are present. Once THC and the other unnecessary components in this crude extract have been removed, we test our proprietary CBG isolate to ensure that it contains the proper concentration of cannabigerol.

Customers may buy our CBG  and manufacture their own products or allow us to infuse CBG into white-label products that they can bring to market. If you select either of these services, we will test all products for purity and potency prior to shipment.

Very few cannabinoid producers undertake such stringent measures to ensure that their CBG is of high-potency and free of contaminants (like heavy metals). Lab reports are readily available for both our bulk CBG isolate and our pre-made products that contain this CBG concentrate.

Certified Producer

At GVB Biopharma, we proactively seek any and all certifications that may be relevant to our business operations. We were one of the first hemp facilities in Oregon to receive food-grade certification. We also work with local fire marshals to ensure that all of our facilities are compliant with current fire safety standards.

Most importantly, GVB Oregon holds an ISO 9001:2015 certification and NSF International’s Good Manufacturing Practice Registration for dietary supplements. NSF International is a leading certification agency that verifies a manufacturing facility has the proper methods, equipment, facilities, and controls in place to produce dietary supplement products in accordance with the pertinent U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s regulations.

GVB also recently received a Handling certification from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and has started producing Certified Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API).

Each of our certifications demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest possible levels of quality control and quality assurance. Furthermore, we observe all OSHA workplace safety standards and fire code requirements to ensure no hazardous contaminants are present.

Third-party validation is necessary to confirm the purity of our products and the integrity of our organization. Every certification ensures that GVB Biopharma is one of the nation’s most reputable suppliers of CBD isolate, other cannabinoid extracts, and finished products.

Fast Shipping

GVB Biopharma has locations throughout the United States and in the UK. Currently, we are in the process of opening a mainland European office. GVB is also one of the first cannabinoid producers to have a presence in South America, with our Bogata, Colombia location.

Due to the array of facilities we have established around the world, we offer fast shipping services to more nations than nearly all of our competitors. Once you have placed an order with us, you can normally expect fulfillment within 24 hours. We can also use expedited shipping services to make sure your products arrive even faster.

With full tracking for every order, you will never have to wonder about the location of your purchase. Our customer service team is also available if you have any questions about your order.

Easy Reordering

At GVB Biopharma, we impose a 1-kilo minimum on all of our bulk wholesale orders. From your first order, our knowledgeable customer service staff will be standing by to answer all your questions and resolve any possible issues.

You will be supplied with a dedicated customer service contact and we will keep in touch to make sure your order meets your satisfaction. When it’s time to reorder, simply get in touch with your designated GVB Biopharma associate or contact us directly at support@gvbbiopharma.com.

Common CBG isolate FAQs

1. What is CBG Isolate?

It is CBG in its purest form—a pure white powder almost exclusively composed of CBG. At over 98% pure CBG, it has the highest potency of any CBG extract.

2. How do I use CBG isolate?

It can be used on its own for a CBG-centric finished product or added to an existing product formulation to augment its complete cannabinoid profile.

3. CBG Isolate Dosage

Because this CBG extract is nearly pure CBG, it is very easy to accurately calculate its final concentration in any finished product. By consulting your raw material COA for the total amount of CBG, you can easily determine the amount of CBG isolate needed for your finished product formulation.

4. CBG Powder vs Liquid

You can purchase CBG in powder (isolate) or liquid (distillate) form from a reputable supplier. Depending upon the activities you want your finished product to promote or the base of your finished product formulation, you can choose either preparation. Discuss your finished product formulation with your supplier and ask for their advice. They should be able to help you make the best decision.

5. Where can I buy CBG

It’s important to choose a reliable supplier when purchasing any raw cannabinoid product. You can purchase samples of CBG isolate or CBG distillate right here on our website. If you would like to purchase a larger quantity, please call for our wholesale pricing.

6. What can I do with CBG isolate?

This CBG product is a highly versatile raw material with dozens of different potential uses. Like all cannabinoid isolates, our CBG  comes in a simple powderized form that is easy to add to essentially any oil-based product formulation.

Due to its high purity, it’s easy to add the right amount of CBG isolate to your product formulation. However, please do not try to use CBG isolate on its own. Its extraordinary purity and potency require mixing this powdered cannabinoid isolate with other ingredients prior to use.

7. Can CBG isolate be used topically?

No, it is not possible to use this CBG preparation topically without first combining it with other ingredients. Simply by itself, this molecularly homogenous cannabinoid powder does not pass through the layers of your skin, causing any CBG applied topically to be wasted.

If you want to use our concentrated CBG topically, you will need to thoroughly mix it with a topical formulation that is skin-penetrating and effective. It’s possible to do so just by mixing CBG isolate with a standard lotion. However, using a product, formulated specifically to be compatible with CBG, is better.

8. How much CBG isolate should I use?

There are no official guidelines for safe dosing of CBG, so it is impossible to definitively say exactly how much pure CBG you should either ingest or mix into products. Based on anecdotal testimony, doses of 25-50mg CBG  appear to be standard. Most CBG products contain around 500-2000mg CBG overall.

9. What are the benefits of CBG isolate powder?

The primary benefit of CBG isolate powder — the same as any other cannabinoid isolate powder — is its versatility and accessibility.

At the same time, you can add CBG isolate to practically anything. With this cannabinoid increasingly in demand as an addition to CBD, it’s convenient that CBG isolate powder  easily mixes with existing product formulations.

10. What are the negative effects of CBG?

Just as is the case with CBD, CBG very rarely has significant side effects. In some individuals, both cannabinoids can cause symptoms typical of the cannabis plant, including dry mouth, dizziness, sleepiness, or nausea.

It also appears that CBG may have side effects related to its beneficial effect profile. In comparison to CBD, the most commonly reported adverse effects of CBG are digestive discomfort or disruption.

11. Is CBG stronger than CBD?

In terms of experienced effects, most users would agree that CBG is somewhat more intense than CBD. If not necessarily more potent, CBG is simply different from the CBD. It may engage your endocannabinoid receptors in ways CBD does not. Where CBD is relaxing, CBG is energizing. Where CBD makes you feel mellow, CBG makes you engaged. Arguably, the psychoactive effects of CBG may be more intense than those of CBD, but it’s an undeniable fact that neither cannabinoid gets you “high.”

12. What is CBG isolate used for?

This Isolate is generally used to make very simple product formulations or as an addition to existing formulations that contain CBD or another cannabinoid. Compared to forms of CBG extract that contain a full or fuller complement of minor cannabinoids and terpenes, CBG isolate may have fewer applications.

It’s purity and specific actions make CBG isolate attractive for a wide range of different products. CBG isolate alone is often added to tinctures, capsules, and gummies, and, when combined with other cannabinoids, it is commonly used in topicals.

13. Where can I buy CBG crystals in bulk?

The best place to buy purified CBG isolate extract online is GVB Biopharma. With its network of global offices and the most sophisticated extraction and production facilities in the industry, GVB Biopharma is an international leader in the minor cannabinoid market, specializing in a wide range of CBG extracts. Contact us today to bring CBG isolate into your product line.

Add CBG isolate to your product lineup today

A few short years ago, hardly anybody even knew that CBG existed. Today, there is a growing demand for this popular cannabinoid in product types as diverse as topical creams, facial serums, and edible gummies. An increasing number of brands are also starting to add CBG isolate to existing product formulations to boost their potency and beneficial effects.

If you decide to use our bulk CBG isolate, remember that GVB Biopharma is a full-service bulk ingredient and white-label manufacturer. We are always standing by to help you reach your goals. With our unparalleled focus on transparency, quality, and customer service, GVB Biopharma can help you successfully incorporate CBG isolate into your brand.

References

1. 1. Ferber, S. G., Namdar, D., Hen-Shoval, D., Eger, G., Koltai, H., Shoval, G., … & Weller, A. (2020). The “entourage effect”: terpenes coupled with cannabinoids for the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Current Neuropharmacology, 18(2), 87-96.Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/
2. 2. Mishchenko, S., Laiko, I., & Kyrychenko, H. (2021). Breeding of industrial hemp with a high content of cannabigerol by the case of ‘Vik 2020’cultivar. Plant Varieties Studying and Protection, 17(2), 105-112. Retrieved from https://pubag.nal.usda.gov/catalog/7849447
3. 3. Eagleston, L. R., Kalani, N. K., Patel, R. R., Flaten, H. K., Dunnick, C. A., & Dellavalle, R. P. (2018). Cannabinoids in dermatology: A scoping review. Dermatology Online Journal, 24(6). Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/content/qt7pn8c0sb/qt7pn8c0sb.pdf
4. 4. Anokwuru, C. P., Makolo, F. L., Sandasi, M., Tankeu, S. Y., Elisha, I. L., Agoni, C., … & Viljoen, A. (2022). Cannabigerol: a bibliometric overview and review of research on an important phytocannabinoid. Phytochemistry Reviews, 1-25. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11101-021-09794-w