Not all CBD is created equal, and the origin story of a CBD brand often influences its philosophy. Here’s how authentic wellness pioneers differ from opportunistic trend-chasers:
What makes a CBD brand truly authentic?
Wellness-centric CBD brands (early adopters) typically have a health mission. They were founded to help people by unlocking CBD’s benefits, often inspired by personal or patient experiences.
Later trend-driven brands mostly saw dollar signs in the CBD craze—their goal was to ride the trend, not lead a wellness revolution.
Education and Customer Guidance
Early adopters invest in educating customers about cannabinoids, proper usage, and realistic expectations. They act as consultants and guides, reflecting their roots in the wellness community.
In contrast, many opportunistic sellers provide minimal guidance—a smoke shop might sell CBD without any instructions beyond the label.
The lack of education by latecomers led to widespread misconceptions (e.g., “CBD works instantly for everyone” or “all CBD is the same”), which genuine brands then had to correct.
Quality and Transparency
Pioneer brands set high standards from day one—using:
âś” Organic or locally grown hemp
âś” COâ‚‚ extraction
âś” Third-party lab testing for potency and purity
âś” Making lab results accessible
They understood that trust is everything when introducing a new supplement.
Trend-driven brands often cut corners: some sourced the cheapest hemp or even imported untested CBD isolate. Packaging might omit details or make dubious claims.
This discrepancy became so serious that by 2019, the market was “flooded with products of questionable quality” due to lack of regulations—giving unscrupulous brands free rein to ignore safety.
Authentic brands worked hard to differentiate themselves by maintaining premium quality, even as cheaper competitors undercut prices.
Brand Positioning: Wellness vs. Hype
Wellness-first brands usually market CBD as a supplement or natural remedy, avoiding flashy, drug-like imagery. Their messaging focuses on balance, relief, and well-being.
Opportunistic brands often leaned into trendiness—using buzzwords and fringe marketing (like pot leaves, neon colors, or exaggerated claims to grab attention).
By 2019, some beauty and food products just slapped “CBD” on the label to capitalize on the hype (CBD mascara and CBD lattes, anyone?).
Serious CBD companies cringe at these gimmicks, as they damage the industry’s credibility.
Long-Term Commitment vs. Quick Exit
The early adopters are in it for the long haul. They weathered uncertain legal times and built trust with loyal customers who return for consistent quality.
Many of the fly-by-night CBD brands from the boom are already gone.
Industry analysts predicted an “extinction event” where up to two-thirds of CBD brands could fail once the initial surge cooled off.
By 2021, the number of CBD brands had already dropped significantly from its 2019 peak. The ones surviving and thriving tend to be those with genuine product quality and brand trust—aligned with the wellness-focused ethos that started it all.
Pioneering vs. Following – Why It Matters
The history of CBD’s retail adoption shows a clear pattern:
• Pioneers laid the groundwork
• Opportunists rode the wave
Brands like CBD Nature Wellness entered early, in 2017, when CBD was still emerging.
They treated CBD as a wellness supplement, requiring careful education to introduce it responsibly to consumers. They worked with healthcare professionals and focused on education and trust.
This contrasts sharply with the post-2018 wave of retailers who jumped in just for the profits, often with little regard for consumer experience.
Why This Matters for Consumers
Not all CBD brands are equal. Some built the industry, while others created confusion and skepticism.
Early adopters had no safety net of public acceptance. They had to establish credibility while most consumers still said, “CBD-what?”.
Today, CBD is everywhere, and the market is maturing. The initial stigma is fading, as consumers become more educated and bad actors are exposed.
Now, more people recognize that CBD can be a legitimate wellness tool—but only from reputable sources.
The difference between an authentic wellness-based CBD brand and a trend-chaser is clear:
âś” Product quality
âś” Honest messaging
âś” Consumer trust
CBD Nature Wellness’s story—starting in 2017, sticking to wellness principles, and maintaining integrity through the CBD boom—exemplifies the path of the authentic pioneer.
By examining the journey from fringe to mainstream, we can appreciate the pioneers’ contributions and better discern which CBD brands are truly reliable.
In an industry that grew 562% in one year, the brands that led with integrity—rather than hype—are the ones still standing today.