It has now been several years since hemp-based products were made legal on a federal level. Since that moment, countless products have made their way to store shelves across the country. While CBD continues to hold the largest share of the market, other cannabinoids like CBG and THCA have grown in popularity. With so much attention shifting toward these minor cannabinoids, many are beginning to ask whether CBD is still relevant in today’s market.
Researchers have continued their work on this cannabinoid, expanding scientific understanding and uncovering new ways it may benefit wellness. These new discoveries are helping breathe fresh life into the CBD industry by giving consumers updated reasons to incorporate CBD into their everyday routines.
New Discoveries About CBD’s Effects on the Nervous System
A review published in a 2025 issue of Biochemical Pharmacology explored how CBD interacts with the 5-HT1A receptor. This review examined existing research on how CBD binds to this specific receptor and the potential impact that interaction has on the body.
The 5-HT1A receptor is located in the nervous system and plays a role in regulating mood and signaling. According to a 2013 study on the receptor, it is described as a major inhibitory G-protein coupled receptor that exists in two primary populations in the nervous system—autoreceptors and heteroreceptors. These receptors help regulate various signaling pathways through their connection to Gi/Go proteins.
In the 2025 review, researchers concluded that CBD may trigger desensitization of the 5-HT1A receptor. This effect could explain CBD’s potential neuroprotective and antidepressant benefits. However, the study also pointed out that these effects appear to depend on the dosage used, highlighting the importance of serving size when using CBD products.
New Insight Into How CBD is Processed by the Body
In January 2025, researchers released findings that provide new insight into how our diet influences the way CBD is absorbed by the body. The study involved 12 adults ranging from 18 to 60 years old who were given CBD capsules containing 70mg of CBD about thirty minutes after consuming a high-fat meal.
The research revealed that consuming CBD with food, especially meals high in fat, greatly improves its bioavailability. The study emphasized that healthcare providers and consumers should consider the importance of taking CBD with food in order to achieve more consistent and effective results.
While the number of participants in this study was small, these early findings help broaden our understanding of how CBD works within the body. They also point to the importance of being mindful of how and when hemp-derived cannabinoid products are consumed to maximize their potential benefits.
New Discoveries About CBD’s Response to Heat Exposure
It is already well understood that THCA converts to Delta THC when exposed to heat through the process of decarboxylation. However, a study released in February 2025 brings fresh insight into how CBD responds to high-temperature extraction methods. This new research helps clarify how heat impacts CBD, expanding the scientific community’s knowledge about this widely used cannabinoid.
The research states that the degree to which CBD transforms is significantly influenced by the moisture content of the hemp being processed. The study emphasizes that these findings are valuable not only for hemp analysis and the ongoing research into hemp metabolism but also for improving the quality of functional foods that contain CBD.
The Continued Importance of CBD
CBD continues to maintain its relevance despite the growing attention other cannabinoids have received in recent years. New studies like this one help advance our understanding of how CBD can be used in both medical and scientific fields. The evolving research surrounding CBD keeps opening new possibilities for how it may benefit consumers and industries alike.
Ongoing research plays a critical role in shaping what we know about hemp and its potential. As these studies progress, they unlock new opportunities that were previously unknown, paving the way for future innovations and applications of this remarkable plant.