It’s been several years since hemp-based products became legal on the federal level, and in that time, thousands of products have emerged on store shelves across the country. While CBD continues to hold the largest share of the market, other cannabinoids such as CBG and THCA have started gaining attention from consumers looking for alternative wellness solutions. With this increased interest in minor cannabinoids, many have started to question whether CBD is still worth using or if it has already peaked in relevance.
Fortunately for the CBD industry, ongoing scientific research continues to reveal more about this well-known cannabinoid, offering new insight into how it can support wellness routines. These findings not only reaffirm the value of CBD but also highlight new reasons for consumers to keep it as part of their daily regimen.
New Scientific Insights Into CBD’s Effects on the Nervous System
One of the most exciting pieces of recent research was published in a 2025 edition of Biochemical Pharmacology. In this review, researchers explored the interaction between CBD and the 5-HT1A receptor, an important receptor in the human nervous system. This review outlined the way CBD binds to this receptor and how that interaction may influence bodily functions.
The 5-HT1A receptor is a key player in the nervous system, recognized for its role in regulating mood and other neurological processes. A 2013 study previously described the 5-HT1A receptor as a major inhibitory G-protein coupled receptor subtype that exists in two primary forms within the nervous system. These forms, known as autoreceptors and heteroreceptors, work by coupling to proteins that influence multiple signaling pathways within the body.
According to the 2025 review, researchers found that CBD can promote desensitization of the 5-HT1A receptor. This desensitization is linked to potential neuroprotective and antidepressant effects, which gives CBD even more appeal for those seeking mental and emotional wellness support. However, the review also noted that these effects are influenced by the serving size of CBD, meaning the benefits may vary depending on how much is consumed.
New Insights on CBD Absorption
A recent study published in January 2025 revealed that what we eat can affect how our bodies absorb CBD. In this research, 12 adults between the ages of 18 and 60 were given CBD capsules containing 70mg of CBD about thirty minutes after consuming a high-fat meal.
The findings of the study suggest that healthcare providers and CBD users should understand that taking CBD with food can significantly improve how much the body absorbs. The researchers also noted that taking CBD with meals may help people achieve more consistent and effective results.
While the number of participants was small, these early results add valuable information to what we already know about CBD’s interaction with the human body. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of timing and diet when using hemp-derived cannabinoid products.
New Understanding of How Heat Affects CBD
It has long been established that THCA converts into Delta THC when exposed to heat through a process known as decarboxylation. However, a study published in February 2025 offers new insights into how CBD responds to high-temperature extraction. This research broadens the scientific community’s knowledge of how this cannabinoid changes when subjected to heat.
The study concluded that the degree of CBD transformation is heavily influenced by the moisture content of the hemp being extracted. The authors noted that these results are valuable not only for hemp analysis and research into hemp metabolism but also for improving products like functional foods that contain CBD.
Why CBD Remains Important
CBD continues to play a vital role in both scientific research and consumer products. Recent studies have expanded what we know about this cannabinoid, revealing new ways it can be applied in medical and scientific fields. Although other cannabinoids have gained attention in recent years, CBD remains a major player with unique benefits.
Research like the findings discussed above is crucial to advancing our overall understanding of hemp. Each new discovery brings fresh opportunities to unlock solutions that were previously out of reach, keeping CBD firmly relevant in ongoing cannabis research and product development.