VMCBD 01

OUR PROCESS

Letter from the Editor

fter many months of waiting, we’ve finally arrived. Welcome to the first issue of Vapouround CBD! If you haven’t heard of Vapouround before, we are the global leader in publishing for the e-cigarette industry. We’ve got magazines all over the world in the vape industry and we felt this was the perfect time to bring out a CBD only magaz You’ll see us on the road as we hit up every major trade show in every CBD market. We plan on making stops along the way at wellbeing shows and festivals, and we’ve already signed as media partners for some of the biggest CBD expos around the world. Coinciding with the launch of this brand-new publication edited by yours truly, we are also gearing up to launch our own range of CBD products this spring. We’ll tell you a little about that next time – it’s a all rather exciting! Unless you’re a member of the vape world, you may not have heard of the esteemed Vapouround Awards. We’re hosting the fourth consecutive awards night in Birmingham on May 3, and yes, we have a CBD category. If you think you’ve got the best CBD brand on the market, enter now on the website: vapouroundawards.co.uk With that said, here’s what you can look forward to in this issue. We have CBD news from the UK and a little further afield, plus features on the latest developments in regulations and markets worldwide and a special treat –an interview and photoshoot with the two rugby players who are behind fourfive cbd.

Whether you’re really into this industry and know all things CBD, or this is your first encounter with the wellness product of the moment, we have you covered. If this is your first time, turn to page 82 to learn the basics. Love, R x

DISCLAIMER

This publication and the products shown herein are intended for an 18+ audience. The comments and opinions given by contributors to this publication are not the views of the editor or magazine, un less otherwise stated. The products fea tured in this magazine are not sponsored, were included at the decision of the ed itor / publisher and were not seen or al tered by the suppliers in any way prior to publication. While every effort is made to respect editorial and advertising stand ards, Vapouround cannot accept liability for issues raised or comments made by those featured in this magazine. Should you have a query about the content in this publication, email the editor: roisin@vapouroundcbd.com

Specialising in state of the art bottling technology, all of our machines are engineered to absolute perfection. We understand your need for reliability, durability and an intuitive interface. This is just what we deliver.

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CONTENTS

ISSUE ONE

30 34 38 42 45

NEWS

News in Brief

2018 US Farm Bill

Hemp Pioneer

New Zealand Referendum

Facebook targeting CBD companies Northern Irish Toddler

FEATURES

CBD Entrepreneur

Cover Story

CBD going mainstream? British Hempire CBD and Professional sport Country Spotlight: Switzerland Broad-spectrum CBD products

Ask the Scientist

State of the Nation: UK

CBD Ultra on the UK market

CBD Facts: CBD and drug testing

Latin America

Canopy coming to the UK

CBD: the basics Snoop Dogg invests

91 92 94 96 100 104 105 106 108 109 111 112 113 113

CBD CIRCUIT

First Hemp & CBD show in the UK CBD.io Vape Conventions Europe CBD Expo London Upcoming CBD Events REVIEWS

Usonicig Vladdin FourFiveCBD

Kumaa Enterprises CBD Queen UK-CBDOILS Red Box Mountain Fox Greeneo

WE ROUND UP THE LATEST NEWS AND RESEARCH ON CBD FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

Thirsty Work

One of the largest non-alcoholic beverage companies in the world has announced plans to develop a range of CBD drinks in the US. The company will launch Marley+CBD drinks with Marley Natural, a brand which was launched by Bob Marley’s estate back in 2016. Leading the project is New Age Beverages CEO Brent Willis, who is a former Coca-Cola and Anheuser-Busch InBev executive. He says CBD is, “one of the biggest opportunities to hit the consumer goods industry in years.”

New Age Beverages has become one of the fastest growing beverage manufacturers worldwide, recently reaching a stock value of $400 million.

Did you know?

We love research! And according to The Brightfield Group, the global CBD industry is set to reach $2.2 billion (just under £2 billion) by 2020. We’ll have some of that, thank you.

Pop-up shop

More evidence (if you needed it) of CBD becoming more mainstream and, well, socially acceptable, is London’s newest pop-up shop. Recently opened on the King’s Road, Chelsea it stocks everything from supplements to fancy skincare, mints, gummies and tinctures. Not shopping in Chelsea anytime soon? Check out thedrug.store to shop online.

‘Paid tha cost to be tha Boss’

Snoop Dogg’s company Casa Verde Capital has invested in a financial technology firm in Sweden. The US rapper, who is known to take an interest in CBD companies, also appears in a marketing campaign for the fintech company Klarna Bank. Read more on pages 86 & 87.

Get involved

A Californian non-profit founded by two journalists is asking CBD users to participate in their online survey into the many uses of CBD. The data collected will track the use and impact of CBD providing “real-time results,” according to the website. To take the survey, go to projectcbd.org/ cbd-research

Italy’s THC limit could change

As with the UK, and many other European nations, the laws around hemp-based products can be ambiguous. The Italian government is trying to change that, and has recently informed the European Commission of its plans to clear up

the grey area surrounding the THC limit of hemp-derived CBD, according to farming site Agro Notizie. This means Italy could limit THC content to 2mg per kg (that’s 0.0002 percent) for hemp seeds and derived products such as hemp seed flour, as well as food supplements. Agriculture undersecretary Alessandra Pesce spoke to Agro Notizie: “There’s an open dossier, which we are working on right now, and we hope to be able to issue a ministerial decree about fixing the limit of THC allowed in food derived from industrial hemp.”

CBD-Intel

Want the latest on regulation, market movers and legalised territories? Check out CBD-Intel, a website which provides regulatory and market intelligence for the CBD sector. From explainers on novel foods to their global regulatory tracker, if you’re in the CBD business you may want to know these things first.

Potent stuff

The potency of European cannabis has doubled in the last decade, according to a study published in the Addiction journal. A team of researchers from the University of Bath and King’s College London have found that both cannabis resin and herbal cannabis have increased in strength, as well as price, across the continent. They say the concentration of THC present in the plant has jumped from five percent in 2006 to 10 percent in 2016. Lead author on the study at the University of Bath is Dr Tom Freeman. He said: “CBD has the potential to make cannabis safer, without limiting the positive effects users seek.”

US: Green acres for legalised

What does this mean for CBD?

“Green acres is the place to be. Farm living is the life for me.” That famous clip from the 2006 Emmy Awards, during which Donald Trump and Will and Grace actress Megan Mullaly sang ‘Green Acres’ on stage, marked the legalisation of hemp in all 50 US states.

Hemp farmers can now import and export raw materials across state lines without the threat of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) intervention. However, CBD derived from marijuana remains a Schedule I substance. This means it sits in the same drugs category classified by the FDA as heroin and meth.

At the signing ceremony for the bill on December 20, the US president said: “Through fires, floods and freezing weather, we will always stand with the American farmers. It opens new markets for American agriculture all over the world.”

While the provisions set out in the Farm Bill have been well-received by the farming and hemp communities, FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb warned that foods and supplements containing CBD would continue to be regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Dr Gottlieb wrote in a statement: “Selling unapproved products with unsubstantiated therapeutic claims is not only a violation of the law, but also can put patients at risk, as these products have not been proven to be safe or effective.”

The FDA approved UK-made CBD drug Epidiolex last year. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell had pushed for the legalisation of industrial hemp after seeing its potential to revitalise the agricultural industry in Kentucky, where farmers were seeking an alternative crop to tobacco, demand for which continues to decline.

Senator McConnell said: “I used my very own hemp pen to sign the conference report, clearing the way for the House and Senate to pass legislation and send it to the president’s desk.

“I’m proud that the bill includes my provision to legalise the production of industrial hemp. It’s a victory for farmers and consumers throughout our country.”

The new bill also makes hemp farmers eligible to access federal crop insurance and participate in USDA programs for certification and competitive grants.

Banking barriers lifted Manufacturers and retailers with hemp-derived CBD products will now also be able to work with banks and credit card processing companies such as PayPal, which had previously barred all CBD sales due to its former Schedule I classification.

While hemp is legal at the federal level, patchwork regulations apply state-by-state.

For example, New York state allows CBD in dietary supplements but California does not, despite marijuanabased CBD being legal in the state.

Tribal governments can impose their own restrictions and requirements, but they must not interfere with the interstate transportation of hemp or hemp products. Blake Butler is executive director of the North Carolina Industrial Hemp Association. He said: “This is a great day for our farmers, ranchers, foresters and producers. Hemp gives people hope, and that’s what gives me goosebumps.”

The final draft of the bill bars people with drug felony convictions from working in the hemp industry for 10 years after the date of their conviction.

The long-awaited 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law by the US president on December 20 and it became law on January 1.

hemp.

Hemp farmers can now import and export raw materials across state lines without the threat of DEA intervention.

“This is a great day for our farmers, ranchers, foresters and producers. Hemp gives people hope and that’s what gives me goosebumps.”

Dutch hemp firm Dun Agro has built a prefabricated house using their new HempCal system, utilising a mixture of hemp shivs, hydraulic lime and water poured into wooden frames.

Hempcrete structures are thought to be three times more resistant than regular concrete, making them fit for earthquake-prone areas. That’s according to Josephine Cornelia van Empelen of the Faculty of Architecture & the Built Environment at Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands, who says “hempcrete is a low-density, crack-resistant material, making it an ideal building material for earthquake-prone areas.”

The new age building was constructed at Dun Agro’s facility in Oude Pekela in the north of the country.

Founder Albert Dun hopes the building will inspire developers to create larger-scale projects of their own.

He said:

“For me, it was important to create a process that makes hemp building accessible to the regular building industry. It is the absolute best material for creating an organic, insulating building with a healthy indoor climate.”

The elements can be easily and efficiently installed on a construction site. Dun, an arable farmer with 200 hectares of fibre hemp in Groningen, has received support from the government who are keen to source robust and sustainable materials for energy-neutral buildings. Buildings in northern Holland are believed to have been damaged by earthquakes caused by gas drilling in the region.

“The government is currently facing a big challenge of providing new, earthquake resistant buildings in that area. For that, hemp is a great solution.”

The company expects to have finished three hemp houses in the coming months. Dun says that the project has caught the attention of larger developers too.

“We are currently liaising about the first small hemp district in the Netherlands.”

Albert Dun has been involved in the hemp industry since the 1980s when he helped reintroduce the plant to the Netherlands. He also saw the potential for CBD to reinvigorate the industry as early as 2013 when he developed machines that stripped leaves and flowers.

“The opportunities and multi-value streams of this crop were a big challenge to me. It gave me the opportunity to innovate and to develop new machines.”

The global industrial hemp market was estimated to be $3.9 billion US in 2017 and is expected to grow to $10.6 billion by 2025.

BY GORDON STRIBLING Vapouround CBD journalist

“Hempcrete is a lowdensity, crack-resistant material, making it an ideal building material for earthquake-prone areas.”

New Zealanders will vote on legalisation of recreational cannabis

New Zealand is to vote on whether to legalise cannabis for recreational use. The vote will take place during the general election in 2020.

The news came a week after the government passed a law allowing terminally-ill people to use illicit cannabis without the risk of criminal prosecution.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern agreed to undertake a referendum on cannabis reform as a concession to Labour’s Green Party coalition partners following the last general election back in 2017.

Green Party spokesperson, Chloe Swarbrick, said: “We’ve had countless opinion polls for decades now, confirming New Zealanders are positively well ahead of political action on the issue of cannabis law reform.

“This binding referendum presents an opportunity to have the will of the people

trigger meaningful legislative change.”

National Party leader Simon Bridges expressed his concerns about the potential impact recreational cannabis can have on the community.

Mr Bridges said: “I worry about the harm, I see the debilitating effects in all manner of communities, I worry about mental health and I think the messaging of saying ‘Look, decriminalisation, [there’s] no issue in terms of harm’ will mean harm rises.”

As the referendum is binding, it may take some time for parties to agree on exactly what question voters will be asked.

Cannabis Reform Coalition spokesperson, Sarah Murray, said: “Our coalition reiterates our preference for a two-part question that asks firstly whether people support adults being able to possess and grow cannabis for personal use and secondly whether they support adults being able to buy

cannabis from licensed premises.

“This could be in the form of a modular bill which allows one or both divisions to be passed, depending on the outcome of the referendum.”

Research commissioned by the NZ Drug Foundation found that legalisation could net the country $240 million in tax revenue and save $13 million in criminal justice spending.

BY GORDON STRIBLING , Vapouround CBD journalist

“This binding referendum presents an opportunity to have the will of the people trigger meaningful legislative change”

A referendum will take place during the 2020 general election

Shut down in the US

The Farm Bill is now law in the US after many months of political wrangling. But recent actions by Facebook show that confusion around the sale and marketing of CBD products persists.

Within days of President Trump’s signature drying, and in the thick of a government shutdown, the newly legalised hemp industry was experiencing a shutdown of its own.

Facebook removed the pages of CBD and hemp companies located in Colorado, Kansas, Maine and Kentucky, despite hemp being fully legal in all 50 US states since January 1.

At least one UK company was also targeted. Kentucky commissioner of agriculture Ryan Quarles expressed his frustration in a letter to Mark Zuckerberg:

“Because hemp products are legal, it is baffling for me that Facebook would attempt to interfere with hemp business owners’ efforts to advertise and

communicate with the public about their products.”

The Wee Hemp Co. Facebook page was removed without warning, for ‘promoting the sale of pharmaceuticals’ in violation of Facebook policy. Colorado-based Joy Organics received the same message. Both pages were reinstated shortly afterwards. Commenting on the Joy Organics case, a Facebook spokesperson said: “We mistakenly removed pages for hemp and CBD oil that do not violate our policies and we are currently working to restore these pages.”

However, some people in the industry believe that the pages were not deleted by accident.

Sunshine Bickett of Sunshine CBD Bake said:

“Personally, I think this is happening because they are correlating us with big pharma now that hemp is legal.”

“Pharmaceutical companies pay big bucks

to be on Facebook, and then there are little guys like us who have pages. Once the Farm Bill passed, maybe Facebook saw an opportunity to move things around.”

The FDA has been unequivocal in stating that CBD products marketed for therapeutic use require regulatory approval.

Up until now, many companies have simply avoided making therapeutic claims on their products and social media pages and leaving it to customers to do their research before purchasing.

But Facebook and Instagram will also have to move with the times if they hope to profit from the increasingly lucrative and evolving CBD industry.

Pressure mounts on Mark Zuckerberg to reinstate pages as Facebook deletes US & UK CBD accounts, despite the legalisation of hemp.

TODDLER FROM NORTHERN IRELAND BECOMES FIRST CHILD TO BE PRESCRIBED MEDICAL CANNABIS IN THE UK

Vapouround CBD spoke to the child’s father, who described going through an emotional rollercoaster to obtain the prescription.

A two-year-old girl from Northern Ireland with severe epilepsy is believed to have become the first child in the UK to be prescribed medical cannabis.

In January, after months of disappointment and frustration, Jorja Emerson’s father Robin collected the first month’s supply of her whole plant medication, since the government made medical cannabis legal on November 1 last year.

Robin announced the news on Facebook, having built a growing international interest on the social media platform with families around the world amidst similar struggles supporting Jorja’s case.

It’s a landmark moment for the toddler and her family, and the many other UK families with children suffering from severe epilepsy, in which this news will no doubt instil hope.

In December, Jorja was given a prescription at a private hospital in London after a specialist agreed to prescribe the medicine which is made by a Canadian company. Jorja’s father said it only came about once the NHS gave written assurances that the specialist’s professional career would not be jeopardised in helping his two-year old and writing her that first prescription.

The Emerson family come from Dundonald, Co Down, and say the toddler has often suffered up to 30 seizures a day, one of which dad Robin said lasted 17 hours.

“We’ve spent well over 50 trips in the back of an ambulance in Jorja’s short life.”

The story rings true for several other families in the UK, with the Billy Caldwell and Alfie Dingley cases making headlines throughout 2018.

For families like Jorja’s, a one month supply of the medication is said to cost close to £1,000. Her father says it is worth every penny, as just three weeks in, her condition is better than expected. However, he hopes the NHS will eventually help in supplying repeat prescriptions.

Speaking to this magazine three weeks into the first month of the medication, Robin Emerson said: “We weren’t expecting signs of improvement until five weeks. Her seizures have already reduced, and she is in great form.”

The NHS takes the stance that all other treatment options must be exhausted prior to medicinal cannabis being prescribed. It adds that medicinal cannabis treatments can be prescribed in cases of children with rare and severe forms of epilepsy, adults with vomiting or nausea caused by chemotherapy and adults with muscle stiffness caused by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Speaking to Northern Ireland’s News Letter, Jorja’s father told reporters:

“We are letting bureaucracy get in the way of saving children’s lives. Jorja is entitled to her medication and it’s legal.

BY RÓISÍN DELANEY, Vapouround CBD editor

There should be no issue.”

While others are said to be using cannabis for medicinal purposes throughout the UK, this is the first time a doctor has written a prescription for the drug since it was rescheduled on November 1 last year. That’s according to campaign group End Our Pain, which Robin says has been the family’s “biggest support.”

The movement is currently asking members of the public to sign a petition online to, “support the call to change the law to allow doctors to prescribe cannabis where they consider it would help their patients; and for patients to have their prescription honoured at the pharmacy.”

At the time this issue was published, more than 45,000 people had signed the petition.

Via its website, End Our Pain says that despite the recent changes in the law, the limitations to patients who may be in need of medical cannabis are too restrictive:

“Following the historic change in the law, the NHS has put guidelines out for the prescription of medical cannabis in conjunction with recommendations from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA) that are so restrictive that hardly anyone will be able to get a prescription. Many thousands of patients feel bitterly disappointed. We don’t believe this is what the Home Secretary had in mind

when he made the bold decision to re-schedule medical cannabis so that it could be prescribed following the highprofile campaigns of Alfie Dingley and others. This is an outrageous situation.”

Vapouround CBD contacted the Department of Health for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

Meet the CBD entrepreneur:

Mike Hodgson, of ThreeFourteen CBD

By Leo Forfar

“In Canada, the marijuana industry was worth approximately seven billion dollars before legalisation… We need a clearer division, we need to separate the ‘high side’ of the plant, so to speak, from the CBD side.”

Forty-seven-year-old Mike Hodgson of London, Ontario has turned an intimate familiarity with the marijuana plant into a promising business in the booming cannabidiol trade. Having honed his business skills in the creation of two successful startup companies, Mike now occupies an invaluable position on several crucial fronts.

Mike manages GreenLeaf Productions, the mother company of ThreeFourteen CBD. Mike’s dedication to understanding and optimising the many sides of hemp down to the smallest detail is reflected in the brand name: 314 is the molecular weight of CBD.

Having kept a close eye on Canada’s view of hemp, Mike made strategic moves when the time came for legalisation. He remains well-informed of this evolving, sometimes turbulent relationship between the government and the plant. “I’ve always had my eye on the industry, and when the authorities started to embrace it, I wondered how I could fit into the new landscape. It takes a lot of big money to get into the growth side of marijuana, so I decided my best fit was in CBD and oils.

In Canada, the marijuana industry was worth approximately seven billion dollars before legalisation. The government is trying to flip that over and convert the cashflow from the black market to the legit market in the hopes of protecting the average citizen, so they know exactly what they’re smoking.”

Like many who have quickly risen to a place of prominence in this business, Mike’s motivation is as personal as it is professional. “My father has had Parkinson’s for ten years now. I was able to introduce him to CBD almost five years ago and it’s really changed his life. You hear a lot of anecdotal evidence of what CBD can do and I can confirm it works – his neurologists were fascinated with the results.”

Mike believes these properties are key to the product’s appeal.

“Despite recent marijuana legalisation, I think on a global scale, CBD is really where the true growth potential lies due to its versatility and better image. People will quickly embrace the physically altering properties of this plant. Once we have an aging population, and once older people realise CBD works, this industry could be truly massive. When the US gets hold of something, they know how to do business. I think the new Farm Bill will be great for their CBD industry. The US has also got a lot of southern growing states and vast amounts of fertile land. There are very few regulations there compared to Canada. I predict Europe’s future will be similar to ours.

“As a business, ThreeFourteen is going to be focused on CBD isolates and being able to get certain supplements to the market, like protein and pre-workout powders. Products like that blend well with its muscle recovery properties. Our initial business model is extraction. Once we extract from hemp, we can refine it into a full range of hemp products.”

Though in most matters of business, the US is often in the lead as the default. Mike senses a distinct advantage Canadian products currently have: ‘the entourage effect.’

“In Canada, because we’re allowed to deal with THC, our hemp varieties will eventually contain a strain of it too, whereas everything in America needs to be 100 percent THC-free. In

order for CBD to be fully optimised, it needs some THC in there as an activating ingredient. Researchers call this the entourage effect. Until the US goes completely pro-weed across all states, we won’t see that quality of product yet.” CBD is still finding its feet as an integrated global market, and every entrepreneur needs to know the hurdles, hindrances and other growing pains that come with such maturation. Mike provided an impressive rundown of what he’s observed at home and abroad.

“I’ve said this for over a year now: if the Canadian government, Health Canada in particular, don’t get things sorted out quickly, this whole industry has the potential of sliding by and losing its edge. It’s not just the US and UK markets that are on the rise, there’s a lot of South American companies that are coming on fast and furious. Canada is very heavily regulated and the amount of hoops businesses need to jump through to get licensed by Health Canada have really become harmful. Also, I don’t think CBD should be a Schedule One narcotic or listed as something illegal in any context. Even the World Health Organisation is against listing it as any kind of drug. Canada has taken a position of legalising but closely watching over product quality and ensuring patrons are safe, it’s one of the reasons our Prime Minister was able to sell the public on legalising it.”

With this in mind, there are ways for the hemp and CBD industry improve its image overall.

“It’s fairly straightforward: we need a clearer division, we need to separate the “high side” of the plant, so to speak, from the CBD side. If the line is drawn, CBD can flourish under looser laws. We don’t have to worry about people driving under the influence or behaving anti-socially on CBD. If we let the THC side run its own course and let the people involved sort out their issues, we’ll see both prosper. Fortunately, the black market has never really been involved with CBD and I think as the industry opens up, there won’t be a chance for criminals to really grab onto it.”

With the experience and encyclopedic knowledge on their side, ThreeFourteen CBD is ready to take flight.

“We’re looking to be fully licensed by Health Canada very soon. We’re built up with our own lab and production facilities. We’re just waiting for Health Canada to clear our license and we’ll be ready to go. There is opportunity everywhere.”

With a head-turning name and eye-catching products, the Miami Beachbased Fuggin brand has been going from strength-to-strength. After Fuggin Vapor Co. took a leading spot in the e-cigarette industry, Fuggin Hemp Co. – and its featured brand Fuggin CBD – promise the same in an exciting new

The company’s mission is to simplify the experience of you – the consumer. CBD, like any other thriving marketplace, can get a little confusing and crowded, especially when you’re new to the substance and

Fuggin Hemp Co. operates from that very perspective. Their

“As consumers ourselves, we came up with a solution to face this challenge: a CBD marketplace with the broadest range, categories and trusted brands

The man behind the scenes is Hershey Jakob. Hershey started Fuggin Vapor selling vapes from his car. He now employs a 50-person team. Upon learning more about CBD, Hershey became aware of the many personal reasons people around him were

“I figured it was perfect timing. We were already making vape products, and already knew how to manufacture and

Despite having the right product at the right time for the American user, some

“We started Fuggin Hemp Co. three years ago. We had CBD for about a year and a half and then the bank made us remove all our products! This sort of thing is common, and it’s been plaguing the industry for a long time. It was another year before the banks started

Fuggin Vapor Co. founder and CEO Hershey Jakob talks selling to the UK market, the US and easing the consumer experience.

CBD products.”

Fuggin Hemp Co. aren’t just interested in gaining new customers but keeping them with the kind of product people stick around for.

“We are going to be doing some food-based products (we used to make a CBD chocolate), but it won’t be our highest priority. I don’t see much future in the market for one-off novelty items. Consumables like gummies are fun and have a place here, but people are less likely to use them long term, as opposed to a lotion or an oil.”

For all their successes, Fuggin Hemp Co. have been able to keep their perspective grounded and consumer-oriented by staying on top of demand and trends via direct connection with the many CBD users in the US and beyond.

“Most CBD companies have their own website and that’s as far as they’ll go. We have 60 to 70 different brands on fugginhemp.com which lets you access thousands and thousands of products. Those, and our 150,000 subscribers show us in real time what people are really buying.”

Hershey has tried to carve out a space for every kind of CBD user: not just beginners and experienced consumers but those who vape it and those who choose any other method of consumption.

“We do two things uniquely. One, we have our own CBD products and two, we have the largest collection of different brands under one umbrella. We ask ourselves things like: “what if you wanted a CBD vape pen and a cream, but your favourite brand only had one of each.” You don’t want to pay for shopping twice. We have every category there is. The pricing is also on par with everyone else.”

Knowing a good market when he sees it, Hershey has big plans for joining the UK CBD scene.

“We’re doing constant research on the UK, and trying to set up some UK distribution as soon as possible. We have a membership with ECigIntelligence; the data and information

we get from them is invaluable. They’ve started compiling a lot of CBD statistics. We’ll be making decisions on how to proceed in the UK shortly.

“Speaking of the UK, we took up the Vapouround CBD opportunity because we know Vapouround are huge in the vape space. In that space, companies that established themselves quickly and decisively stuck around for a while, it’ll be the same for CBD. There’s going to be a rush of emerging brands, and wanted to make a statement too.”

In addition to their Anglo-centric ambitions, there has been plenty of excitement at home. Hemp legalisation via the Farm Bill was a step in the right direction, but Hershey is somewhat cautious.

“Politically, everything is still up in the air. Even though the Farm Bill has passed, the US government could still pass additional guideline regulation. We don’t know how permissive things will be when it comes to which products can have CBD in them, but I don’t think it’s going to be as restrictive as vaping was.”

Hershey predicts another boom period once those last hurdles into the mainstream have been toppled.

“There’s still room to grow because the banks are still hesitant to accepting CBD. You’re not (yet) going to find anything on Amazon or Ebay or superstore chains like Walmart or Walgreens. I hope it will open up, because when it does, the market could explode 10 times more than that! That’s why we’re working on the pharmaceutical side of things with a clinical research company, preparing for the next boom. Our head doctor has spent seven years doing cannabis product research, he’s worked for the Department of Defence and other government agencies, there are some amazing discoveries being made.”

“There’s still room to grow … You’re not (yet) going to find anything on Amazon or Ebay or superstore chains like Walmart or Walgreens. I hope it will open up.”

It certainly seems to be heading that way, if recent stints on daytime TV and tabloid features are anything to go by.

Amidst an influx of ‘new year, new you’ adverts and #ad #spon posts on Instagram, many will find it refreshing to learn of something new, which could one day be as popular as any item you’ll find in your nearest health food store.

Last year, CBD products appeared on shelves in pharmacies, with many not fully understanding the products which were advertised in the same price range as some of the most luxurious skincare products.

But 2019 already seems to be ahead of the game. The Daily Mail recently featured an article with the headline: ‘Why CBD is the hottest new wellness trend with cannabis-infused drinks, hair treatments and even croissants now in the market (but it won’t make you high).’

That article gained more than 300 comments and almost double that in shares in quick succession, and more or less hit the nail on the head, quoting some of the trendiest people in the budding CBD industry, like Rebekah Hall, CEO of Botanic Lab and referencing London’s Hari’s Salon, which now offers a ‘Spirit of Hemp’ hair treatment complete with a CBD oil head massage.

This coincided with a review of a London-based gym class in GQ Magazine, which provides yoga fans with the option of posing with CBD oil patches mid-workout.

Merely two weeks later, a friend of the magazine told me their CBD beer and gummies were to be featured and sampled on live television by Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield on ITV This Morning. I checked in after the segment had aired and found that their website had received non-stop hectic traffic as a result. Their social media following also skyrocketed, all due to a few minutes on mid-morning TV, during which Philip Schofield feared he would get ‘high’ from taste testing the samples.

And that’s where the industry may need to take heed. While CBD attracts more curiosity and more attention in the media and online, by growing a relatively new industry, the onus is on the professionals to educate people who want to know more about ‘feeling the effects.’ So that CBD newcomers don’t think they’re going to get high off a packet of gummies which says zero THC on the label.

While going mainstream may be an industry-wide goal, it’s more important now than ever to get the right information to the right people.

Will this be the year that makes CBD more than just a curiosity to most people?

BRITISH HEMPIRE

In 1996, California became the first US state to legalise cannabis for medicinal use. The move kickstarted a chain of reform that would lead to Colorado and Washington legalising recreational use in 2012. In 2017, the legal cannabis trade in the US was valued at $8.5 billion – accounting for 90 percent of the global market.

The tolerance of medical and recreational cannabis in legal states helped pave the way for the now-flourishing CBD industry. High-CBD cannabis strains are a relatively new phenomenon that evolved out of California’s medical cannabis market.

Over the past two years, the state’s wellness industry fully embraced CBD. Edibles in particular proved to be an entry point for those who had eschewed other routes of consumption on health grounds.

Daniel Hood, co-founder of California edibles company CALIGOLD, said:

“It’s evident that a significant part of the market favours edibles over other forms of consumption, like smoking or vaping.

“It’s simply a more comfortable and familiar means of using wellness products.”

Attitudes to cannabis products are changing from left to right across the Atlantic, thanks to CBD.

According to research by the Brightfield Group, the US hemp-derived CBD market almost doubled in size between 2017 and 2018. The group estimates that by 2022, the domestic CBD market will be worth $22 billion.

From e-liquids and tinctures to cosmetics and pet food, the once-humble cannabinoid has spanned new territories, reaching a broader demographic and helping change the public perception of cannabis and its associated products like hemp and CBD.

But at the same time as medical cannabis was paving the way for CBD in the US, the UK government was adopting an altogether more punitive policy.

In 2009, then-Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced that the reclassification of cannabis from Class B to Class C would be reversed. The decision went against the advice of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). A report by the group found a, “probable, but weak, causal link between psychotic illness, including schizophrenia, and cannabis use”.

At the time, Ms Smith said: “There is a compelling case for us to act now rather than risk the future health of young people. Where there is a clear

“ “

and serious problem, but doubt about the harm that will be caused, we must err on the side of caution and protect the public. I make no apology for that – I am not prepared to ‘wait and see’.”

Concerning stories about high-THC ‘skunk’ became a tabloid staple and the issue remains hotly-debated today. While some studies have found a causal link between THC consumption and schizophrenia, others have suggested that people prone to schizophrenia are simply more likely to use cannabis.

For a long time, the demonization of cannabis seemed to be an unsurmountable barrier to reform in the UK. And yet behind the scenes, the very same people who were rallying against cannabis were making huge sums of money from its prohibition.

In 1998, the government granted GW Pharmaceuticals a license to grow cannabis for use in medical trials.

GW launched THC and CBD spray Sativex in 2010. Eight years later, their epilepsy drug Epidiolex became the first FDA-approved CBD medicine. Britain is now also the largest producer and exporter of legal cannabis in the world.

In 2018, cannabis reform advocates revealed that the husbands of prime minister Theresa May and Home Office drugs minister Victoria Atkins had very close links to GW.

CLEAR president Peter Reynolds said in an interview with the BBC:

“The reason she [Atkins] was appointed is Theresa May was looking for someone who was a hard-line prohibitionist. The Tory party’s policy on drugs - cannabis in particular - is directly opposed to the evidence, and Victoria Atkins is someone who supports that.

“But, what is appalling is she doesn’t just want to support it for policy reasons, quite evidently, she wants to support it because her husband and family are directly benefiting from [the regulation of] it.”

The surge in interest in CBD moved in tandem with the push for medical cannabis legalisation, as more and more Britons sought to find out if the wellness product de jour could help them.

Holland and Barrett’s CBD products flew off the shelves. Vape shops expanded their CBD ranges to include edibles, tinctures, lotions and balms. CBD cafés cropped up offering CBD-infused coffee, chocolate and croissants.

In the past few months alone, the cannabinoid has emerged as a socialite, featuring in GQ, The Daily Mirror, The Daily Mail, Cosmopolitan, The Evening Standard, Men’s Fitness, Glamour and Vogue, among many others.

The challenge for UK advocates now will be to ensure that changing attitudes towards CBD and medical cannabis are a catalyst for wider reform.

BY GORDON STRIBLING, Vapouround CBD journalist

It’s evident that a significant part of the market favours edibles

Clean attitudes Clean attitudes

Saracens rugby double-act George Kruis and Dominic Day talk to editor Róisín Delaney about their latest partnership, as they unveil premium CBD brand designed with athletes in mind.

It’s not every day you come across a pair of sports stars with an innovative meets trend-setting side hustle. Along came George and Dom, leading the way for CBD standards and education in professional British sporting realms.

We met at Old Albanians Sports Club, Saracens’ training ground, the same day CBD was to make its live TV debut on ITV This Morning, and for a minute I felt like I was snooping for the enemy in red – you can take the girl out of Munster … Five minutes into our conversation, the knowledge and depth in detail George and Dom have invested in their new venture became apparent. They might fit the rugby player ‘image’ to some, but they’re true CBD nerds at heart, having discovered the product when recovering from their respective injuries last year.

It was quite refreshing to see their ambition unfold, as I was introduced to their debut range of fourfive cbd products, the brand name inspired by their respective positions on the pitch.

Combined they have two decades of rugby years, which adds

up to a lot of physical pain via injuries, followed by often lengthy recovery periods. In a fast-paced competitive sport like rugby, getting back to optimal fitness is priority number one. Fitting then, that just over a year ago, when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) lifted a ban on CBD in professional sport, the friends and colleagues began to develop a keen interest in the substance.

“For us, it was mainly for recovery,” says Dom, who recently became a father for the first time. “I got injured last year and had an operation on my knee. I used this when coming back from injury. I was Googling new recovery methods and obviously it’s massive in America. It coincided with CBD being legalised in sport, so I said I’d give it a go and it worked really well for me.”

Like many who encounter CBD products for the first time, George on the other hand was more of a sceptic. “Dom is more optimistic than me. I’m a big sceptic. He was talking to me about it after he had his operation, then I had my operation a month later, so I said ‘OK, I’ll give it a go.’”

Now with his own products garnering more and more positive feedback, George says he finds CBD particularly helpful when trying to come down off a high-energy game, using CBD for, “the sleep side of it. For me, it’s essential post game. I don’t have caffeine during the week, but game day I have a lot of caffeine and normally I can’t sleep until three in the morning. You’re wired up. Your body aches after a game, it being so physical.”

Both agree they have been fortunate enough to play for such an ‘open-minded’ club at Saracens, and having proven their worth time and time again, they respectfully took their business idea to the rugby unions and associations to keep them informed.

“It’s been really rewarding off-field for us. We are so lucky to have a club here which supports the off-field side of things. Obviously, it’s quite a controversial topic if you want to look at it as a controversial topic,” George adds. “They’re such an open-minded club, if you can show that you’re going in the right direction. We’ve kept the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) involved, we’ve spoken to all parties involved and they’re being supportive of it. There’s a professional understanding, which is exactly what we need. We want athletes using these products.”

Dom and George each use CBD in their own personal routines, which is exactly what is unique about the market, with CBD being available in various products, strengths, flavours and spectrums. Dom says he uses fourfive cbd in the mornings and at night-time, keeping it within easy reach in his wash bag. While for George it’s all about sleep and recovery.

After eight months in development, the first range of products are now available, and have been on the receiving end of positive reviews on social media. Thanks to sleek and minimalistic packaging and a mantra they envisage the brand living by, ‘Rest. Recover. Rise.,’ both George and Dom have cemented a platform aimed straight down the middle of the posts.

The first impression I had from checking out some of the products was this is not your average, low-cost common CBD brand which looks like so many others. This is clinical, clean and well put together. “We’ve gone quite big on the design side of things,” George says, while Dom adds they probably changed the “name and design about 10 times. It was a hard process.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

An industry standard.

Making full use of their mutual experiences and knowledge of the standards in the sporting world, the sportsmen turned businessmen both want to set their sights on setting a standard of their own. Currently, fourfive products sit comfortably beneath the 0.2 percent THC limit. But they plan on taking it a step further by focusing on a range of products which will be 100 percent safe for their fellow athletes to use. These much anticipated zero THC products will undergo rigorous testing in the best labs in the country, before being made available to athletes across a vast array of

sports. With everything going according to plan, theirs will be the first range of CBD products researched to the maximum to ensure any athlete can safely access the full benefits of CBD, without the anxiety of possibly failing a drug test, as George explains.

“Essentially, we have a great product and we want to push the boundaries in terms of the best tested products for any athlete. We’ve had 10 or so athletes from different sports who are right up there already getting in touch with us saying, ‘I want to try this, I’m unsure about everything else.’ We want to be the go-to product for athletes. Off the back of that, people will

understand we have a very safe product. We want to lobby for the CBD movement.”

“We all get drug tested. Rugby is one of the highest tested professional sports, it comes with a really clean attitude. We’re bringing out our zero range, it’s going to really set in stone the standards across the UK in testing, testing for contaminants in the best test labs possible.”

What’s it like working together on and off the field? It seems to gel with both players taking on ownership of their fair share of the workload.

“We said right at the start that if we were going to be in business together, honesty would be a massive thing we need. If we’re not pulling our weight or we think we need something… It’s working pretty well. George will be away for a long period of time now – playing for England – so I’ll step up a little bit. I just had a baby so George was there then, he stepped up in that respect. It doesn’t feel like an extra job

when you believe in it so much. You find a balance.” “It’s been great. You just get invested in it.”

With the first phase of products out now, the next step for fourfive cbd is the wholesale market. The range is already available at TheDrug.Store, a King’s Road pop-up shop. Sometimes in this job, you encounter people with a profile, who act as a face to a brand they’ve managed to attach their name to through some hotshot PR firm. But this couldn’t be further from the truth for George and Dom. They even finish each other’s sentences, although I don’t think they realise it! Who is better poised to drive CBD over the line?

The Wales and England internationals may have some serious success behind them, but fourfive is likely to be their biggest accomplishment yet.

Neutral zone:switzerland

The European sovereign state has a blooming CBD flower industry

Switzerland is no longer simply known for its luxurious ski resorts, Swiss chocolates and high flying financial institutions.

The host nation of political summits has fully embraced CBD since the Swiss government relaxed cannabis restrictions in 2011. Even supermarket chain Lidl stocks locally-grown cannabis on its shelves.

As CBD is non-psychoactive, it is not controlled under the nation’s Narcotics Act. The Swiss have adopted what many would argue to be a very reasonable THC cap of one percent for raw cannabis buds.

This limit has helped facilitate a booming hemp flower industry. Companies sell high-CBD strains containing varying levels of THC, many exporting < 0.2 percent buds to customers in neighbouring EU. It’s important to note that the EU THC limit actually applies to industrial hemp, not unprocessed cannabis buds.

CBD flowers are classed as a tobacco substitute in Switzerland and are subject to the taxes and restrictions in place for such products. CBD cigarettes and cigarillos are a common site in the nation’s shops, kiosks and tobacconists.

Public consumption or possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis is subject to a 100 Franc fine. But it is almost impossible for the layman — or even seasoned users — to distinguish between high and low-THC strains on odour and appearance alone, so enforcement of the law is patchy. There is a wide variety of other CBD products available on the market, each corresponding to the relevant Swiss regulation. CBD cannot be used in cosmetic products unless it is derived from seeds or leaves not mixed or derived from the ‘flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant’, eg buds. CBD-enriched foods and supplements are classed as novel foods and therefore require authorisation. Scented CBD oils can be sold legally under the Chemicals Act unless their use could be controlled under other provisions, such as the Foodstuffs Act. E-liquids fall under the category as “articles that come into contact with the oral mucosa when used correctly or in the normally expected manner may only release substances in quantities that pose no risk to health.”

Switzerland adopts a similar approach to the EU when it comes to the medicinal use of CBD. Products containing CBD that are intended to be used as medicines cannot be placed on the market without the relevant licence. Sativex THC and CBD spray are available on prescription from specialist doctors.

Trending

The CBD circuit and proximity of Switzerland to the 28 EUmember states appears to be attracting North American companies eager to make their mark in the up-and-coming European market. Vancouver based biopharmaceutical company Pivot Pharmaceuticals Inc. recently announced plans to distribute Pivot Naturals one percent oral CBD solution in Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the UK. Meanwhile, Forbes added Switzerland to its watchlist of the most overlooked marijuana markets in the world. According to Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, in 2017 there were 410 registered CBD companies in Switzerland with a combined total of sales of approximately $62 million (approximately £50 million).

BY GORDON STRIBLING, Vapouround CBD journalist

CL3AR

BROAD SPECTRUM CBD WHAT IS IT?

All of the benefits of full-spectrum without the THC

If you’ve ever entered into a discussion about the ‘best’ CBD products out there, you’ll understand all too well just how polarising the subject can be. One thing that does seem certain is that full-spectrum products are much more effective than isolated CBD as they more closely resemble the make-up of the cannabis plant and therefore share many of its benefits.

A 2018 study by EP Baron explains why and says: “There are many cannabis strains that vary widely in the composition of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds. These components work synergistically to produce wide variations in benefits, side effects, and strain characteristics.”

There has been a lot of buzz over recent months about a different variety that benefits from a wide range of cannabinoids,

one billed as a ‘best of both worlds’ solution: broad-spectrum CBD.

To understand what broad-spectrum is and why you might choose it over the other varieties, here’s a run-down of the different types of CBD product currently available on the market.

Isolate

This is essentially pure CBD without any other cannabinoids. Isolate is relatively cheap and easy to use for people creating their own CBD products or wanting to measure a consistent dose to achieve a desired effect. It is also often the default option for CBD enthusiasts who are averse to THC.

Terpsolate

Some companies add terpenes to CBD isolate to create the entourage effect full-spectrum products are known for.

Full-spectrum

CBD is just one of a hundred or more cannabinoids out there. Full-spectrum products also contain CBG, CBN and CBC among many others, as well as terpenes (distinctive odours like citrus and pine) and flavonoids (naturally-occurring and beneficial compounds found in fruits and vegetables.)

But full-spectrum also includes THC.… which brings us on to:

Broad-spectrum

Essentially full-spectrum but without even trace amounts of THC. This is a great option for people wanting to benefit from the full profile of cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes without having to consume any THC.

Some people are highly sensitive to even sub-milligram quantities of THC. THC can also show up on drug screenings, which can be problematic for employee

BY GORDON STRIBLING Vapouround CBD journalist

drug-screening.

The Reddit CBD sub is filled with stories of law-abiding Americans getting caught out for using ‘marijuana’ products when they were, in fact, using full-spectrum CBD.

How is broad-spectrum CBD made?

There are two ways to make broadspectrum products. One, you start with CBD isolate and then add other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids individually, and the other involves removing the THC from the full-spectrum extract.

Lab Reports

While it’s always beneficial to read a thirdparty lab report before buying any CBD product, it is doubly important with broadspectrum. There should be no trace of THC whatsoever in the lab report, otherwise you’ll be wasting your money and taking

as much of a risk as you would be in consuming full-spectrum.

If you’re looking to experience the full range of benefits legal cannabis has to offer but do not want any THC in your system, broad-spectrum may be for you. It’s still a relatively niche product but as the industry gets more competitive, broadspectrum products will inevitably become a much more common sight in your local or online CBD shop.

ASK THE SCIENTIST

What is the endocannabinoid system?

By Richard Cunningham, PhD

Search for the ECS online and you’re instantly blinded by graphics and definitions only a scientist could understand. So, we asked our go-to scientist Dr Richard Cunningham to break it all down. endocannabinoid system

Did you know?

THE ECS IS INVOLVED IN THE REGULATION OF A LARGE RANGE OF PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS IN THE BODY INCLUDING MOOD, MEMORY, FERTILITY, PAIN-SENSATION AND APPETITE.

First of all, what is a cannabinoid?

A cannabinoid is a class of chemical compounds that bind to the cannabinoid receptors found within the human body. They are all hydrophobic/lipid soluble molecules. This means they don’t mix well with water.

A receptor is a protein molecule that receives chemical messages from outside of a cell and there are two main cannabinoid receptors found within the body. These are CB1 and CB2.

CB1 receptors are found mainly in the central nervous system and also in organs like the liver, lungs and kidneys, while CB2 receptors are more associated with tissues of the immune system.

When a cannabinoid binds to a cannabinoid receptor, it acts as an agonist, which means it activates the receptor to produce a biological tissue response. Whereas cannabinoid antagonists block a cannabinoid receptor from being activated by an endocannabinoid.

Naturally occurring cannabinoids within the body are known as endocannabinoids, from plants phytocannabinoids such as that from the cannabis plant, and lastly synthetic cannabinoids which are manufactured artificially. The grouping of the cannabinoid receptors, receptor proteins and endocannabinoids make up what is called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is involved in the regulation of a large range of physiological functions in the body including mood, memory, fertility, pain-sensation and appetite.

As such administration of phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids which are not naturally found in the body can influence physiological functions mentioned earlier, such as mood, pain-sensation and appetite. And this happens through interactions with the cannabinoid receptors of the body.

Different cannabinoids will have different physiological responses through how and which receptors they bind to, such as the appetite stimulating effect of THC, and the pain-relieving effects of CBD.

CB1 = The brain and nervous system, as well as the lungs, liver and kidneys

CB2 = Gastrointestinal system, tonsils and spleen

About the scientist:

Dr Richard Cunningham has a PhD in medicinal chemistry from Queen’s University Belfast where he also worked as post-doctoral researcher for a number of years before working in the US at the Mitchell Cancer Institute in Alabama. Among his areas of expertise are organic synthesis, nucleosides, nucleotides, cellular biology, vitamins, aminoglycosides, drug delivery, phosphorous chemistry and chemical analysis. He is now the director of quality at Liquid Sciences LLC in the UK.

State of the Nation: The UK

British patients are still being refused access to medical cannabis despite reforms

The question of whether the UK should legalise cannabis use is one which is unlikely to go away any time soon.

A recent poll commissioned by think tank Volteface found that the majority of the public supported the legalisation of cannabis, including 68 percent of 18 to 24-year olds.

As recently as December the whole legalisation issue even made it to the House of Commons where Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb sought the legalisation of cannabis for medical and recreational use.

MPs narrowly rejected the former health minister’s motion on the legalisation and regulation of cannabis by 66 to 52.

Mr Lamb said afterwards: “It is total hypocrisy that the most dangerous drug of all, in terms of harm to yourself and others,

alcohol, is consumed in large quantities right here in our national parliament, whilst we criminalise others for using a less dangerous drug – with many using it for the relief of pain.”

“It is shameful that we continue to criminalise people who use cannabis for the relief of pain. It is equally shameful that we criminalise many young people for using cannabis, when many people in Government will have themselves used cannabis at some stage of their lives.”

While it was unlikely that the bill would have progressed much further, the fact that it even made it to the House of Commons

reflected the growing appetite for drug reform among the UK public.

Campaign group End Our Pain estimate that around a million people in the UK use cannabis as medicine every day, most obtaining it on the black market at a risk to their safety and the threat of criminal action.

Following intense public pressure, Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced that specialist doctors would be allowed to prescribe cannabis in the UK. The new law came into effect on November 1, but the reform has proven to be far less of a medical revolution than campaigners had hoped for.

BY GORDON STRIBLING, Vapouround CBD journalist

It is shameful that we continue to criminalise people who use cannabis for the relief of pain.

– Norman Lamb, MP

Royal College of Physicians guidelines state that ‘there is no robust evidence for the use of [Cannabis-Based Products for Medicinal use] in chronic pain and their use is not recommended,’ so doctors are still reluctant to prescribe.

In an interview with The Daily Express, Jersey pain specialist Dr Chad Taylor explained that he was ‘duty bound’ to follow professional guidance and not bow to public or political pressure to prescribe cannabis. Dr Taylor said: “The guidance is quite clear … that for chronic, persistent pain that medical cannabis is not recommended. I have no option, I don’t feel, professionally, than to follow that guidance and not prescribe any more new patients with cannabis-based products.”

Billy Caldwell, the severely epileptic child whose heart-breaking story galvanised the push for reform last summer, was once again refused a prescription and forced to return to Canada where he’d previously obtained his cannabis medicine.

Meanwhile, two-year-old Jorja Emerson from Northern Ireland was reportedly the first child to be granted a prescription since medical cannabis was rescheduled but was unable to obtain it as no UK pharmacy had a license to sell it. Patients prescribed cannabis in the UK can legally import it from abroad but for most it is prohibitively expensive.

Carly Barton was prescribed Bedrocan for her fibromyalgia from a private doctor. Dr David McDowell was willing to prescribe after noting the growing body of evidence showing that patients with access to cannabis were able to reduce their opioid consumption. The cost of her medicine? £2,500 for three months.

“The product costs six pounds a gram and the rest is import fees, there are lots of small packages and they all get taxed individually,” Ms Barton said in a Facebook video.

“As of now, no NHS specialist has prescribed cannabis yet, so there is a two-tier system where if you can afford it you can get it

privately, and if not, you will be a criminal if you get it from the black market.”

The rescheduling of cannabis gave hope to millions, yet it is increasingly looking like nothing more than an attempt by the government to deflect public pressure without actually improving access for those who desperately need medical cannabis.

Henry Fisher, policy advisor at drug policy consultancy and think tank, Hanway Associates summed up the government’s actions:

“Given the backdrop of a very preoccupied and socially conservative government, the legislation is a victory in and of itself.”

“But that’s reflected in why they’ve made it very restrictive. They are very wary of allowing too broad an access to patients, and then that leading to broader reforms.”

“

”

On the CBD scene: What do consumers want?

Carl Boon of CBD Ultra dissects the market and explains how to appeal to consumers in an honest and compliant way.

You take it sub-lingually – beneath the tongue. It’s a standardised product; what people most associate with CBD. We called them as drops instead. Tincture doesn’t mean anything to most people, we simplified it for more recognition.”

Last year, the company released High Flyer: a CBD-infused craft beer that gained traction in the mainstream press. With the spotlight on CBD, it’s time to unpack its potential.

Getting to the top wasn’t easy, and CEO Carl Boon has some advice for start-ups, existing companies trying to get into CBD, and consumers who like to keep informed. A boom period is one of confusion and fast-paced developments but constant opportunity. So which CBD products are in demand now?

“The most popular product is CBD drops,” Carl says. “Prior to our arrival, you only saw them promoted as a tincture.

This was a symbolic moment for CBD: the market evolved beyond formal medical language, lining up with increased relatability and acceptance. CBD Ultra looked to trailblazers in the US, finding an oil the European market hadn’t seen yet.

“We also sell a lot of oil syringes. We get our oil from Colorado, which is by far the best quality in the world. They’re years ahead of what we’re doing in Europe. It’s what we call a ‘golden oil.’ It’s like a treacle, a more pleasing taste than the darker, bitter one found in Europe, which is caused by excessive chlorophyll.”

Manchester-based CBD Ultra became an industry leader by selling a range of products marketed with a transparent message emphasising the case for CBD.

foods and drinks are going to lead the way

Carl insists that businesses need to take advantage of the versatility of CBD.

“CBD-infused foods and drinks are going to lead the way in the next year. It will be seen as an essential nutrient, almost one of your five-a-day, this also makes it compatible with cosmetics.” Apart from a wider range of products with a more palatable taste, what else do consumers want?

Consumers want natural, ethical ingredients. CBD companies tend not use any ingredients that are genetically modified (GMO) or treated with pesticides, owing their decision to a growing public consciousness around such issues.

On this, Carl says: “People in the UK are paying closer attention to what goes into their food and drink, and if the ingredients and production methods are ethical. There’s a natural revolution happening, as veganism is also increasing. We’re aware of this and test all our products for residual solvents. Hemp naturally produces its own insecticides and pesticides, we won’t use anything that’s been covered with unnecessary chemicals.”

Consumers want CBD with an identity distinctive from THC.

As a versatile product with a cross-generational and demographic appeal, CBD needs an identity free of THC’s connotations. Today’s consumers are savvier to signs of moral panic.

Carl says: “A lot of people are coming around to how unscientific and prejudiced the history of anti-marijuana lobbying really is and don’t want a repeat of it. Many people look back on the ‘Reefer Madness’ phenomenon with shame. Even the term marijuana came from lobbying from paper merchants who didn’t want to compete with hemp. Because of that, people don’t want to see a cynical panic developed over CBD due to the hemp association.” CBD companies need to protect themselves in a shaky, legal and political environment.

“There is no certainty around CBD even though it’s legal to produce, sell and consume. Both the World Health Organisation and the Sports Athletics Commission have given CBD the green light, describing it as safe and non-habit-forming. We should follow suit as a country. There are a lot of places the UK needs to catch up on.”

Social media pages are a notable pain, taking down CBD pages that businesses have put great effort into cultivating.

“It’s the same with online payment providers. PayPal don’t support CBD businesses at all: they will shut you down and keep your money for 180 days.”

CBD Ultra have been proud members of the Cannabis Trades Association (CTA) for two years and have benefitted from having CTA-approved payment providers and insurance partners to ease the aforementioned problems.

This young industry needs to remain cooperative with regulation.

“I agree that we shouldn’t be making medical claims and I’m not anti-regulation. There are so many cowboys out there. We need oversight, but it must be done with clarity and guidance instead of existing in a grey area. The vaping industry wasn’t necessarily anti-TPD, it just wanted fair and realistic rules.”

On the much talked about Cannabis Products Directive (CPD), the CEO says:

“We’re putting in regulations before we’re made to, showing we’re responsible and self-governing. We want every product to be registered, licensed and put on the directory every year, showing third party lab reports for each batch. Companies need to deal with a reputable supplier. They can do this by being members of a body like the CTA. There’s no room for cutting corners: you’ve got to remain compliant from seed to seal.”

BY LEO FORFAR , Vapouround CBD journalist

“CBD-infused

in the next year.”

Will CBD show up on a drug test?

Disclaimer: The advice given by this contributor is to the best of his knowlege at the time of publication and should not be taken as legal advice.

The benefits of CBD products are garnering significant attention and their use is becoming much more widespread. These CBD products can utilise purified CBD isolate or whole hemp extracts containing CBD which contain a range of other cannabinoids and terpenes (full spectrum).

While CBD isolate is excellent by itself, some believe the full spectrum products could be more beneficial due to what’s known as ‘the entourage effect,’ arising from the other cannabinoids being present.

One question I’ve been asked a few times now is, ‘Will the use of CBD products cause me to fail a drug test?’ With these sorts of questions, we always have to err on the side of caution as no two situations are the same. Please don’t consider the following as a simple yes or no answer.

As CBD is legal, CBD and its metabolites are not tested for in routine drug tests. Therefore, there really is no concern when using CBD isolate products purchased from a trusted and reliable source.

You can check this information out for the product range you are using simply by requesting a certificate of analysis (COA) from the supplier or manufacturer.

A COA is usually completed by a laboratory that has performed the analysis on the sample, using a method like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A COA should show the purity of the sample and if any other cannabinoids are present as well as their associated concentrations or strengths.

The issue arises with THC content.

This is the compound behind the psychoactive effects of cannabis, and it is a controlled substance within the UK. THC is found in full spectrum products; as hemp plants grown for CBD under a Home Office licence and in the EU must contain less than 0.2% THC. Any oil extracted will therefore have very low concentrations.

In the UK, the legal blood limit to drive is 2µg/L, above this and you are by definition ‘drug driving’ which acquires driving penalties. Many employers now opt to drug test their staff which can be during recruitment or at random, although this is not just limited to THC, but other narcotics such as MDMA and heroin among others. Cannabis screening tests target THC and its metabolite THC-COOH, and this can be tested for by using saliva, urine, blood or even hair.

Although it is very rare for normal use of full spectrum CBD products to show up on a test due to the minute quantities of THC content, abnormally heavy usage each day at 1000mg or more may cause a false positive result for THC. So, putting it all together, there is a very small possibility to test positive for THC when using full spectrum CBD products containing THC. Although it is unlikely, but if you have any concerns or work in a tightly monitored industry where this could be an issue, you can safely use products containing pure CBD isolate.

BY RICHARD CUNNINGHAM

CBD E-LIQUID

LATIN AMERICA THE FUTURE CAPITAL OF THE

CBD WORLD?

With CBD emerging as an international phenomenon and inspiring hurried, Gold Rush-like fervour amongst everyone from investors to retailers, there’s one massive region that’s become impossible for the vape and CBD companies to ignore. Central and South America appear to have all the key ingredients in abundance for a boom: land for production, increasingly relaxed laws for trade, people for creation and consumption, and most importantly, will.

A prominent power player is Mexico, which is taking advantage of a recent series of legislative changes. Mexico legalised medical marijuana in June 2017, with all products available for purchase, personal use and distribution provided they were less than one percent THC. In November 2018, the country issued 38 distribution licenses to seven CBD companies, with 21 of them going to CBD Life.

The press release revealed that the ruling would make “cannabis products like hemp-derived CBD available on the

shelves of general retailers across the nation. With 40,000 points of sale in its current distribution channels, CBD Life is set to immediately distribute to over 4,000 of Mexico’s top retailers and pharmacies.”

Raul Elizalde, President of HempMeds Latin America said: “Cannabinoids with below one percent THC content can be in medicine, supplements, lotions, food, anything. This is very, very good for our country, and I think we’re one of the very first in the world to take that path.”

Products are already diversifying. Rocky Mountain High Brands, a subsidiary of CBD Life, is now the sole provider of Mexico’s CBD-infused beverages. Countries striking out in CBD appear to be following a pattern beginning with marijuana legalisation for medicinal purposes, followed by recreational ones. They owe it to arable farming land. In February 2018, Colombian senator and pro-cannabis advocate Juan Manuel Galán said Peru, Mexico, Uruguay, and

BY LEO FORFAR, Vapouround CBD journalist

FAVOURABLE LEGISLATION AND AN IDEAL CLIMATE FOR GROWING SOUTH OF THE BORDER COULD PUT NORTHERN COMPETITORS TO SHAME

WE’LL END UP RELYING ON ANY COUNTRY THAT CAN PRODUCE HEMP FOR ALMOST ZERO COST

“ “

Colombia had the potential to dominate marijuana exports, generating billions in revenue. Paraguay’s Law 6007 – passed in 2017 and instigated in 2018 –expanded marijuana imports and cultivation, placing national production under the government’s oversight with a central focus on scientific research.

Though they are not necessarily CBD-specific advances, they are crucial. The success of CBD products in the region has often sprung from the seeds of medical marijuana legalisation and increased hemp production, with governments eager to optimise their agricultural centres. Industry leaders in the world’s strongest economies have already noticed. For example, according to a report by the Latin American Post, there are 21 companies with licences to grow medical marijuana in Colombia alone, backed by capital flowing from Mexico, Israel, the US and Canada. And the region isn’t just primed for exports, but imports. Brazil’s 200 million strong population and comfortable position as an agricultural powerhouse has inspired predictions that it will lead the world on both fronts.

Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (or the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency) decriminalised CBD and even removed its import tax as far back as November 2015. A substantial development came in October 2018, when HempMeds Brasil released a 5000 mg CBD hemp oil for general consumption.

Mike Hodgson, owner of Green Leaf Productions and its cannabidiol-focused offshoot company Three Fourteen CBD, has created a business model of extracting premium hemp for a versatile range of CBD products.

As a close observer of the Canadian, European, US and Latin American markets, Mike has kept an eye on who can grow premium hemp and marijuana plants, and who’s buying them. He predicts the next great stage in the story of CBD will lie in how nations compete and sees South and Central America as

having crucial advantages.

It’s a grower’s game, and there’s no substitute for holding the most product.

“As an extractor, what we’re looking for is biomass – the plant material we can put through our extraction machine. As the plant commoditises, you’ll get a lot of players involved in growing. Right now, an average pound of industrial hemp at 18 percent CBD sits somewhere around the 200 dollars-a-pound mark. Colombia has come to the table pricing it at around five dollars, and you’ll see Mexico as another place that’s coming up as a major player. In order for countries like the UK, US and Canada to compete worldwide and have GMP certification for exports, we have to find biomass that is of good value.

“We’ll initially look to our domestic farmers to grow it, but eventually we’ll end up relying on Mexico, Colombia or even somewhere like South Africa; any country that can produce hemp for almost zero cost. Unfortunately, these means farmers getting paid very little in this economic model. These countries also have the perfect climate for such growth. They’re not spending millions or even billions of dollars building indoor farming facilities. Greenhouses are extremely energy inefficient; indoor and warehouse growth may not survive when the industry commoditises.

“Some predicted this commoditisation would happen in five years, I can see it happening in about two. Colombia has already come online with massive acreage. And the other South American countries – especially Nicaragua, will follow suit. Vaping and CBD are still the best places to be right now if you’re in a business with vertical integration and a tangible end product. For example, if you were able to get a really low-cost biomass and turn that into a vape pen product, those prices won’t compress for a while. They’ll stay aloft. It’s going to take time for the industry to catch up with that demand.”

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Canadian giant Canopy to supply medical cannabis in the UK

The world’s biggest cannabis company has set up shop in the UK.

Canopy Growth will operate via UK subsidiary Spectrum Biomedical and will import and distribute speciallycultivated strains to pharmacies across the UK at the request of physicians.

Cannabis was legalised for medical use in the UK in November last year.

Canopy Growth’s chief medical officer, Mark Ware, said: “We take cannabis very seriously indeed as a medicine. “In the end it’s a family of compounds that have tremendous therapeutic potential.”

Spectrum will simplify cannabis by providing physicians and patients with a chart to help them find the right product and THC/CBD ratio for the condition being treated.

Mr Ware said:

“Cannabis is very complex, it is used for a huge range of different conditions.

“The colour-coding is a way to simplify the complexity of the plant for patients.”

Canopy has joined forces with the Beckley Foundation to form Beckley Canopy Therapeutics, a partnership that will research and develop cannabis-based medicines. The Beckley Foundation scientifically investigates the effects of psychoactive substances, exploring their potential

therapeutic value and encouraging progressive drug policies that reduce harm and the ‘collateral damage’ caused by prohibition.

Beckley Canopy Therapeutics’ first clinical trial will take place in the second quarter of 2019 when they’ll investigate the effectiveness of cannabis in relieving cancer pain.

Cosmo Fielding, managing director of Beckley Canopy Therapeutics and Spectrum Biomedical, said: “The big cannabis-producing companies recognise the need to provide more clinical evidence as they move towards being more pharma-focused and we will see this ramp-up, with more clinical trials over the next few years.

“I think the global medicinal cannabis market will prove much bigger than the recreational use market.”

Canopy Growth Corporation launched as Tweed Marijuana Inc. in 2013 and in May 2018 became the first cannabisproducing company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

BY GORDON STRIBLING, Vapouround CBD journalist

“In the end it’s a family of compounds that have tremendous therapeutic potential”

ASK THE SCIENTIST

Do you know your CBD basics?

By Richard Cunningham, PhD

It’s the substance that’s capturing the attention of many of late. How much do you know about CBD? Don’t worry, Dr Richard Cunningham explains its power and potential.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the naturally occurring cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant

(Chemical Structure of CBD)

While the majority of cannabinoids are controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act, CBD is not, therefore making it legal.

In order to qualify for sale and consumption in the EU, CBD oil must be produced from one of the EUapproved industrial hemp strains. These contain a very low percentage of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the main psychoactive cannabinoid of cannabis.

As the approved hemp strains contain a maximum THC content of 0.2 percent by law, any hemp oil with THC content above 0.2 percent is to be considered medical marijuana, which was legalised in the UK last November.

Ever smelled marijuana walking down the street? Terpenes are the aromatic compounds which cause the notable smell of cannabis and hemp. A strong smell does not indicate the presence of THC, however, this can only be determined by laboratory analysis.

HEALTH CLAIMS

Numerous scientific studies from around the world have indicated that CBD could help in many health conditions and ailments. Some claim CBD can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduce chronic pain and pain relief, beat insomnia and even have anti-inflammatory effects. Further research and analysis is needed to look into these possibilities.

Vaping is the ideal method for users to take CBD at home or on the go and we see this has been reflected by the vast amounts of interest e-liquid manufacturers and vape shops have taken in CBD this year alone.

Against other methods of taking CBD, vaping has been stated as being much faster than that of oral administration and much more efficient by entering the blood stream directly when vaped, therefore, giving the user rapid absorption when needed compared to waiting for a pill to work.

About the author:

Dr Richard Cunningham has a PhD in medicinal chemistry from Queen’s University Belfast where he also worked as postdoctoral researcher for a number of years before working in the US at the Mitchell Cancer Institute in Alabama. Among his areas of expertise are organic synthesis, nucleosides, nucleotides, cellular biology, vitamins, aminoglycosides, drug delivery, phosphorous chemistry and chemical analysis. He is now the director of quality control for the UK at Liquid Sciences.

DID YOU KNOW Pure CBD andTHC arereportedtohavelittleto no odour at all.

Snoop Dogg’s Casa Verde invests in fintech in Sweden

The US rapper has previously invested in CBD and cannabis-related businesses in countries where recreational marijuana has been legalised.

“

I’ve endorsed them, advised them, and now I’m looking to invest in them. I plan to keep growing the portfolio, ya dig? ”

Snoop Dogg, the US rapper behind songs such as ‘Young, Wild and Free,’ ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot,’ and ‘Paid tha cost to be tha Boss,’ might just be the most vocal celebrity when it comes to airing his passion for the cannabis plant.

In recent years, he has made a name for himself away from the music industry he once dominated, by investing in hemp, CBD and cannabis firms in legal markets via his company Casa Verde Capital.

Just last summer, Snoop, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, partnered with British firm Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies in a deal which was reported to be worth $10 million. The company specialises in researching pain and inflammation therapies as well as cancer treatments. Once it was announced that Canada would legalise recreational marijuana, Snoop Dogg, aka Snoop Lion, revealed plans to launch Canadian Leafs By Snoop, which included Palm Tree CBD. It’s also been reported the rapper invested $2 million in a Toronto-based cannabis software provider called Trellis.

In recent weeks, Casa Verde Capital just announced plans to work with a Swedish financial technology company, Klarna Bank, which confirmed the $2 billion deal (worth around £1.9 billion).

Meanwhile the rapper was quoted as saying, “I’ve endorsed them, advised them, and now I’m looking to invest in them. I plan to keep growing the portfolio, ya dig?” Snoop (47) previously featured in a marketing campaign for Klarna Bank, where he appeared in a video with the persona of ‘Smoooth Dogg,’ which is believed to be a reference to Klarna’s ambition to enable “smoooth” payments. His recent social media updates appear to show Smoooth Dogg is set to return.

The financial technology service provider was founded in 2005 and provides online payment solutions for both consumers and merchants. It has 60 million shoppers and 100,000 merchants using the platform in multiple countries. “I’ve been looking for an opportunity to expand my tech investment portfolio to Europe and seeing the way Klarna operates and how they challenge the status quo, I think it’s a match made in heaven. I’m very excited about this partnership,” the rapper turned investor said.

Forbes Magazine was the first to report the rapper’s investment in the Swedish start-up, which is reported to have other notable shareholders including Visa and H&M.

BY STAFF REPORTER Vapouround CBD journalist

CBD.io Vegas Show Page 92 - 93

Vape ConventionsCBD Expo Miami Page 94 - 95

CBD CIRCUIT

Europe CBD Expo London Page 96 - 97

CBD show in the UK Page 91

PREVIEW: THE UK’S FIRST HEMP AND CBD EXPO COMES TO TOWN

It’s been a while coming, what with a growth spurt in the interest in CBD and hemp-based products across the UK. The inaugural Hemp and CBD expo will take place in March.

We spoke to the show’s organiser Tommy Prendergast and non-executive director of the expo Robert Sidebottom, about what businesses and consumers alike can expect from the event’s spring debut.

First off, Robert addressed the timing of the expo and the challenges the grey areas the UK industry faces: “I see the CBD industry and its massive growth potential. But there are some issues with compliance and confusion which really need to be addressed. There’s also the issue with novel foods, in what iterations is CBD a novel food? Clarification is needed in the marketplace.” Robert, who was, “involved in the early days of the Cannabis Products Directive (CPD)” adds, “we need clear guidance.”

CBD and hemp trade shows have become almost commonplace across the US, with shows coming up in locations where CBD has boomed stateside such as Miami and Las Vegas. We asked Tommy what kind of research went into this first UK show, given that there’s very little to base it off in this country.

“In the leadup to this show, since we announced our show dates, we’ve been to shows around Europe and in the US. We’ve done all of those shows to see what’s going on on the Continent.”

He said that experience taught him what not to do in organising this event. “The European shows were a lot more marijuana based. In the UK we had to adapt slightly to what our market is able to do. That wouldn’t really fly in the UK. The main thing we’ve tried to do is with the branding, we wanted people to know this is not a festival.”

Part of that messaging also required turning down potential exhibitors who wanted to promote their CBD flowers on site. That was a stance Tommy says they had to take, given another “grey area.”

“We made the decision on CBD flowers not to allow them. It’s a grey area. We know some people do it, we know some people don’t. In Europe that would be allowed but for the UK we said we wouldn’t allow flowers

until we got a clearer definition of them. However, we are allowing for seed companies to exhibit.”

This trade show will take the form of a shared schedule among business attendees and consumers. However, those with B2B tickets can avail of some quiet time on the show floor as Saturday evening will be closed to B2C ticketholders. Tommy says this will allow for meetings to take place when it’s less busy.

Among the list of exhibitors are companies which specialise in everything from skincare and beauty to oils and tinctures. The pair say there are already plans for a second show.

One final note from the organisers adds to what seems to be the mission of most in the industry. That’s to use their platform to educate others about the potential behind CBD.

Robert and Tommy agree, saying it’s about “providing a platform to educate everybody. We’ve been reaching out to gyms to invite personal trainers to come and learn more about CBD. There are a lot of MMA fighters and boxers incorporating CBD into their regimes and recovery. We’re reaching out to people such as them to come to the show.”

The Hemp & CBD Expo takes place at the NEC March 2 and 3.

Tommy Prendergast

Robert Sidebottom

CBD.io - The Future of Wellness.

Las Vegas Convention Center, November 9-10.

They are used to putting on a good show in Las Vegas and the CBD.io event in November was no exception.

For two days at the Las Vegas Convention Center we were immersed in all things CBD as The Future of Wellness event got underway.

Having worked with Vapouround since it was launched three-and-a-half years ago, I have covered my fair share of vape events and anyone who has attended a vape expo would feel right at home here.

In fact, this event was two shows in one – CBD.io for the CBD contingent and VapExpo Las Vegas for the vaping community. Both shows complemented each other perfectly and proved to be a natural and totally seamless fit.

The vaping and CBD markets are both young, vibrant and exciting and the same spirit of adventure is evident in both.

The same passion that is so often encountered in the vape industry is here in the CBD market too and it is easy to see why there has been something of a cross-over between the two sectors. It was good to see established vape companies launching or promoting their new CBD lines at this show as this is a logical and natural progression as the industry grows and evolves.

There is clearly synergy between the vaping and CBD sectors and many people who have switched from smoking to vaping can see the benefit of using CBDbased products too.

At every stand I visited, exhibitors were keen to help me understand their products and the benefits they could provide.

Exhibitors were often just as happy to tell their own personal stories of discovering CBD products and wanted to help others understand this young, up-and-coming market.

Needless to say, this meant that right from the outset I felt really comfortable speaking to people from the CBD community and learned so much during the two days I was in Vegas.

Those from a vaping background may see CBD products as a vaping add-on but this could not be further from the truth. Just spend five minutes at a show like this and you will see the huge range of CBD products that are out there.

There were oils, edible chews, gummies, pet products, supplements, alternative medicine and CBD vape products at the show and this was just scratching the surface.

This was a truly international event with companies from the US, Europe and Asia all well-represented and at no time did I feel that this was two separate shows sharing the same space.

Conventions like this are great ways to catch up with existing industry contacts and also to meet new people.

I was particularly pleased to catch up with David Goerlitz who is now a big name in the CBD industry.

When I first met David a few years back he was still known as the former Winston Man but he has managed to reinvent himself as a leading – and often outspoken – voice in the CBD world as he seeks to spread the message of the benefits of these products.

We had a stand at the show both for Vapouround Magazine and the Vapouround Club and it was great to meet so many people who wanted to find out more about what we do.

A huge thanks to everybody who took time to say ‘hi’ to us and to the organisers who put this event together and worked hard to make it a really memorable experience.

Here’s to the next one.

BY PATRICK GRIFFIN Vapouround CBD journalist

The CBD showcase promises to be a huge draw for hemp and CBD fans

BY LEO FORFAR, Vapouround CBD journalist

“CBD is the next avocado toast,” proclaimed Coca-Cola executive-turned CBD start-up founder, Chris Burggraeve in October last year. But if anything, consumers have embraced CBD with far more enthusiasm.

“It’s really kind of amazing that nearly anywhere you go right now, there’s something on a counter or on a shelf that has some kind of CBD labelling on it,” USA CBD Expo host Jason Monti said. “Whether it’s going to a health food store and finding a CBD cream or supplement sitting on the counter or going to a local corner store and picking up some milk, it’s there.”

The inaugural USA CBD Expo will take place on August 3 and 4. The event promises to be both a networking opportunity for businesses and a chance for consumers to learn about the huge range of products and companies currently on the market. A similar scale show in Las Vegas has been pencilled in for early 2020.

“We’re excited to experiment with the CBD shows to do the same exciting and consumer-heavy style of event that vape was really known for,” Jason said.

“We feel like this industry has gotten away from the consumer and we want to include the consumer on the CBD side of things.” Jason was introduced to CBD via running international vape events. The team began discussing a potential CBD event after Vape South America in Colombia in May 2018.

“We had noticed that there were quite a few companies who had added CBD products to their lines and we thought at that point that we were seeing a trend. Since then, it’s been at every show we attended. As we’ve been planning our other shows, we’ve noticed more and more CBD vendors looking to be involved.” Many vape companies have expanded their CBD ranges beyond e-liquids. Meanwhile, CBD and hemp companies have turned to the expo model to promote their products and network. This has created a fertile ground for an expo that encompasses the full range of CBD products and markets.

“In addition to just the vape side of things, that there is a broad range of practical uses for CBD,” Jason said. “It’s not just limited to the vape category.” The cannabis market has a very broad reach. But while there is some overlap with the legally murky marijuana industry, Jason decided early on to focus squarely on

CBD and hemp. The highly-publicised Farm Bill has helped draw a clear line between the two industries and opened up interstate commerce.

“It will be anything with the legal amount of THC,” Jason said.

“It’ll be CBD, it’ll be hemp, it’ll be accessories, it’ll be financial. There’ll be investors looking to get involved in this industry with people that are maybe looking to raise capital.”

There will also be buyers and large distributors looking to bring CBD into mainstream outlets, such as convenience and chain big box stores and local and chain pharmacies.

From the outset, Jason wanted the event to be as accessible to consumers as possible, so consumer entry will either be free or subject to a very small fee. This should ensure that members of the public only recently exposed to CBD via the media or wordof-mouth will be able to attend.

“It seems that every other day you pick up a newspaper there’s an article, every time you go online there’s some type of release, there’s another company making a big equity buy into another company,” Jason said.

“Our goal as an organisation is to reach as many people to invite them to our event.”

The event will also feature a panel of experts who will educate businesses on hemp and CBD market trends, the potential health benefits of hemp products and the many complex legal considerations surrounding them.

“There are so different many uses right now for CBD, so it’ll be great to have so many speakers that can speak eloquently on those topics.”

Jason hopes to help bridge the gap between consumers and the ever-growing businesses and products competing for their custom. And much like the vaping world, those working in within the industry often have personal stories to tell.

“We really want them to come in and have an opportunity to meet manufacturers and vendors and hear their story. Our goal’s always been to get as many consumers to these events as possible. Consumers set the market, they’ll let the buyers know what to stock in their stores.”

London to host Europe’s first dedicated CBD expo

Even as recently as last year, the idea of a two-day standalone CBD expo in London seemed a little far-fetched, but it is about to become a reality.

In July the ExCel will play host to Europe’s largest CBD Expo which will feature more than 80 exhibitors as well as presentations and panel discussions from experts in the research, development, and distribution of CBD products.

The Europe CBD Expo will cover more than 4,000 square metres and takes place on July 12 and 13, with the first day reserved for business visitors and the second day open to the public.

The expo has been organised by London CBD Group which acts as a consultancy service to connect clients with a network of trusted manufacturers and suppliers.

Sal Noble, producer of Europe CBD Expo and founder and CEO of London CBD Group said: “We think the hybrid business/consumer format is sure to appeal to a wide range of attendees and bring some muchneeded attention to the CBD options that so many consumers want to learn about.

“You will leave the Europe CBD Expo with new understanding to help inform your next steps as a consumer, supplier, manufacturer or retailer of CBD products.’’

Its aims include: Bringing together the world’s most reputable CBD brands from all sectors of the industry including manufacturing, white labelling, retailers and

other key stakeholders.

Promoting reliable sources of the supply chain to businesses that are looking to potentially stock CBD products.

Educating the public on CBD, understanding where it comes from, how CBD is produced and how it can be used correctly and

To set the standards of CBD products in Europe and highlight the companies which are taking positive steps to meeting regulations and standards.

The expo will showcase the latest brands as well as unveiling new products and developments in CBD in the UK and around the world. It will also allow exhibitors and visitors to network and share ideas while keeping the public informed on the facts of CBD.

The organisers want Europe CBD Expo to be known for its integrity and all brands who wish to exhibit will undergo a thorough background check from company and brand reputation to product and service testing.

London CBD Group marketing director, Kristina Spionjak, told Vapouround: “The participation criteria for Europe

CBD Expo is pretty high to ensure that international buyers visiting the expo can trust the quality and compliance of the products being exhibited.

“Every product will be checked from a legal point of view, that they have the right permit, the right commercial reputation and that they meet ethical criteria. They will also need to be able to demonstrate that they can actually deliver products.”

The Europe CBD Expo will bring together a host of international companies to the ExCel in July

In addition, the organisers will send products being exhibited for random testing by independent labs and all businesses will need to provide evidence that they meet certain minimum assessment standards.

Access to the expo is restricted to companies who create, produce and sell CBD products and companies offering services to the CBD industry.

Kristina added: “Many brands are claiming that CBD has so many health benefits but they’re not even aware of marketing authorisation, advertising authorisation standards and the things that you can and cannot say.

“Some companies don’t even have their product classified as a supplement or a food or as a medicine. It’s really hard for a customer to actually know what to buy.”

Marketing restrictions can be a frustrating hurdle for compliant businesses to overcome and this has a knockon effect for the consumer. The CBD Link Educational and Networking Area will feature presentations and panel discussions from government officials and industry experts covering topics ranging from production and distribution through to compliance and legal issues.

“We’re partnering up with a couple of universities that are researching cannabis and CBD products,” Kristina said. “They will have a big part in educating the public and educating businesses that will be attending the expo.”

BY GORDON STRIBLING, Vapouround CBD journalist

“You will leave the Europe CBD Expo with new understanding to help inform your next steps as a consumer, supplier, manufacturer or retailer of CBD products.”

REVIEWS

Mouth Spray and Oil by CBD HUB UK

Full disclosure, I will probably try anything that comes with a vegan stamp. I’m by no means vegan, but with society putting an emphasis on leading a plant-based lifestyle, then I’m all for ’save the world’ CBD products. Plus I love the emphasis on having as natural a product as possible. CBD Hub’s mouth spray and oil drops have clearly been in development for some time, judging by the quality. There is no hemp odour, which is the first thing I look for in a tincture. The flavours are also right up my street, again with a focus on plants and all things natural. The spray is soft mint flavoured, which was a refreshing burst of mint without a lingering toothpaste taste. (Some cheaper brands have come out with this and it’s just not good.) The bottle I tried was 400mg in a 30ml glass bottle, with a convenient

CBD Oil. Medium Strength, Natural Flavour by CBD HUB UK

Next up I tried the cool mint flavoured 15 percent CBD Oil, this time with a pipette. Lift the lid and there’s an instant waft of peppermint and spearmint. So many brands are masking the bitterness of hemp and CBD with menthol flavours and I have sampled a few, but CBD Hub do this really well. Again, they’ve masked some of the harsh aftertaste we associate with tinctures, but the mint isn’t overbearing. There’s nothing worse than tasting something you know could have been better executed, so I’m happy CBD Hub have put the effort in here. It’s worth mentioning too that CBD Hub UK use GM-free CBD oil across their product range. Plus their oils have been filtered at least three times to achieve what

they call a ‘Golden CBD’ standard.

Last but not least, I used a rather different oil product, again in the form of drops. I wasn’t expecting this flavour to land on my desk. In an industry which seems to be dominated by citrus and menthol, when I read ‘rosemary and clary sage in extra virgin avocado oil’ on the label, my interest was piqued. Full disclosure, I’m not a big fan of rosemary anything so I was quite apprehensive. This oil is five percent CBD, and in comparison with the other CBD Hub samples I tried this time around, I didn’t get much of an effect from this.

That said, I would highly recommend the sod mint spray and cool mint drops to anyone who likes natural products that aren’t full of artificial ingredients. CBD Hub have also done well to include precise instructions for how to use each of their products, perhaps due to the individuality of CBD and how people take it.

spray top. Spray tops are becoming more and more popular as an alternative to pipettes.

What I also liked is that the amount of CBD the user receives per spray is listed on the bottle - in my case this contained 1.5mg per spray. I think this is a policy more brands should adopt in controlled dosages, instead of the consumer having to work the math out. It certainly makes for ease of finding the right amount to take.

I really enjoyed using the spray — I can see why this flavour combination has grown so popular and thankfully, CBD Hub haven’t gone down the chewing gum route with their mint blends. Instead they’ve used top of the range essential oils, which make the oils more akin to expensive peppermint tea than dental floss.

BY RÓISÍN DELANEY Vapouround CBD editor

Usonicig

The ideal solution to an easy transition to CBD vaping. This is a mouth-to-lung vaping (MTL),experience. Last year saw a growing popularity with MTL pod systems as either open or closed pod systems. USONICIG kicked off 2019 along the same lines with the new and innovative ZIP kit.

The ZIP is an open pod system unlike any other. It utilises the ultrasonic vape technology of the Rhythm kit but on a smaller scale. This ultrasonic vape technology saw USONICIG win an award for outstanding contribution to the vape industry at the Vapouround Awards last year. Since then, the technology has been developed further and is even more efficient.

The ZIP pod system is one of the larger pod systems on the market but fits the hand nicely. The design is sleek and ergonomically sound. The device features a 2ml capacity, replaceable open pod held securely to the battery with magnets. Each pod is stated to have the lifespan of around 5,000 puffs, so each pod should endure well over one month of MTL vaping.

The kit is very tidy and has a simple single button function making the device effortless and easy to transition from smoking. The ZIP is totally fool-proof, even if you’re just getting into CBD vapes.

Device specifications

Pod Capacity: 2ml

Battery: 1200mAh

Ultrasonic frequency: 3.0MHz

Charge Time: <1hr

Dimensions: 94 x 34 x 20mm

PROS

– Good open pod lifespan.

CONS

– Big device for small battery cell capacity.

The pods have a simple 90°right-angle twist function that reveals the fill holes which are of a brilliantly wide diameter ideal for 10ml bottles, making the filling mess free providing that the max fill line is adhered to.

The device has a modest 1200mAh that sees each charge lasting for the best part of a day with infrequent use. But the charge time is only up to an hour so there’s no worry if the battery depletes.

The ZIP is reliable at delivering a smooth vape with modest flavour intensity, regular for pod devices. I would advise that the device is fired up for a second before you draw a pull to give the most efficient experience. The pod vaporises the liquid with a 3.0MHz ultrasonic frequency so the output isn’t as instant as coilbased pods/atomisers. I am actually impressed with the vaping experience provided from the ZIP. Patience is key with this innovative technology; as for a more intense hit, a lengthier pull is required. The MTL experience is soft and not too restrictive. Again, this device is fully compatible with CBD liquids. This device is an easy-going starter kit plus it’s also a handy pocket size vape alternative for travelling with your CBD.

Device Specifications:

Dimensions: 112mm x 19mm x 20mm

Battery Cell: Built-in Lithium, 350mAh Resistance: 1.2-1.5 ohms

Capacity: 1.5ml pod

Charging: Micro-USB port

Pros

- Great MTL experience for CBD liquids

- Leak free experience

- Consistent CBD vape experience

Cons

- Great MTL experience for CBD liquids

- Leak free experience

- Consistent CBD vape experience

The Vladdin RE kit sees the return of Vladdin’s original pod system but the new kit now features refillable pods. This device is billed as being suitable to CBD vaping by the manufacturer.

The device has an attractive sleek structure and has a comfortable hold. The edges of the device are flattened and, just to note, the bottom corners present sharp edges. The system has a battery indicator, a micro-USB on the flat base and takes 1.5ml refillable pods. It’s a pen-style vape with no buttons.

The pods are a similar shape and are held to the battery with magnets to ensure a constant connection. To fill the pods the mouthpiece

detaches revealing a rubber bung that you pop off to fill the holes. The seal on the pods is excellent and has a spill proof mechanism, both ensuring a leak free experience. The fill holes on the pods are quite small so filling with droppers can be an issue. The ceramic coils within the pods are patented and cased in the lower quarter of the pods.

When vaping the Vladdin RE, the indicator light illuminates as the device is draw-activated. The vape gives a smooth MTL experience that is consistent and doesn’t stutter. The pod delivers full-bodied flavour, which is great especially now that you can use your own juices. The vape works best with higher nicotine e-liquids, preferably nic salts. After using the device for a while it’s clear the pods have a moderate life span and you can get a decent amount of liquid through them before needing a new pod. A full pod will last around a whole day depending on how regular the device is used.

The battery life for the Vladdin is reasonable and you will get the best side of a day from the 350mAh battery. The indicator LED on the base of the product doesn’t show that the devices power is running low so when possible keep the battery charging.

Overall, this product is easy-to-use and gives a great mouth to lung experience. The Vladdin RE is visually smart and compact making it great for an on-the-go lifestyle. The open pod system makes it a good choice for those who have a specific juice they vape or mix their own e-liquids.

REVIEW BY JAMES PARNELL

CBD Balm by fourfive cbd

If you’ve ever looked through the review section of any Vapouround magazine, I guarantee you will not find anything with my name next to it. So, it’s safe to say I keep my review hat in its box for occasions. There’s been a lot of love for this product in particular on socials. I’m usually sceptical of such hype, but I’m happy to say this one is for real. The short ingredients list includes coconut oil, shea butter, cacao, rosemary, and vanilla plus the CBD extract. I used it daily over a week, starting small, and by the time it came to writing this review, this little pot of 300mg CBD Balm had made itself at home in my handbag, car and office. (A higher strength of 800mg is also available.)

The first time I tried this I went straight in, head first (literally), and applied the balm to my face and neck as part of my weekly DIY facial. After exfoliating, applying a facemask and then a serum, I mixed a healthy sized amount of balm with my night cream and spread it gently upwards starting at the base of the neck. It may appear to be a firm wax at first glance, but once you hold the balm in your hand it quickly melts down and smells natural. It’s subtly fragranced, compared to some other balm products out there which was also a big plus for me.

The following morning, I absolutely noticed a difference, and I can say it was 100 percent the effects of the balm because the rest of my routine hasn’t changed in months. I don’t wear a lot of make-up during the day, so I’ve been mixing it with my tinted moisturiser in the mornings. I find it gives

my complexion a dewy glow that usually I’d need three products to give the illusion of. It’s barely there but still noticeable, which is what I want.

I’ve also tried the balm in my hair, because why not? I’m guilty of buying pricey hair serums in fancy jars, purely because they look nice in my bathroom. I swapped my latest buy out for the balm after washing my hair one evening and left my hair to dry naturally after this. The balm put a healthy shine on my waves and really hydrated any dry ends. Given that it contains coconut oil and shea butter, it also made my hair super soft.

Did I mention I’m also using it as a lip balm? I’ve been applying little amounts to my lips with my staple lip pencil and it works wonders. Glossy and moisturising, especially in the season of chapped lips. So there you have it. A moisturiser, hair serum and lip balm all in one. I’ll probably find more uses for this in the weeks to come. If, like me, you hate lugging around a bag of products, this might just be the one pot wonder we’ve all been missing until now.

CBD Oil. Medium Strength, Natural Flavour

by fourfive cbd.

I’ve been using tinctures, or drops, on and off over the last few months and I have found a couple of products which work. I think I’m at the stage where I need something around the 1,000mg concentration for it to have any noticeable effect, especially if I’m adding a few drops to a herbal tea or cup of coffee. I also love coconut oil products, whether it’s an ingredient in something I’m taking, in a hair mask or to cook with.

So, this was refreshing to try, plus it comes from professional rugby players Dominic Day and George Kruis who have made CBD part of their everyday lifestyle. The fourfive cbd team have ensured their drops are as natural as possible, with no hemp smell wafting from the bottle. The drops also come in a pack with both a dropper and a spray top. I’m torn between both as I love the idea of a dropper, but a spray is just more practical. Whichever you prefer, not all brands give you the option to choose, so that was a big plus for me. If you’re looking for CBD oil drops which won’t leave a bitter aftertaste and have an emphasis on the natural side of things, give this a go. Also available in 500mg.

BY RÓISÍN DELANEY Vapouround CBD editor

2019: a year to watch for CBD

CBD has be en one of the stories of 2018, the novelty phase is now over, and 2019 will be the year the longer term future of CBD products be comes clearer.

While

There is every sign of big continued interest in medical and recreational marijuana And while such products should not be confused with CBD, we can expect some of that interest to rub off on the CBD market.

Meanwhile, there is likely to be increased scientific interest in trying to establish how efficacious CBD really is for health, pain relief and general well being.

Globally 2019 will continue to be a mixed bag for CBD, with growth expected to continue at a rapid pace in established markets while barriers remain in smaller or non existent ones. Countries such as the UK should continue to see growth. CBD Intel analysts expect CBD use to become even more wide spread as it is accepted into more health food stores and mainstream supermarkets.

But in other jurisdictions, such as France and Italy, where CBD products have seen greater restrictions,

About CBD-Intel

the future does not appear quite as bright. Despite some advances, uncertainty and clampdowns are expected to continue in France. In Italy the story is slightly better Flowers and foods are expected to see continued restriction but a ministerial decree should add some clarity on foods.

And in Spain an increase in enforcement is expected to continue while the country sorts out its CBD regulation.

There is mixed news in the Czech Republic. A new proposal for the legalisation of cultivating, handling and using small amounts of low THC cannabis for personal consumption was given a negative recep tion by the Czech government during its first reading in the country’s House of Representatives. It is expected that the soon to be published national anti drug strategy for 2019 2027 will mention cannabis in general. However, that does not mean it will deal with CBD

Other countries that have taken a negative approach to CBD are not expected to loosen controls in the near future. CBD Intel does not predict a market in Russia within the next year, for example. Further afield, countries such as Australia will see slow increases in CBD popularity but levels will depend on future regulation

CBD Intel provides impartial, independent and premium market and regulatory analysis, legal tracking, and quantitative data for the cannabidiol (CBD) sector, with a focus on non US markets.

We of fer a one stop source of market and regulatory strategic data for the CBD industry. Providing all the data in one online platform reduces the amount of time and money spent monitoring the sector for multiple international markets. Our global perspective on the international CBD sector offers you key data such as market trends, key players, regulatory obligations and industry dynamics.

CBD Intel’s team is made up of lawyers, economists and journalists The team is based in London, Barcelona and New York, and enhanced by correspondents and contributors from around the world.

In addition, we offer customised research and consultancy support We also publish ECigIntelligence for the global e cigarette and tobacco alternatives sector

Koi - CBD60 - Strawberry Pucker

Strength: 500mg

Strength per ml: 8.3mg

For the purpose of this review, this liquid has been tested as an e-liquid and vaped. You can also use it as a tincture though. Right off the bat you really notice its strength. It’s 500mg per bottle, which works out to be 8.3mg per millilitre. As a fan of strong CBD, whether it’s for vaping or another method, this one works well for me. The flavour of this liquid is really pleasing. Something that is often difficult with CBD liquids is getting the flavour on point, however, this liquid has a delicious candy strawberry that is basic in profile. The throat hit of this liquid is mild even in a sub-ohm vape device. Overall, this liquid offers a good CBD hit in a pleasant tasting liquid, and a good first impression for Koi.

- Blue Koi

Strength: 100mg

Strength per ml: 3.3mg

This liquid is another heavily flavoured liquid from Koi with a blend of blue raspberry and dragon fruit this liquid is rather fruity. Included in the flavour mix is some added sweetness which helps the flavours linger on the tongue for a short while. The liquid is 100mg per bottle and this equates to 3.3mg per millilitre, so again it is rather low in strength but as mentioned before this liquid is strong in flavour making it an easy all-day vape to slowly get your supplementary CBD. Overall this liquid has great flavour and low in CBD strength which some users may look for, particularly berry fans.

Koi - CBD60 - Kool Watermelon

Strength: 500mg

Strength per ml: 8.3mg

The second liquid in Koi’s CBD60 range I got my hands on is this Kool Watermelon. A 500mg liquid which also works out to be 8.3mg per ml, which I find to be a good strength for an all-day CBD vaper. This liquid was vaped for this review but like the rest of the Koi range sampled for this issue, you can also use the oils sublingually as tinctures. The flavour of this liquid follows suit of the strawberry pucker with a candyoriented flavour, however there is also a very mild hit of menthol. The mix of these two flavours creates a tasty sweet that is simple in profile but effective. The hit of the CBD is reasonably strong and does create a mild burn on the throat, consistent in the majority of CBD liquid. Overall a good liquid in flavour and CBD hit.

Koi - Tropical Popsicle

Strength: 100mg

Strength per ml: 3.3mg

This low strength, high flavour liquid offers the user an all-day vape with a low amount of CBD to carry you through the day. At just 3.3mg per millilitre, compared with the others, this liquid isn’t at all high in strength. Although sometimes off-putting to the user, it does create itself another use, being an all-day vape. Some of you may require CBD throughout the day and this liquid offers the opportunity to do so coupled with good flavour. The liquid is flavoured with cherries, limes, and raspberries all mixed in with a little menthol. This tropical popsicle provides one of the best flavours for CBD liquid with little throat hit, overall a good liquid.

El Patron - OG Kush

Strength: 300mg

Strength per ml: 10mg

If an authentic hemp flavour is what you’re looking for, this liquid could be for you. Aptly named OG Kush, this liquid has a strong grass and soil flavouring along with a complex hemp flavour. It’s low-to-mid strength at 300mg per bottle and 10mg per millilitre. It could be an all-day vape for anyone looking for a constant supply of CBD throughout the day. The liquid has very little throat hit unless using a sub-ohm, at which point it becomes a little harsher on the throat. Overall, this liquid is enjoyable if you do enjoy the authentic flavour and are not looking for large doses of CBD. This liquid was also vaped in a mouthto-lung and sub-ohm setup.

CBD Shot

VG/PG ratio: 50/50

The CBD Shot is a novel idea from Eden. It comprises of a highly concentrated, flavourless CBD blend which can be added to any e-liquid of the users’ choosing. Eden recommend a 1 to 10 dilution of CBD Shot to standard e-liquid, resulting in a dosage of 60mg/10ml. During my time testing the CBD Shot, I used it in a variety of applications, including short-fills, and adding 1ml to a 10ml bottle of TPD compliant e-liquid. The fact that it’s flavourless and so highly concentrated means the CBD Shot is a really versatile product that opens up a lot of choice for CBD vapers. If you’ve been struggling to find a CBD flavour that suits you, this should solve your problem, as any of your favourite e-liquids can now be easily infused. It’s particularly great for those who dislike the taste of CBD, as adding a small amount of the shot to potent fruity mixes will totally mask the botanical flavour. A must have product for almost anyone that uses CBD.

By BENEDICT ‘NED’ JONES Vapouround CBD Reviewer

Koi

Mixed Berry-Eden CBD

VG/PG ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Minimal

Throat hit: Moderate

Mixed Berry is described by Eden as a blend of blueberry, raspberry and blackcurrant. This is a classic beginner friendly profile, so does it work in the context of a CBD blend?

The berry elements are quite well-balanced here, but a candied blackcurrant seems to be most prominent. It brings a familiar dark sweetness and sticky texture to the mix, without becoming cloying. This is supported by a brighter candy raspberry, which works to cut through the blackcurrant with some brighter notes and a touch of tartness. The blueberry takes a bit of a back seat in the mix, supporting the deeper sweetness of the blackcurrant, and also giving a slight boost to the floral notes at play. The botanical notes of the CBD are quite mild in this mix, and actually complement the flavour of the berries very well. Another great choice for new CBD vapers.

Blueberry- Eden CBD

VG/PG ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Minimal

Throat hit: Moderate

Blueberry is an extremely simple blend from the Eden CBD line. When choosing to offer such stripped back profiles, it’s really important to select the right ingredients, and I’m happy to say Eden have done well in this case. The blueberry is quite potent and seems to be a mix of both candied and natural portrayals of the fruit. The candied element brings plenty of sweetness to the mix, along with a mild tartness. The more natural accents bring some depth to the blend with some earthy notes and a somewhat deeper sweetness, found in the real fruit. This complements the botanical flavour of the CBD rather well, and does in fact mask the flavour slightly, too. This is a great choice for newcomers to CBD that do not want the botanical element of the mix dominating the palate.

Strawberry- Eden CBD

VG/PG ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Minimal

Throat hit: Moderate

Another very simple blend from Eden CBD. In a similar fashion to the blueberry offering, this strawberry blend has a combination of candied and more natural elements. The candy strawberry seems to be just a tad more prominent in this case though, bringing a bright sweetness and sticky mouth-feel to the profile. This is accented by a more natural strawberry flavour, which adds some tartness to the mix, along with a distinctive juicy texture. The botanical flavour of the CBD is more pronounced in this blend when compared with the blueberry, but this will be desirable for many seasoned CBD vapers. These sharper notes work very well with the sweeter parts of the strawberry, making for a well-rounded, simple blend that’s ideal for those who enjoy the flavour of CBD.

Lemon Haze- UK-CBDOILS

Strength: 500mg

Strength per ml: 50mg

This high in CBD liquid is set to give you a good hit at 50mg per millilitre, so on a subohm device you should certainly feel the effect. The CBD in the liquid is full spectrum and includes terpenes, something I always like to see included in CBD e-liquids. The flavour of this liquid is a little authentic to the plant which it derives from, something some CBD vapers look for. In this case, it has a light lemongrass flavouring that doesn’t stand out too much on the tongue. Overall, this liquid is great for anyone looking for a strong hit of CBD although there is a mild-to-strong throat burn.

Menthol-

- UK-CBDOILS

Strength: 200mg Strength per ml: 20mg

Another reasonably high in strength CBD e-liquid. This simply flavoured full spectrum e-liquid also includes terpenes, to offer the full effect. Standing at 200mg per bottle and 20mg per millilitre, this is pretty strong, and possibly something that a lot of experienced CBD users are looking for. Following the trend of CBD e-liquids this one too is simply flavoured. Menthol is mixed with a spearmint offering a rather nice concoction. There is a mild throat hit from the liquid, but the menthol works well to cover this up and ease the burn, rendering it almost unnoticeable. Overall another great, strong liquid from UK-CBDOILS.

CBD Drops- UK-CBDOILS

Strength: 1500mg Strength per ml: 150mg

First things first, this product is purely intended for the use of tincture and not within a vaping setup. These strong drops equate to give 150mg of CBD per millilitre, making it very high in strength and that is why this particular brand would perfect for anyone who enjoys a big hit of CBD. There is very little in the way of flavour with this liquid with the majority of the flavour coming from the full spectrum CBD. Overall, this oil is basic in flavour but not basic in the effect. This is highly recommended to any user that requires a big hit and isn’t fond of flavoured tinctures.

By BENEDICT ‘NED’ JONES Vapouround CBD Reviewer

Queen’s Custard

VG/PG ratio: 40/60

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild

Described as a blend of custard, brown sugar and cheesecake, Queen’s Custard is a luxurious profile from CBD Queen. The main custard note is rich, sweet and eggy – just about everything you’d expect from this well-loved dessert. This is enhanced by the dark sweetness of a brown sugar top note, which adds intrigue and imparts a subtle bitterness. The dairy notes of cheesecake are present but rather mild, which is understandable given the more prominent custard at play. The CBD isolate does add its own flavour to the profile but isn’t overpowering. I must note that in this context it will be an acquired taste, though, since the botanical notes from the isolate are more prominent than when mixed with heavy fruit profiles. Queen’s Custard is a unique and mellow CBD e-liquid.

Gummy Mix

VG/PG ratio: 40/60

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

Gummy Mix is a straightforward candy vape from the CBD Queen Isolate range. The top note here is a sweet candy pineapple. It’s bright, but lacks the tartness found in the authentic fruit. This is supported by a medley of other candy fruit flavours. Due to their subtlety, it’s very difficult to properly separate them, but the end result is a fruit medley not unlike taking a handful of sweets and eating them all at once, including the sticky mouth-feel. The CBD isolate does impart some flavour here, though in this case I feel it augments the profile in a positive way. The botanical notes blend nicely with the bright pineapple, resulting in a unique fruit mix that newer vapers will likely enjoy.

Lemon Heaven

VG/PG ratio: 40/60

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

Billed as a blend of lemon curd, meringue and pastry, Lemon Heaven is a dessert CBD blend which takes aim at one of the UK’s most popular profiles. The lemon top note is very impressive. It’s certainly sweet, but carries the authentic tang of a well-made lemon curd and totally avoids artificial off notes or becoming overly sweet. A creamy layer of meringue does well to add body to the mouthfeel and round out sharper notes from the lemon zest. It’s playing second fiddle to the lemon here, but this works. The profile is finished with a healthy dose of biscuit base. This enhances the sweet qualities that are already present with a darker sweetness and also adds some texture to the mouth-feel. Flavour from the CBD isolate is less noticeable here, and this makes Lemon Heaven a great option for dessert fans looking for a CBD blend that tastes like a regular e-liquid.

Super Lemon Haze

VG/PG ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Moderate

Super Lemon Haze is from CBD Queen’s full spectrum range. Full spectrum CBD e-liquids incorporate a wider range of cannabinoids and naturally occurring terpenes than CBD isolate products. The result is an entirely natural and unique flavour profile. The top note here is a distinct natural lemon, from the Limonene compound which is found in the Super Lemon Haze plant. This potent lemon is supported by an array of musky, earthy notes. The result is a full-bodied and bold botanical profile that will not be for everyone. Those who are looking for a citrus-based full spectrum experience need look no further, and I enjoyed my time with Super Lemon Haze thoroughly. As is usually the case with full spectrum blends, Super Lemon Haze does carry a noticeable throat hit, so lower wattages are recommended for the best experience.

Pink Lemonade

VG/PG ratio: 40/60

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

This is a simple lemon soda and raspberry blend from CBD Queen’s isolate range. Stripped back fruit profiles have traditionally gone together well with CBD, so is that the case here? The lemon top note is bright and sweet, but still brings a degree of authentic tang to the mix. There’s an almost fizzy connotation to this top note too, which is usually quite difficult to capture, so I’m glad this has been achieved here. The bold lemon is supported by a more reserved candy raspberry, which enhances the sweetness of the profile, while rounding out the citric edge of the bright top notes. This works nicely and doesn’t distract from the natural elements of the lemon whatsoever. The CBD isolate barely interacts with the flavour here, making Pink Lemonade a solid choice for vapers who do not wish to taste any botanicals.

Grape Slushy

VG/PG ratio: 40/60

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

CBD Queen describe Grape Slushy as a blend of sweet grape and mixed berries with a mint finish. Grape can be a divisive flavour, but CBD Queen have done a fantastic job in this case. It’s certainly a candied representation, but it avoids artificial off notes and instead comes across as a mellow Concord style grape. This is complemented by a mild mixed berry accent. It’s subtle, but still present on the palate and while I can’t claim to taste individual berry flavours, this dark fruit medley is a great pairing with the main grape body and keeps the profile from feeling one dimensional. The cooling finish lifts the mix and solidifies Grape Slushy as a light, summery profile, but I personally do not detect any mint flavour. This is a solid fruit CBD e-liquid.

By BENEDICT ‘NED’ JONES Vapouround CBD Reviewer

HEAT by UK-CBDOILS

By Kyle Bednall

I was excited to finally try a CBD product that wasn’t vape related. After all you can pretty much get CBD everything these days. I knew what to expect when using a heated muscle relief cream/gel because I use these kinds of products after tough gym sessions when my body is recovering. After taking the lid off, I was immediately surprised by the colour and consistency. I was expecting your usual standard white, pale cream, but no, you can tell off the mark this a naturally made product with earthy tones. To me, it resembles a natural peanut butter colour, with the consistency of a balm which was surprising. It felt very light on my skin as I used some after working out at the gym around an area on my arm (bicep) I had been working, and left the other arm for comparison. I did get a heated sensation after a few minutes and as the minutes went by, the heat element did ease the muscle strain bit by bit. Some people are really into natural looking or natural smelling products, but there was a brown residue left on my fingers every time I used it, but this was easily washed off. I also enjoyed that the jar was filled to the brim with the product! Not like some tubs which you open and you have to peer inside to find the product. Very easy to apply, a great little heat rub for me.

KOI CBD Gummies

By Katie Loomes

KOI say they are ‘America’s best tasting CBD gummies’ - they could be right! These delicious gummies provide a punch of tropical fruit in the flavours of lime, tangerine and acai pomegranate. They are so truly tasty that they basically have no bitter hemp aftertaste so often associated with edibles. Instead, leaving a pleasant fruit taste in your mouth to make you want more. They’re almost identical to what I used to pick up in the shop, so there’s that added nostalgia element too. What’s my favourite flavour? The red pomegranate flavour is without a doubt my personal favourite. The sweetness leaves a berry like after taste on the tongue and I’m a berry fan. Unlike many CBD gummies I’ve tried before, these gummies aren’t sprayed with CBD. Instead, they mix and roll a full-spectrum CBD blend into the gummies three times to give an even distribution of CBD. KOI could be on to something with this, they definitely give you a lasting CBD experience. I would definitely recommend you try these if you’re just getting into CBD and you have a sweet tooth.

SKIN CREAM by UK-CBDOILS

By Victoria Smith

Skins creams are something that, come winter time, I spend a lot of money on. So, when I was asked to review UK-CBD oils’ skin cream I jumped at the chance to see if it would be something which could help combat that dry, irritated feeling my skin gets this time of year. When opening the jar you get a strong smell of hemp, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It smells natural and to me it means there hasn’t been a ton of additives included to try and mask the smell or make the product something it’s not. It is also filled to the brim with the cream, definitely getting every bit of product possible into the jar, which is something you don’t see much in packaging lately. After using the cream for a couple of days as a hand cream I noticed my skin felt a lot more moisturised, and it’s not drying out as much every time I wash my hands, which is something that would usually occur. The cream is slightly gritty in texture, which also exfoliates as it moisturises and leaves your hands feeling soft without being greasy like some creams. I definitely recommend using this cream, the only downside is the smell, which you stop noticing after the first time you pop open the lid. This is completely overlooked by the fact that I haven’t had to reapply a different cream all day, which saves time and money. Bonus!

CANDY JACK- Greeneo

VG/PG ratio: 50/50 | Throat hit: Moderate Candy Jack is based on a cannabis strain of the same name. In the manufacturer’s words it’s designed to be the “perfect balance between softness, acidity and potency.” There seems to be some flavouring in addition to the CBD blend here. From what I can tell it is a simple hard candy top note, but it blends so seamlessly with the CBD base that it’s difficult to say for sure. The flavour profile from the CBD blend is quite mellow here. It’s a mild and fruity cannabis that won’t be too overbearing for most people. This is another great CBD e-liquid for those who aren’t ready to dive into the world of unflavoured CBD.

SKUFF- Greeneo

VG/PG ratio: 50/50 | Throat hit: Moderate

SKUFF is a “full spectrum” CBD e-liquid, meaning that it incorporates a range of cannabinoids other than CBD to achieve a more potent effect on the user. Often referred to as the “entourage effect”, full spectrum products claim to offer increased medicinal qualities over their CBD only counterparts. The flavour profile here is a rather musky and mildly fruity cannabis. It’s quite pleasant if you are already used to the taste of CBD, but if not, this particular e-liquid does not try to mask its natural flavour with any additives. If you are looking for a stripped back, naturallyflavoured CBD then SKUFF is a fantastic option. As with many CBD e-liquids, there is something of a throat hit present here. In my experience, this is true for all products in this category, though.

MELON PUFF - Greeneo

VG/PG ratio: 50/50 | Throat hit: Moderate Melon Puff is a CBD e-liquid with additional melon flavouring. The top notes are a well-blended variety of melons, including cantaloupe, honeydew and galia. The cantaloupe is most prominent, however. These top notes work to subdue the underlying flavour of the CBD, and actually complement it quite well. It’s near impossible to eliminate the flavour of CBD entirely from such a product, but I feel Greeneo have done a good job in this case at making it a less prominent feature of the e-liquid. This makes Melon Puff a fantastic choice for those who require the use of CBD but don’t enjoy the flavour it imparts.

MANGOES & CREAMMountain Fox CBD

VG/PG ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Moderate

Mango is a difficult flavour to replicate at the best of times, so it is quite ambitious of Mountain Fox to try and incorporate it into a CBD blend. In this case I’m not entirely sure that it comes across as intended but that’s not to say that this is an unpleasant flavour. The top note is a vague tropical fruit that’s difficult to pinpoint. Mango may well be part of the mix but it certainly isn’t dominant. The supporting cream flavour is quite mild but does bring some sweetness to the profile. The natural CBD flavour is much more prominent here than in the other Mountain Fox offerings that I have sampled and it is pleasant, though likely an acquired taste. This one is probably more suited to those who want to taste the CBD in their e-liquid.

BLACKCURRANT & MENTHOLMountain Fox CBD

VG/PG ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Moderate

Blackcurrant & Menthol is another simple but classic profile from Mountain Fox CBD. This blend doesn’t try to overcomplicate things and instead opts for something which plays well with the CBD isolate. The blackcurrant is potent and of the candied variety, carrying plenty of sweetness whilst retaining some of the deeper notes you might expect from a more natural portrayal. This is supported by a strong menthol finish that not only works well with the fruit notes but also does a good job of concealing the flavour imparted by CBD. Vapers who do not wish to taste the CBD element of their e-liquid will enjoy this one.

STRAWBERRY & WATERMELONMountain Fox CBD

VG/PG Ratio: 70/30

Additional Sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Moderate

It’s often best to stick with simple flavour profiles when formulating CBD e-liquids, as the organic compounds lend their own distinct taste to the mix. Strawberry and watermelon is a wellloved combination that may be seen as a safe choice but it works well in this context. The predominant flavour here is a sticky candied strawberry. This is complemented well by a more subtle, candied watermelon and whilst this is not a ground breaking pair, it is pleasant. The botanical flavour from the CBD isolate is relatively noticeable but works well with the fruit elements. This is a mellow CBD e-liquid ideal for beginners.