Food, beverage and other consumer goods companies have been trying to figure out how to capitalize on growing interest in ingredients like CBD. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that offer an extra something, like increased energy or better gut health. CBD may fit the bill: Some studies suggest the CBD can help treat inflammation, pain, anxiety and seizures. Carl's Jr. isn't promoting any possible functional benefits of CBD, Trevino said.Carl's Jr. is hoping to please their customers, whom Trevino said tend to be interested in new trends. It's also chasing "future Carl's Jr. customers that are younger," said Trevino. "They are more open to different flavors of products," as well as benefits trendy ingredients may offer.The chain first decided to explore CBD in January, after introducing a product based on another trend. Earlier this year, the chain announced a plant-based alternative to its signature burger in partnership with Beyond Meat."I was sitting down with our head chef Owen Klein, and we were talking about trends," Trevino said. After the Beyond Meat launch, they came up with a wish list that included a CBD product. "We looked at ourselves and said, you know what, let's try."