Cannavist Issue 13

Your muscles are the glue that keeps the pillars of your body together: so it’s pretty important to keep them topped up with energy and to reduce the stress they face, as often as possible.

This helps us create the perfect formula to apply along those sore spots around your body, following a tough work out, sports game, or for those pains that emanate after a hard day’ s work Wisp CBD Muscle Cream is our number one selling topical.

Our CBD Muscle Cream targets specific areas, pulled or sore muscles, back pain, knots and helps repair damaged or dry skin. It’s completely absorbed into the skin in seconds, and begins to relieve pain as soon as it enters the body

inflamed muscles, sore joints, and dry, cracked, itchy skin?

Problem Salved. This anti-inflammatory CBD-infused salve is just the thing to soothe your dry, irritated skin while the CBD goes to work on easing your joint pain and muscle inflammation, making Problem Salved the solution to bend Eucalyptus Peppermint, Chamomile Vanilla, Lavender, or Natural formulations.

Our U n i qu e 66% CB D R a n g e

F ind Ca l m

Achie v e y o ur i n ner cal m a n d rela x the m i n d wit h ou r R e : set Oil D r op s .

F ind C o mfor t

R evi v e ac h i n g mu scle s a n d gi v e y o ur bod y the relief i t n eed s wit h o u r Sta y Acti v e r ange

F ind C on fid e nc e

Co mbat dr y a n d irritate d s ki n wit h o ur p o w erf u l a n ti-i n fla m mat o ry skincare range .

Behind the Scenes

Editor Patrick Griffin

Journalist Jordan Millar

Journalist Ryan Conway

Junior Journalist Oliver Smith

Head of Design Hayley Parker

Lead Graphic Designer Ayaz Arshad

Graphic Designer Aaron Rana

Graphic Designer Amy Harrison

Design Support Lucy Booth

Marketing Director Katie Loomes

Web Developer Kain Alden

Marketing Executive Carrie Strouther

Marketing Executive Jill Shah Marketing Executive Alicia Snow-Simpson

Finance Director Kris Worton Finance Executive Rochelle Warsop

Office Assistant Anna Difusco

Events Director Abida Razaque

Head of Sales Tom Slack

Client Partnership Manager Stephen Culf

Sales Executive Peter Masters Sales Executive Baz Bassra

Managing Director Pom Kaila

Managing Director David Turner CEO Paul Caplin

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, unless otherwise stated. The products featured in this magazine are not sponsored, were included at the discretion of the editor / publisher and were not seen or altered by the suppliers in any way prior to publication. While every effort is made to respect editorial and advertising standards, The CANNAVIST 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: editor@cannavistmag.com

Letter from the Editor

Christmas is just around the corner so, with the festive season upon us, we’ve curated a host of brilliant content for you to enjoy. In fact, we found so many stories that were too good to be missed, that we introduced our new 4:20 section.

That’s right…now you can check out 20 bitesize cannabis and wellness-related stories spread out across four jam-packed pages.

But that’s not all as, while our ‘turning a new leaf’ rebrand gave us the chance to explore the wider world of wellbeing, medicinal cannabis and CBD will always be at our core.

And there were plenty of crucial stories that we had to shed light on.

We questioned whether hemp alternatives could be the solution to the UK’s pressing fuel crisis. We also shared the story of an anguished mother, whose son is facing 25 years in a Dubai prison… over four bottles of CBD vape oil.

Time for Celebration?

It’s been four years since medicinal cannabis was legalised in the UK. And while we celebrate this victory for the industry…there is clearly still much more that needs to be done.

People across the country need access to the vital medicine, but current laws prevent GPs from handing out prescriptions.

People are instead forced to travel abroad or pay huge monthly fees to secure their health…and with the only specialists authorised to prescribe cannabis now retired, the situation could get much worse.

In this issue we heard a desperate father’s impassioned plea for the government to change medicinal cannabis laws and help save his daughter’s life.

But this story is one of thousands, with an army of advocates – and even some MPs – calling for a change to the current regime.

You can find all this and more in this issue, we hope you enjoy!

The Cannavist is published by Orange Fox Media Limited in Derby, United Kingdom.

The Cannavist is printed and distributed by Warners Group Publications in the UK.

The Cannavist is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation. We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism.

If you think such a standard has not been met in this issue of the magazine, and you would like to make a complaint, email the editor at editorial@cannavistmag.com. We will endeavour to respond to your complaint as soon as possible, or within five working days. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about the IPSO Editors’ Code, go to ipso.co.uk. The Cannavist (print) ISSN: 2633-4097. The Cannavist is a registered trademark. For all advertising enquiries email: advertising@cannavistmag.com. For event enquiries, email: events@cannavistmag.com. Got an editorial opportunity or work in PR? Email the editorial team: editorial@cannavistmag.com. For more information about this magazine, go to Cannavistmag.com or call the head office on 0044 (0) 1332 650 239.

Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

Patrick Griffin | Editor

NATURAL ORGANIC WELLNESS

Well lab makes CBD self-care simple and easy to navigate. Our products contain powerful, organically grown, natural ingredients. Well lab premium CBD is blended with hand-picked herbal extracts such as Ashwagandha and Maca root, plus specific terpenes to help enhance the overall effect.

If you are interested in becoming a stockist of Well Lab products and would like to know more, get in touch on hello@welllab.co.uk our team will be happy to help.

Identity: Waste not want not IFS Labs 4:20 Bite Sized News

MIND BODY

The best rest

Gaming the system (CBD for gamers)

The sonic tonic: Music and mental wellbeing Mind how you go Re-treat yourself Enough said!

The kids aren’t alright! Give up the ghost Parkinson’s UK psychosis trial International stress awareness week

Are you still too scared to re-join society?

A delicious experience made for you

This is what happens when Norwegians and Americans come together to combine the best of both worlds.

products you can trust

USA Quality + Norwegian Sustainability

Bone Broth

Just add hot water for delicious nutrition on-the-go or add extra protein to any meal at home. 13g of easy-to-digest proteins from sustainable Norwegian poultry. An essential camping product!

Creamer with CBD

Get creative with our plant-based creamer that pairs excellent with any smoothie, coffee, tea, dessert or simply just add hot water. Naturally sweetened and made with organic ingredients!

CBD Tincture

They said CBD was always bitter, but we found a way to make it almost completely tasteless. Easily add our flavor neutral Identity CBD oil to your favorite recipes, such as smoothies, breakfast bowls, shakes, soups, salads, pasta, pizza or desserts.

CBD Massage

Ancient recipes that are still around today have made it this long for a reason. This amazing cinnamon + myrrh oil massages deep into your skin for soothing relief. Feel the synergy of this well balanced oil.

Sustainability, innovation and quality are central to everything we do in refining nature’s finest products in Norway and America.

identitycbd identity.cbd identitylife.com

A

CBD Filling Equipment - How to cost-effectively upscale your production as demands increase

The CBD industry is experiencing exponential growth worldwide, and this is putting pressure on many manufacturers to quickly increase their produc tion throughput. However, upscaling the filling process from semi to fully automated can be a daunting prospect, with many automated filling lines costing in excess of £60,000 upfront!

At Adelphi Manufacturing we developed our scalable ‘Response’ range of machinery to solve this very problem. The entry-level Benchtop Filler fits into automated solutions from the same range (pictured below), so you can increase your capacity as needed, without making the initial investment obsolete. You can also seperate the Benchtop Filler at any time, should you need to return to the convenience of smaller batch production.

A

Absolutely! In the same way as we saw with mobile phone technology in the Noughties, filling technology has increased in sophistication whilst decreasing in size. A great example is our Monobloc solution - part of the scalable ‘Response’ range - which incorporates both a filler and a capper, in a compact footprint (just 112cm wide x 81cm deep).

Maximising the achievable output from your production space is essential in any size of business, to generate the highest revenue possible. Fully processing up to 16,000 containers per 8 hour shift, the Monobloc proves that limited space certainly doesn’t have to mean limited output!

QIn the challenging post-COVID, post-Brexit financial climate, do you have any advice for businesses consid ering taking the plunge and increasing their capacity?

AIn the latest government budget, a new incentive was announced to help stimulate business investment in the UK. The ‘Super-Deduction’ scheme effectively reduces the purchase price of your new equipment by up to 130%, through additional corporation tax relief. You can reach me using the contact details below if you’d like to find out more.

Adelphi Manufacturing & Pharma Hygiene Products Ltd (part of the Adelphi Group of Companies) are ISO 9001:2015 certified, award-winning, leading CBD machinery and equipment suppliers worldwide.

Q

With over 33 years’ experience in the industry, Dean - what advice would you give to CBD companies looking to increase production, without overstretching their resources?

Q

What about artisanal CBD companies who operate out of smaller premisesis there a viable growth option for them too, which can overcome space restrictions?

Leading CBD Machinery Supplier Worldwide

Dean Willis, product expert and Sales Director of Adelphi Manufacturing, addresses the biggest challenges faced by CBD & Cannabidiol manufacturers, and solves the most frequent questions being asked...

Waste not want not

How Norwegian-based Identity is leading the way in sustainable food production with their eco-conscious approach to healthy eating

Words: Jordan Millar

Norwegian-born Identity is already paving the way for the future of sustainable food.

Working alongside small family farms and using natural ingredients, the CBD-powered brand is focused on creating healthy snacks that are kind on tastebuds…and the environment.

And with offices in the USA and Norway, Identity brings together international experts and innovators to help achieve its goal.

CEO Sølvi Barber said: “We are looking at the bigger picture and how adding healing qualities to food is going to be very important in the future…we see ourselves as a big part of that conversation.

“We want to take care of people and we want to take care of the planet, that’s our main concern.”

She pointed to Identity’s flagship Bone Broth mixes – which are made using ingredients that would have otherwise been thrown away – as an eco-conscious and highly nutritious product.

The Norwegian-native said: “It’s called a circular economy; when we take something that is normally waste and elevate it to a high-end, healthy product.

“What we are working on now is all within that realm…because we think that is true sustainability.”

She highlighted that even the bottles used for Identity water are made with recycled plastic, with the brand currently working on a 100 percent biodegradable alternative.

Dedicated to ‘thinking outside of the box’, Sølvi and the rest of the Identity team are committed to developing foods that weren’t even considered before.

She pointed out that it’s easy enough

to put everything into a gummy and make them taste good, but she wants to ‘take things further’.

Sølvi said: “We are in the superfood business, but we also have potato chips, bone broth, creamers and topical oils that are just amazing.

“And we are always thinking about how our products will help people, creating good tasting foods and supplements that fit with your day-today life.”

She added: “We don’t just think about the food…we think about the whole person. What you eat comes with identity, it’s who you are and should be a natural part of what you do.”

Eager to lead the conversation and

pioneer the future of food, Identity plans to be a voice for change and progress.

The brand wants to benefit people’s health by blending nutrients and CBD with sustainably produced snacks.

Sølvi said: “We are not trying to be holier than the Pope, just to be honest, to have integrity and to create high-quality products that taste good.

“And we will do everything to bring this forward and develop more products, so that the world can see we don’t have to do it the way we’ve always done it.”

She added: “We all have to be a part of the change and that’s what we’re trying to do…we really want to drive that.”

As climate debates rage on and world leaders discuss the fate of the planet,

“ We want to take care of people and we want to take care of the planet, that’s our main concern.”

The testing lab at the forefront of product safety

As regulations in the CBD and Novel Foods sectors continue to evolve, we asked IFS Laboratories why product testing was crucial for compliance and consumer confidence

When it comes to toxicology testing in the cannabis industry, it is important that the lab produces accurate and consistent results time after time.

IFS Laboratories was set up with exactly this in mind and it prides itself on providing a comprehensive and validated suite of analytical testing services.

Their UKAS accredited laboratory follows the strictest standards of testing in the UK to deliver accurate and trusted test results every time.

IFS Laboratories was founded by Karen Brooks and Zeb Alam in 1999. The two entrepreneurs pooled their rich experience and background in flammability and chemistry to serve the industry for over 25 years.

The lab offers tests to cover all stages of the cannabis supply chain and the vast experience of the team led by Brooks and Alam is especially important as the industry faces ever greater regulation.

Testing is crucial because at each part of the production process (from cultivation, manufacturing, storage and distribution) there is an opportunity for unintentional contaminants to go unnoticed. High quality lab testing can pick up on a range of

impurities including heavy metals, residual solvents from the extraction process, pesticides, mycotoxins (including Citrinin, Fumonisins, Orchratxin A, Patulin, and Trichothecenes) and more.

Brooks said: “The stakes are getting higher as the cannabis industry evolves and the regulatory laws continue to change.

“This is why we continue to invest and develop the company with advanced testing services that provide high quality, reliable, and accurate results.

“We will continue to acquire the latest facilities, processes, and equipment in order to set the highest benchmarks for the cannabis industry in the UK.”

The CBD sector is currently undergoing a similar process to that experienced by the vape industry as it began to gain widespread acceptance.

As new regulations came in, many companies who were unable or unwilling to have their products properly tested found that they could no longer legally sell their products.

Also, testing allows companies to show that their products meet (or exceed) regulatory requirements

to

“Our motto since day one has been to stay at the forefront of product safety and regulatory compliance and this is more important now than ever.

ensure they are safe for consumers to use.

Brooks added: “The entire IFS team is well aware that businesses depend on accurate and timely tests.

“We are equipped to test nearly everything and provide detailed reports on products. This service is important given the rise of the CBD industry and regulatory concerns in the market.

“Our motto since day one has been to stay at the forefront of product safety and regulatory compliance and this is more important now than ever.

“We use advanced instrumentation and detection samples to ensure that each sample is compliant and safe for the market.

“Whether it’s testing for novel food applications, complying with regulations in the cosmetics industry, food safety processes, or product regulations, IFS Laboratories can help.”

IFS Laboratories also takes into account the unique composition of each product to provide more accurate tests. This work extends into a wide range of matrices in the cannabis industry.

One key area where IFS Laboratories can help is with the complex process surrounding novel food applications.

Brooks said the comprehensive application process had many parts which needed expert assistance. She said: “It is important to get it right the first time around or risk having to start over, re-submitting evidence, and wait even longer for approval.

“As a UKAS-accredited laboratory, our analytical testing services include everything needed for companies to acquire their CBD Novel Food application.”

IFS Labs also has a wealth of experience across multiple industries including textiles, cosmetics, food supplements, transportation and environmental & agricultural commodities.

What to look for in a testing company

Before sending your sample to an independent laboratory for testing, make sure it is accredited by the UKAS.

Other factors to consider include:

A demonstrated history of work in the relevant industry

A roster of reliable clients for referencing

Fast turnaround times to stay ahead of deadlines

Accuracy of results

Must hold a valid Controlled Drug License to possess schedule 1 drugs for analysing raw cannabis plants

per

4:20

Four pages containing twenty bite-sized cannabis, wellness and lifestyle stories from across the globe.

GOT MILK?… No

Confectionary giant Cadbury has launched its first vegan chocolate bar after two years of development.

Replacing milk with almond paste, the Plant Bar replicates the iconic Dairy Milk flavour, while leaving out the ‘glass and a half’.

The highly anticipated alternative has just released in Sainsbury’s, before rolling out to other supermarkets in January.

Cadbury Marketing Manager Michael Moore said: “We’re delighted to finally confirm the rumours.

“We’ve worked hard to add this delicious, dairy-free option to our range and can only apologise for making fans wait.”

PITBULL’S wellness BRAND

Music sensation Pitbull has partnered with Hollywood stunt man Roger Yuan to launch his new wellness brand.

Hailing back to the rapper’s hometown of Miami, 305-Life provides easy-to-use supplements that keep people ‘vitalised’ and ‘energised’ throughout the day.

Pitbull said: “In these times, it’s important that people take care of themselves…and 305-Life is all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

To push the positive message even further, the brand pledged $1 from every sale to the SLAM! Foundation which creates learning opportunities for students from ‘all walks of life’.

This judgment sends a powerful message

CLINT EASTWOOD wins $6M CBD LAWSUIT

Hollywood superstar Clint Eastwood has won $6 million damages in a lawsuit against a CBD company which falsely claimed he endorsed their products.

He sued over an online article containing ‘quotes’ from a fabricated interview saying he backed a number of CBD products.

Eastwood said after the victory: “This judgment sends a powerful message to other online scammers who might try to illegally use someone’s name and reputation to sell their

Excitement BUILDS FOR KIWI

MEDCAN SUMMIT

MedCan, New Zealand’s largest medicinal cannabis summit, has been moved to February 2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Connecting industry leaders, researchers, health professionals, scientists and business owners, it comes as locally-manufactured medicinal cannabis products are coming onstream.

A spokesperson said: “We are thrilled to have a number of doctors attending. MedCan 2022 will provide the best opportunity for them to better equip themselves with the necessary knowledge for prescribing medicinal cannabis.”

MedCan will be held at the five-star Cordis hotel in

WELL n-ice

Icelanders will get their own wellness community…but residents must be 50 or older to live there.

Based 12km from the capital Reykjavik, the 24acre ‘Arnarland’ development in Gardabaer will ‘emphasise quality-of-life, nature and healthpromoting services’.

Built with United Nation’s sustainability goals in mind, it will feature specialist healthcare, fitness and innovation companies.

A project spokesperson said: “This neighbourhood will place an emphasis on allowing residents to cultivate body and soul in a beautiful and nourishing environment.”

Ad-dressing

MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH

STRAWBERRY

HEMP FIELDS

forever

Sir Paul McCartney, 79, is growing hemp on his farm…but must keep the crop hidden to stop local youths stealing it.

The Beatles star, who is licenced by the Home Office to grow hemp, said: “The funny thing with government regulations is you've got to keep it where people can't see it, because you get all the kids coming in and robbing it!”

Alongside hemp, which is closely related to cannabis, McCartney grows peas, wheat and rye at his East Sussex estate.

Leading wellness brand BetterHelp’s eye-opening new advert, which sheds light on men’s mental health, is running across major social platforms. Produced by Torontobased Untitled Films, the one-minute ‘Want’ short encourages men to let down their emotional guards.

Creative Director James Imrie said: “Historically, men have been hesitant to reach out and ask for help… but we’re starting to see the long-held stigmas fade.”

WORKPLACE

WEED

TESTS

canned

Employers in New York State can no longer test workers for marijuana… even if they smell strongly of weed.

New laws mean they can only test employees who appear ‘visibly stoned’ at work.

New York legalised recreational cannabis in March but firms can still ban staff from using or possessing weed while at work or while using company vehicles.

The new test ban does not apply to certain workers including commercial vehicle drivers or New York cops.

cultivate body and soul in a beautiful and nourishing environment.

’

MADE IN heaven

Grammy-winning hip-hop icon Lil’ Kim is launching her own cannabis brand ‘Aphrodisiac.’

She has partnered with upmarket cannabis manufacturer Superbad Inc for the project which will mirror her personal style to incorporate fashion and lifestyle themes.

Lil’ Kim said: “I thought, ‘Wow, this is really a match made in heaven.’ Superbad Inc., that’s me all day. I’m the First Lady Bad Girl.” Aphrodisiac will launch in California in the first quarter of 2022.

PLAN-ET carefully TO GROW TOMATOES ON MARS

Scientists discovered that, if we ever populate Mars, we will be able to grow… tomatoes.

Heinz boffins spent two years learning to grow the crop in Martian soil, by replicating the conditions here on Earth.

The result was high-quality tomatoes which were turned into ‘Marz’ ketchup – said to taste the same as the real thing.

Cristina Kenz from Kraft Heinz said: “We're so excited that our team of experts have been able grow tomatoes in unknown conditions from another planet.”

CHALLENGE accepted

Tesla boss Elon Musk agreed to spend $6bn of his vast fortune to ‘end world hunger’ after being publicly challenged to do so. UN World Food Program boss David Beasley acted after Musk’s net wealth soared by $36bn when Hertz ordered 100,000 of his electric cars.

He tweeted: “Elon! 1/6 of your one-day increase would save 42 million lives that are knocking on famine's door. Help!”

Musk said he would do it if Beasley published detailed spending plans showing how $6bn would solve the global hunger problem.

CANNABIS friendly NBA

A ‘temporary’ move by the National Basketball Association to halt randomly testing players for cannabis has been extended throughout the 2021/22 season.

When testing was suspended during the coronavirus pandemic, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said it could eventually become permanent.

The NBA will focus instead on testing for ‘performance-enhancing products’ and ‘drugs of abuse’ including cocaine and opiates.

HEART HEALTH

Falling asleep between 10-11pm may be the ‘optimal time’ for better heart health, according to researchers.

The study, published in the European Heart Journal, found that earlier or later sleep times were linked with a higher risk of developing heart or circulatory problems.

Study author Dr David Plans said: "While we cannot conclude causation from our study, the results suggest that early or late bedtimes may be more likely to disrupt the body clock, with adverse consequences for cardiovascular health.”

HEALTHY happy MINDS

A £5m counselling and therapeutic support scheme is being piloted in Northern Ireland primary schools. Education minister Michelle McIlveen said the Healthy Happy Minds initiative was one of a range of measures aimed at preventing and reducing mental health issues.

She said: “When we consider that half of mental health problems are established by the age of 14, the importance of promoting emotional health and wellbeing at the earliest stage is clear.”

‘MATCH

Elon! 1/6 of your one-day increase would save 42 million lives that are knocking on famine's door. Help! SLEEP’S

HEALTH SPA

AT

36,000 ft

Singapore Airlines has partnered with California’s Golden Door spa to give customers an exclusive health and wellness experience on its longest flights.

The service debuts on the LA to Singapore route in January to create ‘new options for health-oriented dining, exercise, and strategies for better sleep.’

Golden Door CEO Kathy Van Ness said: “A healthier travel experience is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.”

Singapore Airlines said: “Now, more than ever, our customers are focused on maximising wellness in every aspect of their lives.”

TASH-KING THE real QUESTIONS

Pringles has teamed up with men’s health charity Movember, for the second year running, to raise awareness about mental health. The aim is to highlight some simple questions that men can ask to initiate difficult conversations.

It will feature ‘eyes down’ graphics on busy pavements in major cities with example questions such as: “Is everything going ok?”

A Pringles spokesperson said: “We hope this grabs the attention of the British public and helps them start those difficult, but important, conversations about wellbeing.”

S-CAN DO APPROACH TO sustainability

HIT THE BRAKES ON stressful DRIVING

Ford unveiled its ‘Mindfulness Concept Car’ – designed to destress driving – at the Munich Motor Show. Sensors in the modified Kuga SUV provide feedback on the driver’s heartbeat and breathing to a special ‘infotainment screen’.

In-car mood lighting recreates calming blue skies, bright mornings or starlit nights and relaxing music can play when you’re stuck in traffic.

Virus-killing UV diodes ensure a clean environment while yoga guides, meditation and light exercise sessions are available while parked.

Tripping out

Prince Charles is backing a scheme where consumers can view the ‘sustainability credentials’ of their clothes by scanning a QR code on the label.

The Digital ID technology is already being used by leading designer brands including Giorgio Armani, Stella McCartney, Burberry and Mulberry.

The Prince of Wales said: “The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters on the planet, so if we are to tackle climate change, we need to make clothing production much more sustainable.”

IN THERAPY TRAINING

Laughing CLASS

A top girls’ school is running special hour-long ‘laughter therapy lessons’ to help beat anxiety and promote wellbeing.

The £15,000-a-year Brighton Girls school has employed laughter therapist Emma Jennings to run the classes for girls aged 11 and 12 to ‘develop camaraderie.’

The ‘laughing classes’ are going so well that they may be extended to all pupils, teachers and even parents. Headteacher Rosie McColl said: “We thought it would be great to introduce a purely fun class, which they can walk away from having felt a drop in stress levels.”

Australian therapists are being offered psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, so they can better understand its effect on patients.

Dr Paul Liknaitzky, head of clinical psychedelic research at Monash University in Melbourne, said: “This is the first trial ever to offer psilocybin as a training tool for therapists.” He said research suggested that if therapists experienced a magic mushroom ‘trip’ they would be ‘better equipped to accompany clinical participants through profoundly unfamiliar terrain.’

Sleep is a truly precious thing. Get enough of it and you’re flying. Get too little and the simplest task is like trying to wade through treacle.

There’s no magic pill when it comes to getting a good night’s rest. Or if there is, it’s highly addictive and comes with awful side effects. If you’re struggling to get 40 winks, perhaps one of these will help.

Weighted blanket

The downside of a hot day (remember those?) is the sweaty night that follows. And one of the worst things about a hot night is having to sleep without the full body embrace of a duvet.

But with colder nights upon us, now is the time to give a weighted blanket a try. Weights sewn into the blanket create a comforting pressure. These comfortable comforters have become hugely popular over the past year.

WHY NOT TRY

Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket. Simbasleep.com

White noise

There’s something quite soothing about the sound of a fan whirring away. In fact, research suggests that this ‘white noise’ can help you fall sleep 40% faster. But it’s not really appropriate for this time of year.

White noise machines give you all the rest-inducing benefits of a fan without the cooling breeze.

WHY NOT TRY

Ear plugs

If sound is an enemy rather than an ally to a good night’s sleep for you, ear plugs may be the way to go. But if you’ve gone for the cheap sponge option or the old ball of wax, you will soon realise that comfort is as important as quiet. There are plenty of brands out there that claim to achieve the balance of comfort and functionality.

WHY NOT TRY

Alpine SleepSoft

Alpinehearingprotection.co.uk

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most tried-and-tested sleep remedies out there. Mothers everywhere have sprinkled a little under their kids’ pillows for generations.

This essential oil calms the nervous system thanks, in part, to the terpene linalool which is also found in the cannabis plant.

WHY NOT TRY

Go2 Sleep Inhaler thego2brand.com

Eye mask

Another classic solution to the sleep problem. Eye masks help block out that pesky natural light, as well as the less natural kind that plagues those of us living in cities.

A poor eye mask will not only be uncomfortable but will fall off during the night. So be sure to shop around and read reviews before committing to purchase.

WHY NOT TRY

Contoured 3D Blackout Sleep Mask Sleepsmug.com

CBD

No Cannavist sleep guide would be complete without CBD.

An investigation by the US National Institutes of Health found that a 160mg dose of CBD increased sleep duration compared to a placebo. Always consult your doctor before medicating with such a large dose of CBD.

WHY NOT TRY

Gaming the system

Words: Oliver Smith

Gaming supplements and nootropics are in a unique position. Unless you’re invested in the culture, you’ll likely have no idea that they exist.

These products are on the rise, with professional gamers in particular looking to stay sharp, boost cognition and enhance focus and memory.

Two Leeds University graduates launched Play Beyond Nutrition over the lockdown period. The team has recently signed a partnership with Demise Gaming, one of the leading esports organisations in the UK.

Now, US CBD performance brand Summaforte is capitalising on the trend.

CEO and co-founder Jeff Thines told The CANNAVIST:

“There are 2.8 billion gamers around the world but there’s no established, authentic, healthy performance brand in that space, let alone CBD.”

The gaming market has established itself as a major cultural force over the past two decades. It is now bigger than the global film and home entertainment industry.

Gaming market intelligence company Newzoo projects that the competitive esports market alone will hit $1.8 billion in 2022.

Competitive gaming can be highly lucrative for the biggest players. Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, the solo winner in the 2019 Fortnite World Cup Finals, went home with a cool $3million.

With such huge financial rewards on the professional stage, use of prescription stimulants like Adderall is widespread. Some players talk openly about using the substances and only a handful of competitive leagues actually test for them.

The emerging gaming supplement market offers a less harmful and more subtle alternative – one that is even less likely to fall foul of regulators. CBD is not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after all.

Summaforte products are primarily targeted towards the gaming community. Its products are designed to improving various aspects of a gamer’s performance, from gamers to competitive esports players.

Summatape is designed to prevent inflammation and joint swelling by creating a calming sensation to improve performance while competing.

Thines explained: “It doesn’t hurt their tactile ability, they can still play with good dexterity, and they get a 2.5 milligram dose of CBD directly to a point of inflammation and stress.”

Summamix, packed with 25mg of CBD, gives gamers a calm but sharp edge while gaming the night away.

“That’s why we created our Stick Pack mix that has our 25 milligrams of CBD that we treat with a patented process, that enables it to pass through the liver straight into the system.”

Right from the beginning, the team amassed a panel of doctors, scientists and researchers to bring the product to market. They then sourced the very best raw materials and undertook rigorous testing to create the first gamer-focused product.

Thines said: “We were able to form an advisory committee, with an all-star line-up of professors, medical doctors and researchers who could guide us through this process to make sure we are a science driven, reputable, high-quality brand.”

There’s no established, authentic, healthy performance brand in that space, let alone CBD.

THE TONIC

Music

has incredible powers to improve how we feel, both physically and mentally.

Words: Gordon Stribling

Feeling low? Whack on the pop bangers playlist. Lacking motivation? ‘Eye of the Tiger’ will have you roaring to go in no time.

Scientists have long been interested in music as medicine. Here we round some fascinating research backing everything from Bach to banging beats.

Music boosts your mood

Listening to music can improve mood, decrease anxiety and help us manage stress, according to a 2020 report by the Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH).

The report titled ‘Music on Our Minds’ found that music triggered mood-boosting chemicals, including dopamine and ‘love drug’ oxytocin.

It also included findings from the 2020 AARP Music and Brain Health Survey of more than 3,000 adults. The survey found that focusing on music or having it on in the background had a positive impact on depression and anxiety.

“Especially now, in times when people are feeling sad, stressed and isolated because of the COVID-19 pandemic, people should definitely turn to music to better their mental well-being.”

Music can help you focus

Cramming for an important exam? Classical music could be the study aid for you.

A 2007 study from Stanford School of Medicine found that classical music specifically helps the brain absorb and interpret new information. Findings from the study suggested that music can train the brain to pay attention to events and make predictions on what could happen.

So when it comes to studying, music could help boost your reasoning and decision-making skills.

Music brings back happy memories

Music can transport us back to happier times by triggering positive memories.

A 2019 study by Dr Kelly Jakubowski at Durham University found that music typically triggered memories of events from between the ages 10 and 30. The most vivid of these memories were usually from the teenage years. So it’s little wonder we reach for nostalgic tunes when we’re feeling low.

Music can reduce depression in people with dementia

Music can reduce symptoms of depression in dementia

patients, according to a study published this year.

In the study, 54% of participants taking part in choir-based therapy experienced a reduction in symptoms while their quality-of-life scores improved by 57%.

And in another study, music therapy significantly increased speech content and fluency in 20 patients with dementia.

The studies encouraged charity Music for Dementia to increase support for similar projects.

Music can improve recovery after surgery

Listening to music before, during or after surgery can significantly reduce patients’ pain and anxiety levels, according to a large evidence review from The Lancet. The review of more than 7,000 patient cases also found that music decreased the need for medication among participants.

Listening to music before the treatment was most effective. However, it proved beneficial at all stages – even during surgery itself.

Researchers at Brunel University found that self-selected music was especially beneficial.

Commenting on the study, Dr Paul Glasziou from Bond University, Queensland, Australia said:

“Music is a simple and cheap intervention, which reduces transient discomforts for many patients undergoing surgery.”

GCBH Executive Director Sarah Lenz Lock said:

Mind how you go

With a growing interest in mental health, millions of people are turning to mindfulness apps…but how do you know which is the right one for you?

Words: Ryan Conway

And with the rise of specialist apps such as Headspace and Calm, it’s never been easier to unwind, relax and find peace.

Once a taboo subject, people can now openly discuss and address their mental health, with a wealth of breathing exercises and meditation sessions available at the click of a button.

But with so many to choose from, how do you know which mindfulness app is the best one for you? Here we list just a few of our favourites.

As one of the leading mindfulness apps, Calm has seen more than 100 million total downloads.

The award-winning platform curates content designed to help users sleep, focus and tackle their anxiety.

It also collaborates with well-known celebrities and cartoon personalities such as Idris Elba and Peppa Pig to record soothing bedtime stories for adults and children.. The app also offers 10-minute ‘Daily Calm’ sessions for those with limited spare time, providing bite-sized meditation walkthroughs to fit in with your busy schedule.

Price: £28.99 annually or £299.99 forever.

York, with the specialist breathing and focusing sessions coming directly from its ‘Zen Room’ studio.

Price: £43.33 annually

Headspace paved the way for mindfulness apps, launching over a decade ago and dominating the industry ever since.

It has now become a household name, even partnering with Netflix to produce a series of digestible meditation guides.

Through a cast of fun and colourful animated characters, Headspace offers a catalogue of easy-to-follow sessions that focus on everything from body confidence to improving self-esteem.

Price: £9.99 a month or £44.99 annually

Part meditation app, part social network, Insight Timer is a unique platform that connects people from around the globe.

Through an interactive world map, users can see who is using the app and invite nearby people to join their meditation or yoga session.

It also features daily livestreams led by expert speakers, ensuring that the platform never runs out of engaging content.

Unlike some other mindfulness apps, Insight Timer also includes a section that encourages parents and children to meditate together, boosting trust, self-confidence and sleep.

Price: £55.99 annually

Recently recognised as one of Apple’s ‘New Apps We Love’, Inscape creates tailored meditations that match your goals, experience and emotions.

As well as relaxing your mind, the Inscape app uses verbal cues to take users on relaxing ‘visualisation journeys’.

The company itself is based in New

Portal uses immersive soundscapes to transport its users to relaxing locations around the world.

So, whether you want to meditate in the Scottish Highlands or beside a roaring Slovenian waterfall, all you have to do is load up the app, plug in your headphones and relax.

There is also an additional feature that allows you to sync mood lights with any given soundtrack, which is perfect for those who want that extra sense of realism.

Price: £6.99 monthly, £34.99 annually or £219.99 forever

The mindfulness movement is taking the world by storm, with millions of people taking the time to improve their mental health.

Re-treat

yourself

We look at five specialist retreats in the UK where you can look after your mind and connect with the inner you.

Words: Oliver Smith

In a rapidly-changing world where things once taken for granted are now uncertain, more people than ever before report feeling stressed and anxious.

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives, from the way we work, to how we socialise and spend our spare time. Recently a lot of focus on mindfulness has been brought to the forefront of the mental health discussion with tailored apps such as Headspace and Calm.

However, a growing trend is to take part in immersive retreats to help feel calmer and more connected with your inner self. Here we look at some of the more quirky ways that you can look after your mental health right here in the UK.

And if activities such as early morning swims, bootcamp-style fitness classes or hot stone massages appeal to you, then check out some of the options we have found for you.

Thera-Sea

A two-night retreat from £315 per person

Here you can escape to the Cornish countryside for surfing, wild swimming, bushcraft classes and foraging, while focusing on mindfulness, yoga and relaxation.

Thera-Sea will see you stay at a beautiful cottage, hut or treehouse along the banks of the River Fal, embarking on various workshops designed to help reprogram your sleep and wellbeing.

The Zest Life

A three-day retreat from £425 per person

We found a rustic three-day retreat in the east of Anglesey, with luxurious accommodation on the Plas Cadnant estate. You can enjoy their wide range of vegetarian food after taking the opportunity of a wild dip in the river flowing through the estate.

Designed to recharge your body, the three-days will be divided into a schedule of meditation, massage and guided walks through the countryside.

Dorset Fitness Retreat

A five-day retreat from £634 per person

Test both your physical and mental strength along the Jurassic Coast, combining yoga and meditation with rigorous bootcamp-style fitness classes to really push your limits.

An elegant five-day retreat at the Old Rectory, an elegant home built in 1730, with organic homecooked food available for every meal, you will feel reborn after this week away.

The Tree Relaxation Retreat

A weekend retreat from £265 per person

Enjoy your stay at the award winning The Tree, with the beautiful backdrop of the North Yorkshire Moors to consume you for the duration of your stay.

Offering a holistic approach to an individual’s relaxation, the retreat accepts both traditional and religious practices to achieve this goal.

All vegetarian food, walks on the moors, aromatherapy and hot stone massages are designed to provide comfort and relief in a place where mobile phones do not operate.

Vajraloka Retreat Centre

A week-long retreat from £315 per person

Situated in the heart of Denbighshire in North Wales, this well-established Buddhist-run retreat offers a chance to ‘liberate you from your electronic devices’.

Beginners to mindfulness practices are not advised to book this trip, but experienced individuals can use it to take their practices to the next level.

Enjoy day-long sessions of meditation from 6am onwards all tucked away at a rustic, but comfortable, stone cottage.

Enough said!

Wellbeing artist Sean Houlihan pledges one-year of silence in hopes to raise £100,000 for charity and start conversations about mental health.

Words: Oliver Smith

A former personal trainer turned ‘wellness’ artist has embarked on a year-long vow of silence.

In a bid to raise £100,000 for mental health charity PoetsIN, Sean Houlihan will spend 365 days ‘listening in silence’.

He stressed that the intentions of the campaign are not ‘spiritual, religious or scientific’, instead aiming to raise awareness about mental illness.

And while he’s ‘certainly not the first’ to take on this challenge, he hopes it reminds people that ‘actions speak louder than words’ and encourages us to ‘collectively listen’.

SEAN – OTHERWISE KNOWN AS BEAR INTENTIONS - SAID:

“I’ve spent the last nine years travelling around the world meeting so many different people. My adventures have helped give me a broad perspective and awareness of how incredibly lucky I am to be in good health…so I have decided to help others who are not.”

HE ADDED:

“There’s no doubt that listening in silence and refraining from talking for an entire year is

going to be incredibly tough but, if it helps others to start these conversations, then it’s worth it.”

This is just the first of the artist’s ‘four years of intentions’, which will put a series of physical, mental and environmental health issues under the spotlight.

In 2022, Houlihan will perform ‘various characters’ in aid of Clowns Without Borders, before partnering with CREATE charity for a year of altruism in 2023 and finally going barefoot for the whole of 2024. PoetsIN co-founder Paul Chambers said he was ‘hugely honoured’ that Sean kicked

off his project by collaborating with his UK-based ‘creative’ charity.

HE SAID:

“Mental health – in the last year particularly – has become hugely important and it’s vital we spread awareness and encourage people to recognise when they might need a bit of added support. We wish Sean the best of luck and urge people to get behind his fantastic campaign, by donating and helping to spread awareness of the importance of talking about mental health.”

There’s no doubt that refraining from talking for an entire year is going to be incredibly tough, but if it helps others to start these conversations, then it’s worth it.

The kids aren’t alright

Tired of mental health amongst students being dismissed or misunderstood, four Devon teens developed their own resources for schools to address the issue.

Words: Ryan Conway

Four Devon teenagers have created a firstof-its-kind curriculum that tackles growing mental health issues amongst students. Developed by young people, for young people, the Spark UK charity provides crucial resources and guidance for schools across the country. It focuses on the issues that affect teens the most, addressing everything from sleep to stress to suicidal thoughts.

Founder Conor Warren, 15, said:

“We’ve come across a lot of organisations guided by adults…but we don’t know others that are run by teenagers with no adults telling us what we can and can’t do.

“We just want to do good, make a difference and help as many people as possible.”

The Spark team – aged from 14 to 16 – produced the curriculum while in full-time education, which is now used by schools in Devon, London, Bristol and more. And, to ensure their resources are available to everybody that needs them, the catalogue of lesson plans, newsletters and posters are completely free.

Joseph Carter, 14, Head of Written Content, said:

“We want to raise awareness of mental health and encourage young people to talk about their experiences. We all have mental health and yet there still seems to be an old fashioned, unfair stigma surrounding it.”

The group stressed that opening a conversation about mental illness was a crucial step in addressing growing issues of depression and suicide, warning that adults can’t just dismiss them as ‘hormones’.

Birdie Downing, 16, Head of Content, said parents will often ‘blame themselves’ if their children are struggling…but we ‘must not shy away from problems’.

She highlighted that teachers are currently facing ‘huge pressures’ when it comes to the mental health of students, but don’t receive enough training to effectively tackle the issues.

Spark UK hopes that their teen-driven and first-hand led resources will give schools the tools they need to fight for the wellbeing of young people.

The group has also garnered the attention of big-name celebrities, with everyone from Emma Thompson to Stephen Fry lending their fame to the charity’s ‘All-star Advent Calendar’.

Launching December 1, the mental health-focused Christmas countdown features a line-up of stars –including Bradley Walsh and Jessica Plummer – who will spread awareness about issues affecting teens.

The event will also ‘bring a smile to people every morning’ through the festive season and raise money for Young Minds, a UK-based charity that shares the same priorities as Spark when it comes to protecting the wellbeing of teenagers.

We all have mental health and yet there still seems to be an old fashioned, unfair stigma surrounding it.

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GIVE UP THE

According to new research, 65% of Britons have been ‘ghosted’ by a prospective employer, being left feeling down or depressed for days, weeks or months.

Words: Gordon Stribling

From tailored CVs and expertly crafted cover letters to annoying application forms, applying for jobs is hard work. And even if you do land an interview, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that you’ll actually hear back.

That’s according to new research from Tribepad. The recruitment software company has authored a report on recruiter ‘ghosting’ which shows that the practice is having a detrimental impact on our mental health.

According to the report, 65 percent of the UK public has been ghosted by a prospective employer after an interview. It seems that few of us can just brush off the experience. According to the research, 86 percent of ghosted applicants are left feeling down and depressed.

Lise Campbell Price was headhunted by a major international retailer. The events and project manager was invited to attend a two-day recruitment process and spent weeks preparing for the five back-to-back interviews.

The employer said they’d let her know how she’d done

It triggers a trail of thought that makes you question everything

Lise said:

“I got in such a state with it all. What is wrong with me? Did I say something incredibly thick? Will I ever work again? It triggers a trail of thought that makes you question everything. I nearly gave up, I didn’t want to go outside.

“I am 50 now, and I feel I am on the wrong side of trying to get an employed role. When you get ghosted by somebody it makes you introspective and everything has been magnified in the last 18 months.

According to the research, it took 40 percent of these respondents several weeks or months to get over being ghosted.

So why are more candidates being ghosted than ever before? Tribepad CEO Dean Sadler cited the current state of the pandemic jobs market.

Sadler said:

“The whole planet has been upended in the past 18 months and it’s inevitable that the impact of that is far-reaching. The HR and recruitment industry is under intense pressure with the job market contracting and expanding at an incredible pace. Nonetheless, it’s disheartening that, as a result, people are being ghosted while applying for jobs at potentially one of the most stressful times of their lives.”

Tribepad has launched its #EndGhosting campaign in a bid to tackle the problem. It’s encouraging companies to register their pledge to end the practice and outline the steps they are taking to do so.

Sports betting and gaming group Entain is signed up to the scheme.

Talent director, Graeme Johnson, said:

“To be clear, there is no excuse for ghosting a job applicant – not even economics.”

Infographics by Tribepad

CBD shows Parkinson’s promise

A new study will explore whether CBD can treat hallucinations and delusions from Parkinson’s psychosis. The condition is notoriously difficult to treat.

Words : Gordon Stribling

Parkinson’s disease affects around 145,000 people in the UK. More than half of those will experience psychosis at some point in their lives. The symptom can lead to hallucinations and delusions, which can be distressing to those affected and their loved ones.

Parkinson’s Psychosis is difficult to treat as available medications either don’t work very well or cause significant side effects. So now, researchers at King’s College London (KCL) are investigating whether CBD could meet this unmet clinical need. The research is funded by charity, Parkinson’s UK.

Charles Ogilvie-Forbes is 76 and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009. Charles began to experience hallucinations in 2015.

He explained:

“

I began to see people and pet dogs. I saw my wife Michele — she died in 2009 around the time when I started to notice mild Parkinson’s symptoms. I also saw and continue to see my old dogs, Slipper and Suet. After a few minutes I realise that these visions aren’t real.

Another time I saw dozens of people milling around my flat, completely oblivious of me. It seemed to go on for about ten minutes. My daughter walked in and found me on the floor saying, ‘Have I gone mad?’’”

Charles is one of the first people to have been enrolled onto the trial. He heard about it while taking part in a trial for a different drug to treat Parkinson’s hallucinations through the university.

The research will be split into two phases:

In Phase I, each group will receive a different dose to determine whether that dose is safe and tolerated. The 24 participants will take doses between 200-1000mg per day over six

weeks, which will be increased as tolerance is established.

Phase II will investigate whether CBD improves psychosis symptoms in 120 people over a 12week period.

Charles said: “

My hope for the CBD trial is that it can help people with Parkinson’s cope better with their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

“It’s not a cure but there are signs that CBD could help a lot of people with their Parkinson’s symptoms and the side effects of the drugs they are prescribed.”

In 2019, the charity surveyed people with Parkinson’s about their attitudes to medical cannabis.

More than half (59%) had not used a cannabisbased medicine before but would consider doing so. The vast majority would start using, or would continue to use, medical cannabis if robust evidence of its safety and efficacy came to light.

NHS patients will be unable to access CBDbased medicine for Parkinson’s until it is approved for the condition by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Until then, they have to rely on high-street CBD products and privately prescribed medical cannabis.

Medical cannabis for Parkinson’s is much more widespread in the US, where it is legal in 36 states.

In an anonymous survey published in the journal Parkinson’s Disease earlier this year, 45 percent of respondents who used cannabis most often did so to treat non-motor symptoms of anxiety. Meanwhile, 44 percent used it for pain and 44 percent for sleep. However, threequarters did not use cannabis at all, with 59 percent citing the lack of evidence supporting its efficacy.

It’s not a cure but there are signs that CBD could help a lot of people with their Parkinson’s symptoms.

Do your best to get

Offering a helping hand to help combat those stress levels.

Words: Oliver Smith

For most of us stress is part and parcel of our everyday lives. It is something that was once not really talked about and we were just expected to get on and live with it. Thankfully those days are behind us and the world celebrated International Stress Awareness Week at the beginning of November. This major annual event shines the spotlight on stress management and addresses the stigma still associated with stress and mental health. Many important issues were discussed this year, including how employers are

dealing with stress in the workplace and the important role played by stress management professionals. Naturally the coronavirus pandemic was a talking point, as many people around the world came to terms with the new challenges posed by remote working and new social norms. Stress can affect people of all ages, incomes and social status and can be triggered by a large number of factors such as family problems, financial worries or a painful life event. You can identify the signs of stress with symptoms

such as being constantly worried, feeling overwhelmed and having trouble concentrating. Public Health England’s ‘Every Mind Matters’ website gives great advice in identifying and dealing with stress and is well worth visiting if you want to learn more.

Diet Exercise Sleep

Eating good foods benefit more than just your waistline. Maintaining a healthy diet has been shown to help with stress relief, building your immune system and lowering blood pressure.

Try to consume complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and fatty acids, along with antioxidants to protect your cells against the damage that chronic stress can cause.

Physical activity can play a very important part in helping lower stress levels.

During exercise, your body releases a variety of hormones like endocannabinoids and endorphins that help block pain and lift your mood.

Endocannabinoids are responsible for the majority of euphoric feelings and are often recognised as the “runners high” that many athletes experience after long runs.

Getting a full night’s sleep is another great way to help combat stress, yet many people have high stress levels because they struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep.

Setting a sleep schedule, getting out for a walk, trying meditation practices and switching off electronic devices 30 minutes before bed can all contribute to a better sleeping experience.

Below are three simple steps you can take to help deal with stress in your life, but always remember to talk to your GP if your stress levels get too much for you.

ARE YOU STILL TOO SCARED TO re-join society?

With people all over the country uneasy about leaving their homes, a leading psychologist offers an interesting explanation as to why this may be.

Words: Ryan Conway

Despite the UK coming out of lockdown four months ago, many people across the country are still terrifi ed to open their doors and re-join society.

While most have coped relatively easily with the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of lockdown, a significant number are still experiencing anxiety and stress.

And, interestingly, people who had no preexisting mental health issues could be amongst those finding it hardest to readjust.

Dr Emma Kavanagh, a psychology consultant specialising in how people perform in extreme situations, said those who are prone to anxiety typically plan for the worst.

She argues that this will have helped them cope better with pandemic-related stresses than those who had not previously had to cope with anxiety.

THE AUTHOR OF ‘HOW TO BE BROKEN’ TOLD THE CANNAVIST:

“Some people have been training their entire lives for the asteroid to hit and when it did, they knew what to do.

“Whereas for ‘normal’ people, they never even considered the possibility that an asteroid may hit.”

She said tell-tale signs that people were finding it hard getting back to normal included feeling anxious about previously simple tasks, such as leaving their house or choosing an outfit to wear.

THE PSYCHOLOGIST SAID:

“What’s happening now is that people have been operating on such a high level of threat for so long, it’s almost like they’ve lost the capacity to deal with challenges in the way they normally would.”

She said it was important that we now focus on moving forward and healing, instead of lingering on the negative effects of the pandemic.

DR KAVANAGH ADDED:

“It is really important that people understand we are living through a disaster and even if the cases go away tomorrow, it’s not over.

“The repercussions on society, healthcare and people who’ve lost family members are going to roll on.

“I don’t think it’s productive to pretend it didn’t happen, or to pretend it’s over…I think it’s more productive to say, ‘I lived through it…now what?’”

BODY

The World Health Organization, big tech companies and even President Biden are finally listening to concerns about hearing loss.

DON’T MISS: WE HEAR YOU

Fit in your phones

CO UCH TO 5K

Couch to 5K is the wildly successful running app from the NHS. Voiced by celebrities including comedian Sarah Millican and broadcaster Jo Whiley, the running programme is designed to help anyone to go from couch potato to, eerm, runner bean in eight weeks.

Search ‘NHS Couch to 5K’

ZOMBIES, RUN!

If Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson shouting in your ear isn’t motivation enough, how about zombies? In Zombies, Run!, you are a runner en-route to one of humanity’s last remaining outposts. They need your help to gather supplies, rescue survivors and defend their home.

Zombiesrungame.com

NIKE TRAINING CLUB

Start training with a personal plan that guides you—while adjusting to your progress, schedule and other activities. The app gives you access to four, four to six-week training plans. Whether you have access to a full gym or are training from the comfort of your home, there's a routine that fits you and your schedule so that you can reach your goals.

nike.com/gb/ntc-app

Words: Gordon Stribling

Podcasts and apps for staying in shape

SEVEN

Seven’s workouts are based on scientific studies to provide the maximum benefit in the shortest time possible. Tailor-made workouts target your goal areas to make sure you get the most out of your training. Seven is a PT in your pocket, motivating you to come back every day with achievements, daily challenges and more.

Seven.app

FITNESS DISRUPTED WITH T OM HOLLAND

Fitness Disrupted with Tom Holland (not that one) tackles the hottest topics in exercise, nutrition and motivation, debunking the myths and misconceptions while giving actionable advice you can use right away. The fitness expert, author and elite endurance makes sense of the science so you can reach your fullest potential.

iHeart.com

STREAKS

Streaks isn’t a fitness app per se, but rather a to-do list that helps you form good habits. Every day you complete a task, your streak is extended. Choose or create up to twelve tasks, such as walking to work, going to the gym or avoiding junk food.

Streaksapp.com

Fitness apps and podcasts are a great way to get in shape or keep fit. Whether you want advice during your commute or motivation to keep you going on a run, there’s an audio solution out there for you.

A win for the skin

When diving into a self-care routine, a trusted body moisturiser should always be near the top of the list

Words: Oliver Smith

Start your moisturising routine by washing your face, applying a mild-cleansing wipe and then using one of the moisturisers below. Bear in mind that the optimum routine will differ depending on the product, skin-type and environment as your skin hydration needs will vary according to the weather. The body moisturiser can be a useful tool for preventing dry and tired-looking skin. These products are formulated to rehydrate the skin’s outer layers to keep skin looking bright, clear and feeling fresh.

CHARCOAL LOTION

BY

APOTHEKE

This plant-based focused moisturiser utilises the aloe vera plant for its anti-aging recovery properties. This light and refreshing cream is fragranced with notes of smoke amber, leaving a light and refreshing fragrance on the skin.

£15.95 | APOTHEKECO.COM

REGENA-C MOISTURISER M4 BY FACETHEORY

An easily-absorbed moisturiser that has been specially formulated to protect skin against environmental damage. And with added Vitamin C and E, this cream encourages skin cell renewal.

£13.99 | FACETHEORY.COM

MEN’S EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

LOTION BY GOLD BOND

Specially formulated to hydrate cells and soften the feel of the skin. This lotion is packed with seven different moisturisers and three vitamins to provide antioxidant benefits and repair the skin.

£17.56 | AMAZON.CO.UK

DAILY MOISTURISING LOTION

BY CERAVE

Hyaluronic acid helps the skin replenish itself. This moisturiser aids in building the skin’s natural barrier with Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE) technology for long-lasting hydration.

£9.50 | BOOTS.COM

MAXIMUM HYDRATION 3IN1

NOURISHING

LOTION BY NIVEA MEN

NIVEA Men Max Hydration Body

Lotion provides intensive 24-hour moisture care for skin prone to dryness. Enriched with Aloe Vera, the lotion works with your skin to relive the feeling of dryness and provide it with intensive nourishment.

£11.76 | AMAZON.CO.UK

DAILY MOISTURISER BODY LOTION BY AVEENO

This is a clinically proven moisturiser formulated to help lock-in moisture to soothe dry skin. Preserving the skin’s microbiome will leave the outer layers looking healthy.

£7.69 | BOOTS.COM

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RESEARCH BACKS MED CANN FOR HEADACHES AND MIGRAINE

The medication showed positive results in all 34 of the reviewed studies.

Words: Gordon Stribling

cannabis

Researchers from Larkin Community Hospital in Miami reviewed 34 studies into the use of medical cannabis for managing the conditions.

The studies also looked at participants’ preferred forms of cannabis delivery as well as the medicines they substituted with cannabis.

The researchers summarised the research topics under three key questions:

‘Is medical cannabis effective on headaches and migraines?’ ‘What forms of medical cannabis do people prefer?’ and ‘What is an ideal dose for the “preferred form?”’

Cannabis was found to have had positive results in all 34 of the studies. It was effective in decreasing participants’ daily pain medication, as well as pain intensity and dependence.

Some patients also experienced ‘prolonged and persistent’ improvement to their health and physical and mental wellbeing after long term use of medical cannabis. Overall, patients reported more positive than negative experiences with the medication.

The researchers wrote: “Chronic pain and mental health are the two reasons where medical cannabis is used often. It is found that some medical providers are hesitant to recommend medical cannabis due to a lack of current evidence, medical professional training and a lack of uniform medical cannabis use guidelines.

The therapeutic benefits of cannabis should be studied widely with intensive research trials supervised and controlled by authorities for safety and quality effectiveness.”

Smoking and vaping were the most popular ways to consume cannabis among the participants. However, female respondents were more likely to opt for tinctures, edibles and topical products as first-line treatments for migraine.

Medical cannabis is not available on the NHS for chronic pain despite the weight of anecdotal evidence supporting its use.

Nabilone can be licensed to treat severe sickness from chemotherapy if all conventional treatments have proven unsuccessful or are deemed inappropriate. However, it is not indicated for any kind of pain.

Both the National Institute for Health and Health Care Excellence (NICE) and the British Pain Society (BPS) have refused to back the use of medical cannabis in treating chronic pain.

More than eight million people in the UK suffer from distressing levels of chronic pain, according to the BPS.

The organisation previously said that it was not ready to recommend medical cannabis for chronic pain.

However, a spokesperson said that the organisation would consider a ‘multidisciplinary approach’ to treatment in the future, if more clinical evidence backing the medication came to light.

The organisation said:

“On 11th November 2019 NICE published its guidance… which assessed the evidence for cannabis-based medicinal products as a treatment for chronic pain and concluded that the current evidence for such treatment did not meet their standards for efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness.

“We accept the continued current lack of evidence supporting the use of medicinal cannabis for managing chronic pain despite the fact that cannabis-based medicines have been available in other countries for a number of years.”

Medical

provides beneficial long and short term effects on headaches and migraines, according to a recent literature review.

PLEASE DON’T LET MY DAUGHTER DIE!

The government will have ‘blood on its hands’ if it doesn’t change the rules on medicinal cannabis and help save my daughter, says anguished parent.

Words: Ryan Conway

Desperate father Robin Emerson is pleading with the government to ease medical cannabis laws as he fights to save his daughter’s life.

Jorja, five, was born with severe epilepsy and suffered up to 30 seizures a day, until she defied the odds with the help of medical marijuana.

But, with the only remaining doctor who was authorised to prescribe cannabis now retired, Jorja – as well as thousands of other children – are once again at risk.

Dad Robin said: “Jorja’s medical notes before cannabis said she would die; it was as cut and dry as that…I was told to say goodbye to my daughter.

“Lots of children are having seizures and dying and if the Government sits back and allows this to happen, they must understand they have blood on their hands.”

Parents like Robin are furious that medicinal cannabis has been legal for four years, but GPs are still not allowed to prescribe it.

He is one of an army of advocates who want a change in the law so that parents are not forced to travel abroad or pay for private access to keep their children alive.

MPs are also beginning to take notice. In a recent Commons debate, Liberal Democrat Christine Jardine said: “Despite significant change by the government, we have not made the intended progress.

“Families are spending upwards of £1,000 a month to secure vital medication for their children that they should be able to get on the NHS.”

Conservative MP Crispin Blunt said that parents of epileptic children were even risking jail by looking to illicit channels to get the medication they needed.

He said: “No parent or patient should face a prison sentence for treating a medical condition and prioritising the interest of those for whom they provide and care.

“The issue has to do with the public stigma around the word ‘cannabis’, but that is utterly unrelated to any assessment of the evidence of risk…we have to take ourselves away from coming to a view having seen that word.”

Blunt highlighted that the UK is a bioscience leader and cannabis-based medicines should be a part of our development.

He said: “If we put our reputation ahead of the evidence and what we ought to enable for our citizens, shame on us.”

Jorja’s medical notes before cannabis said she would die; it was as cut and dry as that…I was told to say goodbye to my daughter.

We hear

The World Health Organization, big tech companies and even President Biden are finally listening to concerns about hearing loss.

Words:

Ryan Conway

Hearing loss was once a taboo subject…but is now a public health issue that everyone wants to address.

Around 27 million Americans aged 50+ have hearing loss, according to a Johns Hopkins Medicine study, but only one in seven use a hearing aid.

More worryingly, research from the US Centers for Disease Control found that 26 million people in the states, aged from 20 to 69, have ‘suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive exposure to noise’.

US President Joe Biden recently signed an Executive Order designed to make hearing aids more affordable to millions of Americans.

According to the White House, the average cost of a pair of hearing aids is $5,000, which makes it difficult for many to get help with their hearing loss.

The World Health Organization says the number of people living with unaddressed hearing loss is ‘unacceptable’ and wants governments to take the issue more seriously.

It urged countries to integrate ‘people-centered ear and hearing care’ within national health plans.

The WHO said: “Investing in cost effective interventions will benefit people with hearing loss and bring financial gains to society.”

Even tech companies are falling over themselves to get involved in the market, as they realised that many people are willing to pay premium prices to get better hearing.

Apple, in its iOS 14 software update, effectively created a function wherein their trendy (and expensive) AirPods Pro can double up as hearing aids - at the time of writing these devices sell for £249 in the UK.

About 10 percent of participants were diagnosed with hearing loss by a professional. Of these, 75 percent do not use assistive support such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant.

Source: Apple Hearing Study in collaboration with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, The World Health Organization and Apple

20 percent of participants experience hearing loss as determined by WHO standards

The tech giant says its new ‘headphone accommodations’ mode ‘amplifies soft sounds and tunes audio to help music, movies, phone calls, and podcasts sound crisper and clearer’.

Bose, known for its stylish and high-quality audio products, entered the hearing loss market in May. Its SoundControl hearing aids boast a ‘comfortable, discreet fit’ and are designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, coming equipped with an app to adjust volume level, tone, treble and bass.

25 percent of participants experience ringing in their ears a few times a week or more, which could be a sign of hearing damage.

Source: Apple Hearing Study in collaboration with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, The World Health Organization and Apple

Currently only available in the US, they have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration,

which means they can be used without prescription or a visit to a specialist audiologist.

Meanwhile in the UK, the National Health Service has partnered with Australian company Nuheara to provide stylish and modern hearing solutions to adults and children with mild to moderate hearing loss. The technology is not just an aid for hearing however, as Nuheara’s IQBuds also stream music and have a microphone so people can take calls from their mobile phone. Hearing loss is something which affects people of all ages and technological advances now mean that there are more solutions than ever to help people hear better.

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Nearly 50 percent of participants haven’t had their hearing tested by a professional in at least 10 years.

Source: Apple Hearing Study in collaboration with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, The World Health Organization and Apple

Source: Apple Hearing Study in collaboration with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, The World Health Organization and Apple

I’L L DRINK TO THAT!

With Brits drinking 400 pints or 120 bottles of wine every year, alcohol has become a big part of our daily lives… but what happens if you quit?

Words: Oliver Smith

Whether it’s a glass of wine with dinner, a cold beer to celebrate the match or maybe even some egg nog at Christmas, most of us like a drink every now and then.

But the occasional tipple sometimes becomes a habit and excessive alcohol consumption can have a serious impact on your health and wellbeing.

In addition to addiction and accidents, too much booze can cause organ damage, a weakened immune system and increased risk of cancer.

And, with the holiday season fast approaching, the opportunity for binge drinking is at its peak.

So, while we’re not demanding you completely cut alcohol out of your diet, here we highlight just some of the benefits you’ll experience if you do.

Liver Health

When it comes to drinking, the liver –which is responsible for breaking-down alcohol - will typically take a lot of the damage.

Excessive drinking over time can saturate the organ with toxins and fat, leading to a host of complications and diseases.

And while some negative health effects can’t be reversed, research shows that avoiding alcohol can have a noticeable improvement on your liver.

Brain Boost

Binge drinking can have a significant effect on your cognitive ability, leading to mood swings, memory loss and lack of concentration.

Some evidence suggests that alcohol can cause a chemical imbalance in our brains, having impacting feelings of happiness and pleasure.

However, not all is lost, as researchers say it only takes a few months of sobriety for the brain to start to return to normal.

Better Skin

Responsible for inflammation, dehydration and a lack of nutrients, alcohol can have a disastrous impact on your skin.

But if you stop drinking and consume more water, experts say you will start to see some major improvements.

Even after just a short period, your skin could have a more youthful glow, appear less red and feel more rejuvenated and hydrated.

Weight Loss

What we drink plays a big part in our diets and excessive alcohol consumption can spell doom for a healthy lifestyle.

Booze is often packed with sugar and calories, which can result in noticeable weight gain over time.

So, if you quit drinking – or at least reduce your alcohol intake – you can start to see some real changes to your physical fitness and appearance.

GREE N RUSH TO THE FINISH LINE

Arthritis almost scuppered Damian Carter’s 10K run plans. But then a friend introduced him to CBD.

Words: Gordon Stribling

It’s brilliant really

Seasoned runner Damian Carter had every intention of competing in the Great Manchester Run after its two-year pandemic hiatus. But his body had other ideas.

“My doctor diagnosed that I was suffering from arthritis in the knuckle of my big toe a couple of years ago,” the 54-year-old said.

“But I didn’t really feel any effects until I started training again.

“It was a strange sensation. After running for about 4K, the ball of my foot would begin to heat up and I could feel every line of the grid of my trainer sole on my foot. It was really uncomfortable.”

Damian blamed his new trainers at first, but then when he had the same problem with the next pair, he knew something else was at play.

“I pushed through the pain but that began to lead onto other issues,” he said.

“I started to experience pain in my hamstring and glute on my right-hand side, probably because I was overcompensating and running almost on the balls of my feet.

“In all honesty, training was leaving me in agony, I thought I’d have to pull out of the race.”

Damian tried everything to stem the pain, from painkillers and insoles to physio and acupuncture.

A friend recommended CBD oil. Damian admits he was dubious at first but he started to notice the benefits after about a week.

“Previously, I would experience pain when I first put my shoes on because the knuckle of the toe was swollen – then one day I realised I hadn’t noticed any pain,” he said.

“From there, it has gradually got better and better as I’ve been taking it to the point where I’m hardly noticing any pain or discomfort at all now, even

”

though I’m running greater distances.

“I don’t think we will ever cure it, but it is far more than manageable now whereas before I was finding it so difficult.”

There is limited evidence that CBD can ease arthritis symptoms. Cannabinoids have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation that can result from the condition.

In a 2005 study, 31 patients were given Sativex and 27 given a placebo to take over the course of a month.

The CBD and THC spray is available on the NHS to treat muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis but not arthritis.

Compared to the placebo group, the Sativex patients experienced a notable reduction in pain, including during movement, and improved sleep.

Damian has noticed benefits in his day-to-day life, too. He is self-employed in a stressful job but even when he has big decisions to make, he feels calmer and more relaxed and fells that he’s taking it all in his stride.

“I would absolutely recommend it to anyone experiencing chronic pain. It’s brilliant really,” he said.

Then in the day of this year’s event, Damian lined up alongside 15,000 others for the 10-kilometre race across the streets of Manchester. He was delighted to have crossed the finish line under an hour.

“I’m not going to say it wasn’t tough, but that’s more because the arthritis set back my training than because I was experiencing any pain,” he said.

“I had no problems with my toe, my foot or hamstrings, in fact I was pretty comfortable and managed a time of 55 minutes. Not my best, but it hasn’t been normal circumstances.

“I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to get back into training. Come on 2022 – you’re mine!”

I would absolutely recommend it to anyone experiencing chronic pain.

THE WORLD OF EXHIBITIONS IS CHANGING

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VOXPO has created an expo in a box.

Weighing up the benefits

With the fitness movement taking over the UK – and the winter season just around the corner – we looked at some of the country’s most popular gym chains.

Words: Oliver Smith

There’s no time quite like Christmas, with mince pies, sweet treats, and cakes galore…but how can you get ahead of that dreaded winter weight gain?

As the fitness movement swept across the UK, so too did budget gyms and high-end health centres. And there are now more than seven thousand locations spread across the country for people to shed those extra pounds…making the UK one of the most fitness-focused places in Europe.

So, with the binge-eating season fast-approaching, we decided to take a look at what some of the country’s most popular gym chains have to offer.

As one of the UK’s leading brands, the ‘gym for everybody’ helps more than one million members achieve their fitness goals.

Through classes, one-to-one sessions and top-quality equipment, Pure Gym creates a great training environment for beginners and bodybuilders alike.

And with a focus on providing ‘flexible memberships’, the worldrenowned chain makes exercise as simple and affordable as possible.

Price per month: From £9.99 + joining fee.

Founded by former professional tennis player David Lloyd, this highend leisure club has everything the determined gym-goer could ever need…and more.

Boasting swimming pools, matchquality tennis courts and expert personal trainers, David Lloyd has created a space where people can exercise in style. Not to mention the luxury spas and clubrooms, which align with the brand’s passion to create a ‘comfortable’ and ‘welcoming’ place to maintain physical and mental health.

Price per month: From £94.50 (Adult)

With more than 180 locations across the UK, The Gym focuses on providing a ‘high-quality’ experience at a low cost.

Alongside free group classes and a helpful app, the award-winning fitness group gives members 24/7 gym access for unlimited training.

It also operates on a month-bymonth basis, rather than an annual contract, giving members more control over their exercise habits.

Price per month: £15.99 + joining fee

This premium work-out spot gives people across England and Wales the chance to shed a few pounds, bulk up or stay on top of their general fitness.

Catering to all types of gym-goers, Fitness First offers five different categories of classes – these range from strength to mind and body. And for those who are new to the exercise scene, Fitness First’s website is full of helpful tips, tutorials and guides.

Price per month: From £48.00 + induction fee

A QUICK GUIDE to CBD vaping

Vaping is one of the most popular ways to consume CBD due to its fast onset.

CBD e-liquids come in a massive range of flavours, so there really is something for everyone.

There are all kinds of vape devices too, but they are not all suited to CBD.

RAPID ONSET

One of the reasons vaping is so popular is how quickly it takes effect.

After inhaling a CBD e-liquid, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Vaping is the fastest way to consume CBD, though it does have the shortest duration.

This makes it ideal for quickly targeting issues such as pain and anxiety as they arise.

POD DEVICES

Vape devices come in all shapes and sizes but probably the most popular in 2021 is the pod system.

Pod systems come with either refillable or pre-filled ‘pods’. If your device requires pre-filled pods, you will only be able to use pods from a single manufacturer. Refillable pod systems give you the freedom to experiment with different CBD e-liquids.

These devices are small, easy to use and do not require replacement coils or batteries.

E-LIQUIDS

CBD e-liquids typically contain: CBD, flavourings and a carrier solution, usually vegetable glycerin and/or propylene glycol.

Like tinctures, CBD e-liquids contain either broad spectrum, full spectrum or isolated CBD. And in recent years, some CBD e-liquid manufacturers have began adding terpenes to achieve certain effects.

While CBD isolate e-liquids may product less of a functional effect, they are much easier on vape coils than broad spectrum or full spectrum.

The coil is a heating element that turns an e-liquid into vapour.

SAFETY

Always make sure that you buy CBD e-liquid, not CBD oil, as CBD oils are not designed with vaping in mind.

Oil-based cannabis cartridges are widely available on the black market.

Some of these use a different carrier, such as MCT or coconut oil.

Lipid oils are potentially incredibly harmful when heated and should never be vaped.

Much like tinctures and edibles, there are countless CBD vaping products on the market.

Delicious

NUTRITION

DON’T MISS: DELICIOUS DELIVERIES

Mindful Chef offers refined carbs. Choose bundles delivered fresh for 36 hours. choose from, so

Delicious deliveries

We round up our favourite healthy meal delivery kits

Our increasing reliance on food deliveries has been one of the major stories of the pandemic. But those of us attempting to stay relatively healthy while working from home can only get away with so many takeaway pizzas in a week. Thankfully, we have meal delivery kits.

Mindful Chef offers healthy meals free of gluten and refined carbs. Choose from one, two or four-person bundles delivered in a cool bag that will keep your food fresh for 36 hours. There are more than 800 recipes to choose from, so say goodbye to the same old salad. £6-£9 per portion

MUSCLE FOOD

Lose weight, build muscle or both with this calorieconscious cuisine. With more than 15 meals to choose from, including vegan options, Muscle Food takes the hassle out of calorie counting. The plans are fully customisable, too. So if you’re looking for flexibility, Muscle Food is worth a look.

How much: From £2.09 per portion

Musclefood.com

ALLPLANTS

Enjoy chef-made, meat-free meals at home. The delicious, frozen dishes include Rigatoni Bolognese, Teriyaki Udon, Nacho Bean Chilli and Lasagne Noci. Allplants is also eco-friendly, with recyclable, compostable and reusable packaging and sustainable manufacturing processes.

How much: From £4.99 per portion

Allplants.com

ABEL & COLE

Abel & Cole will send you flavoursome dishes made with high-quality, organic ingredients. With huge variety, your recipe options change week-on-week and they’re all sent in recyclable, collectable boxes.

How much: From £6 per portion

Abelandcole.co.uk

FRESH FITNESS FOOD

Another fitness-focused offering here, though you’ll have to live in or around London to try it. You have six package options to choose from and the in-house nutritionist will help you find the dishes for you. The meals are prepared by expert chefs too.

How much: From £23 day

Freshfitnessfood.com

Words: Oliver Smith

Growing from a modest social movement to an international community, the vegan lifestyle has taken the world by storm.

Millions of people from all walks of life have decided to ditch animal products, instead choosing a more eco-conscious life.

But with a host of lingo, stigma and plenty of do’s and don’ts, some people find it daunting to give veganism a try.

So as Vegan Awareness Month helps fuel a growing interest in the environment, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you on your pursuit of a plant-based lifestyle.

When it comes to veganism, the golden rule is, if it contains animal products, don’t eat it.

But there’s no need to fear as, while you will have to avoid those beloved bacon and egg sandwiches, you’ll still have plenty of delicious food options.

The growing craze has inspired brands from around the world to launch their own plantbased products, so you can enjoy everything from bean burgers to vegan-friendly cheeses.

Even meals out won’t take a hit, as most eateries have adapted to the ever-increasing demand for vegan alternatives.

Much like the food, vegan fashion is made without the use of animal products…this means no more leather, suede, fur or felt.

Luckily, with so many people turning away from fast-fashion and opting for more sustainable clothing options, there’s a wide catalogue of stylish vegan attire.

Veganism even made it to this year’s Met Gala, with celebrities donning cruelty-free outfits and the menu being completely free from animal products.

So, if you’re looking to ditch the wools and silks, try finding some brands that focus on using plant-based materials and sustainability instead.

food fashiion advocacy

Making the switch to veganism can often feel like it carries a heavy burden, with a host of rallies, protests and online campaigns filling the advocacy calendar.

But just because you make the lifestyle change, doesn’t mean you have to pick up a placard and fight the good fight.

However, if you want to get involved, there are a few ways that you can step into the world of vegan advocacy.

For instance, you can take part in petitions, share your story and support vegan businesses. If you want to be a bigger part of the vegan advocacy movement, there are also plenty of forums, groups and organisations to join.

A BRIT MORE

When buying cosmetics products, UK shoppers say ‘no’to animal testing and want to see more cruelty-free, plant-based alternatives on the shelves.

Words: Oliver Smith

Veganism is becoming increasingly popular, with many high street chains now offering plant-based alternative products.

Shocking social media and ad campaigns exposing the horrors of animal testing have led to many consumers simply refusing to buy products they find ethically unsound.

And a recent Vegan Society survey revealed, that when it came to cosmetics, 97 percent of shoppers wanted more plant-based options.

Their new 18-page report called ‘The Vegan Beauty Takeover’ explores consumer perception of how animals are used in the cosmetic and toiletry industry.

It also examines the growing demand for vegan products with the plant-based global cosmetics industry expected to be worth £16bn alone by 2027.

UK shoppers are very much part of this growing trend as four-out-of-five new products launched in the beauty sector in 2020 were vegan.

Key findings from the report included:

A majority of cosmetics shoppers (56 percent) wanted more vegan-verified products across all cosmetic and toiletry products

Access to more vegan shampoo, conditioner and hair styling products was important to 41 percent of those surveyed

Four-in-ten wanted to see more vegan toothpaste and mouthwash while

A similar amount (39 percent) wanted more vegan deodorant options.

The Vegan Society said: “Perhaps unsurprisingly, females aged 45 and above showed the strongest demand for these options.

“Encouragingly, 91 percent said it was important for brands selling vegan cosmetics or toiletries have them certified by a third-party organisation.”

Dr Pauline Hili, is founder of Nourish London which has 48 products registered with the Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark.

She said: “Certified vegan cosmetics and toiletries ensure people can enjoy using products that support their values - ensuring no animal ingredients are used in the processing or final product.

“The rigour of the auditing process and the thorough review of our company’s internal compliance mechanisms has been vital for us as a vegan brand.”

To read the Vegan Beauty Takeover report, head over to The Vegan Society webpage at: https://www.vegansociety.com/

Certified vegan cosmetics and toiletries ensure people can enjoy using products that support their values.

LOCK-DOWN TYPE 2 DIABETES UP

If you put on weight during lockdown, doctors warn that you should take action now to avoid increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Words: Oliver Smith

Lockdown weight gain may be a significant factor in increasing rates of type 2 diabetes in the UK.

A recent NHS study has revealed that people asking for weight-loss help are on average 2.27kg heavier than those recorded three years ago.

Professor Jonathan Valabhji, NHS National Clinic Director for Diabetes and Obesity, urged those struggling with weight-gain to use the NHS diabetes programme in order to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Professor Valabhji said: “The pandemic has changed every part of our lives and taken a toll on the mind and body, with thousands paying the heavy price of gaining weight during the lockdown.

“The increase in weight also means an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, associated with many common types of cancer, blindness, amputations and heart attacks.”

Meanwhile, a recent meeting of European diabetes experts heard that, during lockdown, those with type 2 reported worsened blood sugar control while those with type 1 experienced improvements.

Diabetes UK policy manager Nikki Joule said: “It is worrying that lockdown had a negative impact on diabetes management for those with type 2.

“The backlog in routine diabetes care must urgently be addressed, so that those living with diabetes can access the support and care they need.”

She said it was vital that those living with diabetes had access to the latest technologies to help them manage their blood sugar levels to improve their health.

Also commenting on the increased risk of diabetes over lockdown, Dr Elisabeth Philips said it was important that people tried to combat weight gain.

The neuroscience and nutrition expert said: “The best way to maintain healthy levels of fat is through a diet low in refined sugar, excessive carbs, damaged fats, fizzy drinks with artificial sweeteners and alcohol.

“A typical Mediterranean diet high in vegetables, healthy oils and lean protein helps maintain a healthy body weight.

“Strength exercises build muscle which also helps blood sugar control, as does walking which boosts fat-busting enzymes in the blood.”

The pandemic has changed every part of our lives and taken a toll on the mind and body, with thousands paying the heavy price of gaining weight during the lockdown.

Christmas recipe Parsnip Gnocchi

When it comes to choosing Christmas vegetables, parsnip is always high on the list but why not change things up a bit this twist on the seasonal favourite?

Ingredients

400g parsnip, peeled and cut into chunks

600g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

60ml olive oil, plus a drizzle to serve 3 unpeeled garlic cloves

1 tsp ground nutmeg (around 1 clove)

100g ‘00’ flour

2 tbsp nutritional yeast ½ small pack thyme, leaves picked, to serve 30g walnuts, toasted and chopped, to serve

Method

1. Heat your oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Toss the parsnips and potatoes in 2 tbsp of the olive oil and place into a roasting tin along with the garlic cloves. Roast for 40 mins or until the veg is completely soft. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for a short while. Squeeze the garlic from their skins, then discard the skins. Pour all your ingredients into your food processor, season well and then pulse until well combined and holding together as a dough.

2. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Flour your work surface and place the dough. Cut into four chunks and roll each into a sausage about 35cm long and 2.5cm wide. Use the back of a table knife to cut each sausage into small pillowshaped gnocchi, each around 2cm long. Cook the gnocchi in batches

for 1 min or until they float to the surface. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

3. In a frying pan, heat the rest of the oil over a medium heat until shimmering. Add half the gnocchi and fry until lightly golden on each side, around 3-4 mins. Transfer them to a tray using a slotted spoon while you cook the second batch. When all the gnocchi are golden, return them all to the pan to warm through before dividing between four plates. Sprinkle over some black pepper, then top with the thyme leaves, toasted walnuts and a drizzle of olive oil, if you like and enjoy!

Christmas recipe Cranberry and Nut Chocolate Chip Cookie with CBD

A cranberry and nut chocolate chip cookie with added CBD should be a very popular choice indeed for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients

96g plain flour

96g wholemeal flour

96g rolled oats

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

32g dried cranberries

2 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped

walnuts

25g dark chocolate chips

96g packed brown sugar

71g butter, softened

2 tablespoons honey

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 large egg white

4 pipettes CBD oil, we will be using

Treed CBD Balance 500mg CBD Oil

Cooking oil spray

Method

1. In a large mixing bowl, pour in the flours, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cranberries,

walnuts and chocolate chips and combine.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and butter, beat the two with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. To the bowl, add the honey, vanilla, egg, egg white and CBD oil and beat well.

3. Pour in the flour mixture and beat once more on a low speed until well blended. Cover and place in the fridge to chill for 8 hours or overnight.

4. Preheat oven to 180°C.

5. Grease your baking tray with your cooking oil spray. Place a tablespoon worth of dough onto the baking tray until you have none left.

6. Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Once baked, leave them to cool on the tray for 2 minutes and then transfer them over to wire racks to cool completely. Make yourself a cup of your favourite hot drink and enjoy!

Christmas recipe Cranberry and Lime CBD Sparkling Mocktail

This refreshing cranberry and lime CBD sparkling drink is one cocktail you can enjoy without paying the price the following morning. It is classy, easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

1 284g bag of frozen cranberries or

1 bag fresh cranberries

236ml water

200g granulated sugar

2 250ml cans of Medahuman Energy. Sparkling cranberry, lime flavour, ginseng, caffeine and 20mg CBD.

Optional: additional frozen

cranberries and twist of lime wedges to garnish

Method

1. For the cranberry simple syrup, thaw your frozen cranberries. Place the cranberries in your blender and blitz until chopped.

2 . Place a medium-sized saucepan over a medium heat and add your water, sugar and chopped cranberries. Leave on the heat until the sugar has dissolved, this should take around 2 minutes.

3. Remove the syrup from the heat and strain using a cheesecloth or small strainer to remove the

cranberry chunks.

4. Pour the remaining syrup in a jar and cover with a lid. Then store in the fridge. (The syrup can last for a week, so make in advance)

5. Grab 2 highball glasses and fill with ice. If desired, add 32g of frozen cranberries to each glass.

6. Pour 2 tablespoons of your cranberry simple syrup into each glass.

7. Fill the rest of your glasses with Medahuman Energy.

8 . Garnish with twist of lime and sugared cranberries and enjoy. Sip sip hooray!

Christmas recipe Vegetarian Pigs in Blankets

Pigs in blankets are about as seasonal as they come, but why not offer a veggie option too. But be sure to make enough because they are so tasty that everyone will want some.

Ingredients

1 aubergine

225g pack of halloumi

1 lemon, zested and juiced

3 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 red chilli, chopped

1 tbsp maple syrup

Cooking spray

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C.

2 . Slice your aubergine using a mandoline.

3. Place a large griddle pan with oil and heat over a medium-high heat. Cook the slices of aubergine until charred.

4. Cut the halloumi into small sausage shapes.

5. Zest half the lemon. Place the halloumi into a bowl and add the lemon zest, 2 tbsp of your chopped

fresh basil and the chopped red chilli. Toss in the bowl to coat the halloumi.

6. Roll each halloumi sausage up in one slice of the aubergine and place on a baking tray, seam sidedown.

7. Spray with cooking spray and brush with maple syrup.

8. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Once cooked, drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.

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DON’T MISS: CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Ten ideas to give the gift of health this Christmas

MDMA TAKES ON PTSD

MDMA-assisted couples therapy may improve patients’ PTSD recovery, according to a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry

Words: Gordon Stribling

MDMA-assisted couples therapy may improve patients’ PTSD recovery, a recent study has found.

MDMA is the main psychoactive substance found in ecstasy – a controversial Class A drug popularised by 90s rave culture.

The drug is known to lower inhibitions and enhance feelings of empathy.

Researchers in the study tested the efficacy of a type of couples therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Conjoint Therapy (CBCT). The therapy is tailored to individuals with PTSD and their partners.

Six couples took part in 15 CBCT sessions over seven weeks. The sessions included strategies for increasing communication and tools for coping with thoughts linked to their trauma.

The participants also had two MDMA-assisted sessions following the fifth and 11th CBCT sessions. In these sessions, both partners were given MDMA and then listened to relaxing music, reflected on their feelings and talked with their partner.

Participants were assessed on five occasions before, during and after the study. The assessments included questionnaires measuring relationship quality and the patient’s post-traumatic growth.

The PTSD patients showed improvements to their posttraumatic growth, according to reports by both the patients and their partners. Improvements included increased empathy and lower psychological aggression.

The partners themselves also showed improvements in how they responded to the PTSD patients, making them less likely to reinforce PTSD symptoms.

Both groups also reported increased intimacy and increased relational support that endured after the study had concluded.

The researchers concluded:

“

These outcomes […] suggest that couple therapy with MDMA may indeed be well suited for a range of couple-related concerns beyond PTSD, particularly those that are relational in nature.

By targeting individual and relational functioning simultaneously, this intervention has the potential to maximize recovery from trauma and enhance present living for those with PTSD and their loved ones.”

FDA ‘ BREAKTHROUGH THERAPY ’

In 2017, the FDA declared MDMAassisted psychotherapy was a ‘Breakthrough Therapy’ for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This status is designed to help speed up the development of a drug that has shown clinical potential for treating a serious condition substantially better than currently available treatments.

Meanwhile, UK researchers are exploring whether MDMA therapy could help patients overcome alcohol addiction.

Patients were enrolled on an 8-week course of therapy and received two sessions, each with a 187.5 mg dose of pharmaceuticalgrade MDMA.

Results from a safety and tolerability study published in February found that the drug was well-tolerated and no adverse effects were reported.

Dr Ben Sessa of Awakn Life Sciences who led the study said:

“This is the first clinical study into the potential effectiveness of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy as a treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder. It provides preliminary support for the safety and tolerability of MDMA post detox.

Awakn is now designing further trials to examine better the therapeutic potential of MDMA.”

Gift Guide

Ten ways to give the gift of health this Christmas

Finding the ideal gift for a friend, colleague or loved one can be one of the most difficult things to do over the festive period. Do you stay safe with yet another pair of socks that will never be worn or go for something outlandish which will be returned for something else once the shops re-open? Here we have a solution for you…ten gifts with health and wellbeing in mind which are sure to please. Words: Katie Loomes

Have someone you care about unwrap less stress with a subscription to Headspace. An app dedicated to guided meditations, animations, articles, and videos.

RRP 1 MONTH: £9.99 WWW.HEADSPACE.COM

The Nuasan Post Exercise Care Kit is the ideal gift for sports and active people. A luxury set that contains all you need to keep your skin and body cleansed and hydrated after exercise.

RRP £35 NUASAN.COM

This is the perfect gift for coffee lovers! An innovative and unique coffee brand bringing the culture of the Nordic countries to the UK coffee scene. The company has ethically sourced the very best 100 percent organic premium coffee beans from around the world. The coffee is also available for one, three and six month subscriptions from RRP £17, so perfect for a gift that someone can continue to receive after Christmas NORLO.CO.UK

A set of 20 practical activities to get into a positive mindset and encourage growth, selfreflection and positivity. The perfect gift to support a loved one to improve their own well-being and embrace positive habits one day at a time.

RRP £12.50

THEMOODCLUB.COM

The Squirrel Sisters have created a nutritious way to get your chocolate fix this Christmas. They bill themselves as the UK’s only snacking brand with no added sugar. These delicious Cocao Orange Brownie Bites are a perfect choice for someone who wants a chocolate snack but is watching their sugar intake. The perfect stocking filler!

RRP £2.60 SQUIRRELSISTERS.COM

CBD MOISTURISER

A luxurious gift for the ultimate skincare lover. J’Tanicals’ 500mg CBD moisturiser helps strengthen the skin’s barrier through natural probiotic technology. It helps support the skin’s microbiome to keep the skin in balance.

£49.95

JTANICALS.CO.UK

WILD LIFE BOTANICALS

Share the joy of mindful drinking with Wild Life Botanicals, a pioneering sparkling wine that is ultralow in alcohol yet ultra-high in goodness. Just one 125ml glass of Wild Life Botanicals delivers a minimum of 15 percent of the daily reference intake of the active eight vitamins and minerals that are blended into the sparkling wine. The ideal gift for loved ones looking to enjoy a more mindful Christmas and New year.

RRP £15

WILDLIFEBOTANICALS.CO.UK

10 MOI + ME CBD MASSAGE CANDLE

Give the gift of calm with Moi + ME’s luxury massage candle. Made with jasmine and sandalwood, this beautifully scented candle is a unique candle with a twist.Curated to massage the skin with nourishing CBD oil, simply light the candle, and once melted, blow out the flame before pouring the warm oil onto the skin for a massage with the warm blend of oils.

RRP £45 | WWW.MOIANDME.COM

Do you know someone who struggles with their sleep?

RESTFUL SLEEP PILLOW MIST 9 WINTER WELLNESS COLLECTION

OLVERUM Restful Sleep Pillow Mist is a unique treatment designed not only to help you get to sleep more easily but to improve the quality of your sleep. The exactingly balanced fragrance development of its key ingredients supports and enhances each of the four key stages of sleep.

RRP £25

WWW.OLVERUM.COM

The ‘Winter Wellness Collection’ is the perfect gift for the devoted health enthusiast or those looking for a much-needed energy boost. Containing H30 Hydration, Reset and two Protein Smoothies; these award-winning products will support and transform your health from within.

RRP £75

WWW.REJUVENATED.COM

CULTURE

Britain’s Got Talent artist commissioned by a CBD company to design art project showing effects of lockdown

DON’T MISS: HE’S NAILED IT

British football coach convicted of multiple drugs offences after police found CBD vape liquid in his car.

Pictures: Detained in Dubai

Words: Patrick Griffin

I have hidden myself away, crying and crying when I imagine what our sweet boy is going through. I FEEL HELPLESS.

MOTHER’S ANGUISH AS SON JAILED FOR 25 YEARS IN DUBAI.

Teaching assistant Breda Hood was beside herself with worry after son Billy was convicted of serious drug charges for having four small bottles of CBD vape liquid and a vape pen in his car.

The 24-year-old London-born football coach – who now lives in Dubai – was arrested in January and has been behind bars ever since.

Billy was dumbfounded when police found the CBD vapes in his car, insisting they were not his.

He said they must have been left behind by a friend from the UK who he had given a lift to the airport to catch his flight home.

Following the arrest, Breda said: “Billy has never been into drugs ever…it’s impossible that he’s guilty.

“My son doesn’t deserve to lose his whole life over CBD oil that wasn't even his.”

She added: “I have hidden myself away, crying and crying when I imagine what our sweet boy is going through…it’s the worst stress I've ever been through and I feel helpless.”

After four days at CID headquarters - the former semi-pro footballer reluctantly signed a confession written in Arabic. Requests to see an English translation were refused.

Billy said: “The next evening, I was taken to Al Barsha police station and kept in an isolation cell for 14 days without any hygiene products…I had no contact with the outside world.”

He then spent nine months in custody awaiting trial where he was found guilty of possession, trafficking and selling the CBD oil.

The Hood family, including brother Alexander, are still coming to terms with the fact that Billy could be behind bars until he’s 50.

Alexander said: “Billy is a healthy, fitness-focussed guy…mum never had to worry about him getting into drugs or smoking.

“We never thought for a moment that going to Dubai could be a one-way ticket for him.”

Billy told lawyers that he had a ‘zero-tolerance attitude’ towards drugs, and said: “One of the main reasons I moved to the UAE was to pursue my coaching career.

“I have spent six years collecting my coaching badges and would never let something such as drugs ruin everything.”

Now the Detained in Dubai charity is helping Billy appeal his conviction and hopes the court will look again at his case.

Its CEO Radha Stirling said: “Drug convictions are prestigious for police, leading to promotions and kudos.

“Courts do not require substantial evidence to secure a conviction and they are happy to sentence people’s lives away based on third party hearsay or a forced confession.

“Foreigners find it next to impossible to achieve a fair hearing and false allegations are commonplace.”

Breda criticised the Foreign Office for failing to alert Brits about the dangers of being falsely arrested.

She said: “Would people still go to Dubai if they knew they could lose their freedom even though they've followed the law?

“I know my son wouldn't have and British citizens need this information to decide whether to take the risk or not.”

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson said: “We are giving consular support to a British man who has been imprisoned in the UAE.”

An anguished mother cries herself to sleep at night after her son was sentenced to 25 years in a Dubai prison.

Billy pictured with his aunt. | Picture: Detained in Dubai

He’s nailed it!

Words: Patrick Griffin

ritain’s Got Talent star Nathan Wyburn has created a dramatic new artwork which examines the toll taken on people’s wellbeing over the past 18 months.

The Welsh artist, who found fame after using marmite-on-toast to create a portrait of TV’s Simon Cowell, wanted to explore the emotional impact caused by the pandemic.

Nathan, who reached the semifinals of Britain’s Got Talent, once used coal to create a portrait of former Tory Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who was famous for her long-running dispute with coal miners in the 1980s.

For ‘Journey to Calm’ he used household items including bottle tops, nails, sunscreen and retro cassette tapes in the four-canvass project.

The artwork is designed to illustrate the progression of feelings from stress, worry and unease towards a state of calmness.

Nathan encouraged the public to vote for the colours, shapes and textures that represented their own personal feelings.

Black, grey, blue, and red feature prominently in the new project after Brits said they associated them with feeling worried, uneasy and stressed.

Nathan said: “It’s been an honour to use my experience of suffering with personal anxiety to create this Journey to Calm.

“The series of images are a mixture of textures, feelings, colours and emotions to attempt a visualisation of what it feels like from one extreme to the other.

“Art helps me feel calm, it’s my release, so I hope this piece can bring clarity and help explain the journey to you - the viewer.”

He was commissioned for the project by cannabis healthcare company CiiTECH which is behind

the leading UK CBD brand Provacan.

CiiTECH CEO Clifton Flack said: “Our research shows that Brits have been experiencing lots of unease and greater levels of panic, amplified by the pandemic.

“We wanted to try and make these feelings more visible and accessible to all, so those experiencing unrest feel they have a support network around them.”

The CiiTECH survey found that seven in ten Brits have experienced heightened levels of unease, amounting to 108 days over the last 18 months.

B “The series of images are a mixture of textures, feelings, colours and emotions to attempt a visualisation of what it feels like from one extreme to the other.

Britain’s Got Talent artist Nathan Wyburn used nails and bottle tops in specially-commissioned artwork to show the transition from unease to calm

GETS A KICK OUT OF BOOTS

Fashion giant is breaking new ground with the help of two of the most recognised figures in football and fashion.

Words: Ryan Conway

Manchester United superstar footballer Paul Pogba has teamed up with fashion designer Stella McCartney and Adidas to create the world’s first vegan football boot.

He became the first player to wear the trendy new boots as Man United beat Atalanta 3-2 in Champions League in October.

The limited-edition white PREDATOR FREAK laceless boots are made from vegan materials and feature orange spikes and blue and green leopard spots.

Adidas said the boots, which sell for £236 , were made to ensure that all materials and components used in the manufacturing process conformed to both ‘vegan and elite performance standards’.

Pogba, 28, said: “I am a footballer first and foremost, but I have a huge interest in fashion and design and I’ve always wanted to explore this further.

“This collaboration has been particularly special for me because I’ve been a fan of Stella McCartney’s work for a

long time, so when we came together and had this idea, it felt like the perfect opportunity to create something.

Speaking about the importance of football and fashion in his life, Pogba said: “On the pitch, fashion shows your personality.

“It says, this is me, Paul Pogba. I like to have different boots to the rest. I don’t want the same colour as everyone else.

“It was an incredible feeling to be able to focus on something that combines my love for the game with my passion for style.”

Adidas is aiming to become more sustainable, trying to use fully recycled materials by 2024 and the joint venture is another step in making the company eco-friendlier.

Speaking on the partnership with the Frenchman, McCartney said: “I was stuck at how fashion was part of his personality both on and off the pitch, so it was important for this to shine through in the design.”

She added: “Creating with the planet in mind is core to the Adidas by Stella McCartney partnership. “The boot perfectly fuses the

world of fashion and football, showing how we can continue to create with the planet in mind.”

The daughter of Sir Paul McCartney and the World Cup-winning midfielder began chatting about the project in May 2020 and it has taken until now to bring it to fruition.

The designer has worked with Adidas for over a decade creating collections made with recycled polyester and nylon, but working on an iconic vegan football boot is a first for her.

Pogba is no stranger to breaking new ground, from captaining France to their first ever Under-20 World Cup to (briefly) becoming the world’s most expensive footballer when United signed him for £90 million in 2016.

I am a footballer first and foremost, but I have a huge interest in fashion and design and I’ve always wanted to explore this further.

Canna Kitchen owner acquitted of ‘hemp flower’ charges

Words: Gordon Stribling

The owner of a Brighton CBD restaurant has been cleared of two charges relating to the sale of controlled cannabis.

Canna Kitchen owner Sammy Ben Rabah was arrested during a Sussex Police raid in 2019, when officers seized a large quantity of ‘hemp flower’ or ‘CBD flower.’

Ben Rabah appeared at Hove Crown Court on September 2 on two counts of possession with intent to supply cannabis.

However, barrister Josh Normanton successfully argued that at least part of the seized material was not cannabis.

He also said his client had no reason to suspect that the products in question were a

controlled drug and, therefore, was not guilty of the alleged offences.

Ben Rabah said: “I am very pleased to have cleared my name from any charges of wrongdoing in this case.

“The heavy-handed police raid was, in my view, both unjustified and unethical based on prior collaborative commitments made by Sussex Police.

“I am pleased that the truth has been revealed through the court process and am grateful to my legal counsel Josh Normanton, the judge and members of the jury for their fair assessment of the case.”

Mike Ashcroft stressed that ‘ignorance of the law is not a defence,’ adding: “In this case, the illegality of the substances seized was never in dispute and we will continue to vigorously inspect cannabis vendors in the city to ensure they are aware of, and compliant with, the law.”

Ben Rabah conducted extensive research into the legality of lowTHC cannabis flower, he told the court.

He referenced a Home Office guidance note, as well as a Metropolitan Police response to a Freedom of Information request, and concluded that flowers with less than 0.2 percent THC were legal.

Detective Superintendent

Barrister Josh Normanton successfully argued that his client could rely upon an obscure clause in the Misuse of Drugs Act

Cannabis is a Class B controlled drug under Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (MDR) 2001. This classification applies to high-THC varieties and low-THC ‘hemp’ varieties, from which CBD can be legally extracted.

Farming hemp must contain no more than 0.2% THC and only the fibre and seeds can be processed for commercial use, if the grower has a license to do so. The rest of the plant, including the flower, has to be destroyed.

Home Office Industrial Hemp guidance states: “The ‘0.2%’ reference is used solely to identify varieties which may potentially be cultivated, within the scope of this policy and to differentiate between the fee level applicable under the Misuse of Drugs (Fees) Regulations 2010.”

SO WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?

I am pleased that the truth has been revealed through the court process

Hove Crown Court. Image courtesy of Simon Carey

Dogs NOW THAT THE UK’S HAVE THEIR OWN TV CHANNEL…

…the only problem will be getting them to leave the house for walkies.

Words: Ryan Conway

THE UK’S 12 million dogs have got a new treat…their very own TV station.

DogTV launched in November with a mission to improve the lives of our favourite pets by helping take the stresses and fears out of their lives.

Canines can experience depression and PTSD and can suffer from separation anxiety when their owners are out of the house.

The channel called on the services of dog behavioural experts and used the results of more than 60 scientific studies to come up with the content.

You won’t find the schedules packed with the likes of ‘Bojack Dogman’, ‘Footballers’ Dogs’ or ‘RuPaul’s Dog Race UK’ on this new channel.

Instead, it has content that canines of all ages will want to watch and listen to throughout the day.

Founder Ron Levi said: “Normally with music and visual content, people try to do more to make it more interesting but with dogs, it’s the opposite.

“DogTV helps canines to feel relaxed, comforted and helps alleviate some of the behavioural problems that can arise when dogs are left alone.”

DogTV Chief Scientist Professor Nicholas Dodman said: “Dogs like to see other dogs and people, or terrains that they’d roam in. The camera is at a dog’s eye level so it looks exactly like what they would see.”

Programming is divided into three main segments:

1Content featuring playful animated sequences of dogs and other animals to provide stimulation and prevent boredom.

2Calming scenes and soothing sounds to keep dogs relaxed during the day when their owners may be out at work.

3Segments designed to help pets become accustomed to potentially stressful experiences such as ringing doorbells and car rides.

But the £6.99-a-month subscription channel has not left dog owners out of the picture either.

It has a regular segment designed for humans to watch on their own (or with their pets) with programmes including ‘Things We Woof About,’ ‘Meet the Breed’ and ‘The Dog Chef.’

“DogTV helps canines to feel relaxed, comforted and help alleviate some of the behavioural problems that can arise when dogs are left alone.”

DogTV

Dog expert Amanda Taylor sat down with her pet pooch Patch, six, and give DogTV a test run. Amanda, from Stoke-on-Trent, owns her own dog walking and training company, Taylor’s Trails, which has grown rapidly since she set it up three years ago.

I was pleasantly surprised by DogTV but, more to the point, Patch loved it too.

I signed up for the seven-day free trial after seeing an advert for the new channel.

My first thought was that the advert did not do it justice, as there is such a vast range of content on offer.

Not only is there a huge amount of entertainment for your fur baby but there is a lot for you as well.

My boy Patch is full of energy, so I was really pleased that he enjoyed the ‘relaxation’ and ‘goodnight’ segments.

I normally play nature sounds before going to bed but will switch to DogTV now as it really does the trick.

Unfortunately, the ‘stimulation’ segment wasn’t for my boy. While he certainly found it stimulating, it also made him more heightened and he started

barking and growling at every little noise.

‘Tricks for treats’ was fantastic as it helped you to break the tricks down into easy steps while bonding with your dog. There was an entire section for first-time puppy owners and I

absolutely loved the dog chef who has put together easy, inexpensive and nutritious recipes for your pooch.

DogTV has catered for all temperaments and personalities and myself and Patch give it the paws up.

Review: Amanda Taylor and Patch

About Happy Hemp Farmacy

We c r e a t ed Ha p p y He m p F a r m a c y t o e mp ow e r pe o pl e t o li v e h e a l t hie r and h a ppie r li v e s. We beli e v e CB D i s b e n e fi c ia l f o r e v e r y pe r so n a n d o u r c o mm i t m en t i s p r o v idi n g y o u w i t h t h e b e st p r odu c t f o r a f a i r p r i c e

)

h e llo @h ap p y h emp f a r m a c y c o m h a p p y h em p f a r m a c y. c o m @hap p y h e m p f a r m a c y

A year in MED CANN

In November we celebrated three years since medical cannabis was legalised in the UK. We look back at the past year.

Words: Gordon Stribling

November 4, 2020

Advocacy group End Our Pain reveals that the NHS has issued just three prescriptions for medical cannabis since it was legalised two years ago.

December 1

The families of 25 children and young people with epilepsy write to the Prime Minister to ask for help in securing medical cannabis on the NHS.

December 2

The United Nations votes to remove cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. The decision effectively means that cannabis will be classed as a medicine for the first time.

December 14

The Irish government reveals that the medical cannabis delivery service, introduced during the pandemic, is to become permanent. The news comes after patients campaigned for better and safer access.

January 6, 2021

The British government says it is ‘working urgently’ with Dutch officials to find a solution, after a pharmacy in the Netherlands stops dispensing Bedrocan to British patients. Three weeks later, The Department of Health and Social Care announced that all existing patients may continue to obtain the cannabis oil from the pharmacy until the summer.

January 27

The Sapphire Medical Foundation launches a new grant scheme designed to cover the costs of treatment for at least a year for patients in need of support.

April 15

An international study commissioned by charity Drug Science finds that medical cannabis is among the most effective treatments for people with long term, problematic neuropathic pain.

The new paper published in a peer-reviewed journal also finds that medical cannabis is safer than other commonly prescribed medications.

April 23

Cancard shows promise four months into the scheme. Campaigner, patient and Cancard founder, Carly Barton tells The CANNAVIST that 90 out of 93 stops by police have resulted in no arrests, with patients able to keep their medication.

April 29

Drug Science founder Professor David Nutt calls the lack of medical cannabis on the NHS ‘one of the great failures of medicine of my generation.’ Professor Nutt made the comments during a presentation on Day 2 of CBD Live Europe.

May 11

Charlotte Caldwell announces the launch of the ‘I am Billy’ campaign, which calls for the UK’s first free cannabis trial on the NHS.

May 19

The first cohort of patient outcomes recorded by the UK Medical Cannabis Registry shows ‘significant improvements’ to anxiety, pain and sleep scores.

June 15

Health Secretary Matt Hancock expresses his interest in the I Am Billy non-profit clinic.

Charlotte Caldwell receives the news by email after she and son Billy complete their gruelling 1,000-mile ‘Walk with the Wizard’ from their home in Northern Ireland to London.

July 7

A mother has expressed her disappointment after her son’s pleas for medical cannabis funding support for his brother were rejected by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. She responded that ‘stronger evidence’ to back medical cannabis was needed before the government could step in.

July 15

The I am Billy Foundation strikes a deal with two government agencies to collaborate on real-world studies into medical cannabis.

July 27

Grow Group PLC launches the UK’s ‘largest ever’ cannabis crowdfunding campaign via the Seedrs platform.

July 30

Cancard announced the launch of a nationwide study which it hopes will inform the government’s long-term drug strategy. The study will take a ‘deep dive’ into the needs, concerns and experiences of all medical cannabis patients – not just those enrolled on the Cancard scheme.

August 11-13

Medical cannabis patients from across the UK share their moving stories at the CBD Live virtual event.

September 4

Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine urges Health Secretary Sajid Javid to ‘finish the job’ and make medical cannabis more accessible for NHS patients.

September 25

Charity Drug Science reveals that more than 1,400 people have signed up to the Project Twenty21 medical cannabis registry. The charity hopes that data gathered during the project will be used to support wider prescribing on the NHS.

HEMPVS MARIJUANA

CANNABIS, HEMP, MARIJUANA.

CBD comes from cannabis. Simple, right?

Well, yes. But not just any cannabis.

CBD has done wonders to destigmatise the cannabis plant which had until recently been better known for the narcotic effect of THC.

But it’s this association that has shaped the rules around CBD across the globe.

SATIVA VS. INDICA

The highest concentration of CBD is found within the cannabis flower itself.

But in the UK and EU, CBD can only be extracted from the seeds and stem of approved hemp varieties of the plant, also known as cannabis sativa.

As well as CBD, hemp is used for food, textiles, insulation, biofuel and a lot more.

EU-approved hemp strains contain a maximum of 0.2 percent THC. The EU’s THC limit for industrial hemp was lowered from 0.3 percent in 1999, with experts believing that the higher cap presented a health risk.

It was also hoped that the change would prevent high-THC ‘marijuana’ or cannabis indica varieties from being grown in industrial hemp fields.

Hemp and marijuana are both varieties of cannabis, the main distinction being their respective THC content.

ON THE UP?

In October 2020, the European Parliament signed off on a proposal to raise the THC limit back to 0.3 percent, in line with the US.

said:

“This is an historic moment for our industry, for our farmers, for a green future and for all Europeans. Finally, the EU has a level playing field again with the global industrial hemp sector.”

MORE THC = MORE CBD?

The 0.2 percent THC cap is a problem because the amount of CBD in a plant rises in proportion to its THC content. European farmers have not had an incentive to grow these higher-THC crops and this has allowed the US to monopolise the market.

If the new act is adopted by the EU, industrial hemp would be redefined, and your CBD could be extracted from higher-THC strains.

SUMMARY

To be legal in the UK and Europe, the CBD in a finished product must come from EU-approved hemp plants, not marijuana.

For now, that means industrial hemp grown from seeds that contain no more than 0.2 percent THC. This could be set to change in Europe. But at the time of writing, the Home Office has no plans to follow suit in the UK.

These words get used a lot when people talk about CBD. But what do they actually mean?

European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) president, Daniel Kruse,

Doorstep Destinations

Here are a few natural destinations in the UK that offer you a picturesque, well-deserved break away from all the pressures of the modern world.

Words: Oliver Smith

Travel does wonders to the mind, body and spirit. But these days, with dirt-cheap flights and all-inclusive holidays, it can be easy to forget just how many incredible places there are on our own doorstep.

From snow-capped mountains to towering valleys and hidden coves, the UK offers some truly beautiful natural hotspots.

The Cairngorms

A totally peaceful and undisturbed area of Scotland, the Cairngorms is a location not to be missed.

Explore its trails by foot or mountain bike, stopping at sights like Balmoral Castle and Glenmore Forest, which are perfect for all ages looking for outdoor adventure.

Fun fact:

The Cairngorms are home to five of Scotland’s highest mountains.

Northumberland Coast

Classified by Natural England as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Northumberland Coast is packed full of bays, nature reserves and the famous Holy Island. This spectacular location in the

north-east of England is packed full of wildlife so is perfect for animal lovers, who may be lucky enough to spot seals, puffins or even whales.

Fun

fact:

Earl Grey tea originated in Northumberland.

The Highlands of Scotland

The iconic Highlands of Scotland offer glacial valleys, vast mountain ranges and scenic lakes across an area of more than 10,000 square miles. Completely idyllic, some locations almost feel as if you are totally cut off from of civilisation. Visitors stop off in the many remote fishing villages situated on the lochs that are reminiscent of Scandinavia.

Fun fact: The historic region is the largest in Scotland.

Giant’s Causeway

Perched on the unique coastline of Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is one of the most iconic spots in the country.

The World Heritage Site is known for its strange rock formation resulting from an ancient volcanic eruption. The 40,000 mostly hexagonal basalt columns descend into the sea below to create a true natural wonder. The Giant’s Causeway is the perfect place for lovers of peculiar natural phenomena.

Fun fact: According to folklore, the Causeway was created by a giant named Finn McCool, who lived and battled along the north Antrim Coast.

Seven Sisters

Located along the south coast of England is the Seven Sisters. This totally stunning area of the UK is only a 40-minute drive from Brighton. Situated in the South Downs National Park, overlooking the English Channel, these cliffs were once an ancient valley that has since been eroded away by the sea.

As well as the iconic cliffs, the Seven Sisters Country Park supports a fantastic variety of birds and insects.

Fun fact:

The names of the cliffs from west to east are: Haven Brow, Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Point, Flagstaff Brow, Bailey's Hill and Went Hill.

Peach OF MIND

One of the world’s biggest pop stars wants to start a conversation about mental health after taking his first step into the cannabis industry.

Words: Jordan Millar

Global music sensation Justin Bieber has joined forces with ‘weed manufacturer’ Palms to produce a limited-edition line of ‘high-end’ joints. Named after his hit single ‘Peaches’, the brand aims to ‘de-stigmatise’ the industry and ‘shine a light’ on cannabis as a mental health solution.

Following the launch, Bieber said:

“I’m a fan of Palms and what they’re doing by making cannabis approachable.

“I wanted to make sure I was doing something with them that felt genuine and Peaches felt like a good place to start.”

The brand will support nonprofit charities like ‘Last Prisoner Project’ and ‘Veterans Walk and Talk’, which stand against America’s ‘unjust’ and ‘ineffective’ approach to drug policy.

Noah Annes, co-founder of Palms, said starting a wider discussion, not only about cannabis, but also about mental health, is the main focus of the launch.

He said: “The whole goal of Palms is to destigmatize cannabis consumption for people who are less familiar or comfortable with it…and working with Justin is really consistent with our mission. “His vulnerability and openness about his mental health struggles impressed us beyond measure and

Social responses

“Love the fact that Justin is getting braver about his choices and that he couldn’t care less about the negativity of his critics…go Justin.”

@jb_legend1

“This is so thoughtful of him. Tbh his projects are always centred around good for other ppl and he loves to start conversations about important topics. He should be applauded for this.”

@bizzlenthuziast

“A one-of-a-kind community relations campaign by Justin Bieber… he definitely knows his audience!”

@bailleyconcatto

we knew immediately we would want him at the helm of our firstever collaboration.”

Annes added:

“With Justin’s help shining the spotlight on these important topics, we hope to inspire others to talk more freely about mental health and cannabis consumption.”

Peaches products are available in dispensaries across California, Nevada, Florida and Massachusetts… but hundreds of thousands of people have taken to twitter to try and get their hands on a batch.

“With Justin’s help shining the spotlight on these important topics, we hope to inspire others to talk more freely about mental health and cannabis consumption.”

DON’T BE ABOUT HEMP BIOFUEL

crude

As fossil fuels become ever-more contentious are we approaching a point when we take hemp biofuels more seriously?

Words: Oliver Smith

A tanker-driver shortage also saw widespread fuel rationing and the government even considered bringing in the army to help keep petrol stations open.

This led to a wider discussion about alternative options and whether hemp could be a viable solution.

It has long been known that hemp can be used to make bioethanol and biodiesel but this has never been commercialised.

In fact, with the right processing, biodiesel could power traditional diesel cars without the need for any modifications.

Hemp is cheap to produce, thrives in most climates and, with only bamboo growing faster than hemp, the plant is very ecofriendly.

So why is hemp not on sale in every filling station in the country?

One big disadvantage is that hemp biofuel is less energy-efficient than traditional fossil fuels - around 50 percent more biofuel is needed to obtain the same amount of energy.

It also has higher production costs as the fuel extraction process is more complex than alternatives such as corn and sugarcane.

In fact, the experts at Biodiesel magazine concluded that its lack of economic competitiveness is the main reason that it

is not already a viable substitute for fossil fuels.

Dr Robert Pearce from the University of Kentucky (UK) said more research was needed to develop more efficient extraction processes, saying that ‘there is just not a market right now’.

He also highlighted that a huge processing infrastructure was needed to support a viable hemp biofuel industry.

The agriculture expert said: “Because you’re dealing with bulky biomass material, you need that infrastructure in place.

“Transportation is going to eat farmers up if they have to bring that material very far. We need regional centres where farms have a short distance to go for processing.”

However, if extraction and infrastructure problems can be overcome, researchers have found that industrial hemp could create a sustainable diesel fuel, with 97 percent of the hemp oil being converted to biodiesel.

Jody McGinness, executive director of Hemp Industries Association said: “Science shows that biofuel burns cleaner and is a less energy-intensive product, so not using fossil fuels is in itself a huge net gain.”

The recent UK fuel crisis saw filling stations across the country run out of petrol and diesel.

Science shows that biofuel burns cleaner and is a less energy-intensive product so not using fossil fuels is in itself a huge net gain.

Italy to legalise.it?

More than 500,000 Italians – half under 25 – signed a petition to decriminalise cannabis. If a referendum expected next year passes, the plant would essentially be legalised.

Italy will likely vote on a referendum to decriminalise cannabis next year after campaign groups gathered more than 500,000 signatures in one week.

The proposal met the vote threshold thanks in part to a new law which allows petitions to be signed digitally and not just in-person. The proposal will now be sent to the constitutional court for review. Campaigners on the ReferendumCannabis.it

Facebook page wrote: “More than 500,000 online signatures in just a week for the #ReferendumCannabis.” We celebrate them by thanking you one by one, because this is a first and not just in Italy.”

Personal recreational use of cannabis is already legal in Italy. However, sales, purchase and cultivation for allbut-personal use are illegal. Dealers can currently face up to

Words: Gordon Stribling

10 years in prison if convicted of an offence. Campaigners on the ReferendumCannabit.it Facebook page lamented the ‘paradox’ of blaming organised crime for the nation’s cannabis use.

The group also argued that legalising would generate tax revenue and thousands of jobs.

They wrote: “Legalizing does not mean promoting consumption but making it safer and more informed.

“If cannabis were legal, it would put an end to unnecessary trials for small amounts of the drug and ensure that patients who use it to relieve their excruciating pain will never have to face a court again.”

Some 57 percent of Italian voters are expected to back the law change, according to pollster Sondaggi Bidimedia.

The recent proposal suggests that it will be young people who lead the charge.

According to Antonella Soldo of the association Meglio Legale (‘Better Legal’), almost half of those who signed the proposal were 24 or younger.

Under Italy’s popular referendum system, a ‘yes’ vote would delete the nation’s cannabis laws rather than replacing them with a regulated alternative.

This has led to news of the vote being referred to as legalisation by some media outlets and decriminalisation by others.

‘Cannabis light’

So-called ‘cannabis light’ is already legal to buy and sell and is widely available throughout Italy.

A loophole in the country’s hemp laws permits retailers to sell cannabis flower containing 0.6 percent THC or less – 0.4 percent higher than the EU’s threshold for industrial hemp plants.

This is a similar distinction that permits US companies to sell cannabis flower containing no more than 0.3 percent THC under the 2018 Farm Bill.

In September 2018, Interior Minister and Northern League party leader Matteo Salvini issued a memo calling for police to enforce a zero-tolerance approach to sales of cannabis light.

However, the Supreme Court issued a ruling in 2019 that permitted sales of cannabis products “devoid of any doping or psychotropic effect.”

Italy may be pipped to the post by Luxembourg in becoming the first EU country to de-facto legalise cannabis.

The tiny nation was due to introduce legislation towards the end of this year but the pandemic scuppered its plans.

On announcing the plans in 2018, Health Minister, Etienne Schneider, said: “This drug policy we had over the last 50 years did not work.”

“Forbidding everything made it just more interesting to young people.”

Awesome activities

You won’t be left wondering what to get out and do with our pick of the best health and wellness events.

Activities compiled by Patrick Griffin

UK WINTER WEEKEND YOGA

RETREAT

When: January 14-17, 2022

Where: Sussex

Cost: £495 – £995

This winter weekend yoga retreat takes place at a stunning private 12-acre Sussex estate and is an ideal setting to unwind and relax. It features an historic farmhouse, converted barns, treehouses, shepherd’s huts and a spacious yoga studio where the classes are run by instructor Adam Husler. A specialist chef will provide warming and nourishing plant-based dishes and guests are encouraged to explore the estate’s extensive gardens as well as the surrounding woodland and countryside.

RECLAIMYOURSELF.CO.UK

FOREST RETREATS: REFRESH AND RESTORE – NEW YEAR DAY OF NOURISHMENT

When: Saturday January 29, 2022

Where: Hill Farm, Tintern, Monmouthshire

Cost: £50

This day is especially aimed at women aged around 40 plus. Overlooking the Wye Valley at a specialist eco-retreat centre, this day will allow the group to come together for a full programme of self-care, connection, pilates, restorative yoga, soul dancing and more. The day is based around midlife and the menopause to embrace the emotional and spiritual changes that accompany ‘evolving’ into another life stage.

FORESTRETREATS.CO.UK

YOOPHORIA

When: Friday May 20 – Sunday May 22, 2022

Where: Knebworth Park, Hertfordshire

Cost: Various package prices on offer. Billed as an ‘unforgettable wellness weekender of fun festival’ you can choose from a wide range of activities to suit your own individual style. If you fancy high-octane morning raves, roller-disco and uplifting DJ sets then Yoophoria has you covered. There are also relaxing meditation sessions, sound baths and yoga, if that is more your style. The family-friendly weekend programme also includes hula hooping, a range of inspiring talks with craft classes and circus skill lessons to keep the youngsters happy.

YOUPHORIA-FESTIVAL.CO.UK

THE OIL COLLECTIVE UK: SPRING ECO RETREAT

When: Friday June 3 to Sunday June 5, 2022

Where: Campwell Woods, near Bath Cost: £510pp

Take part in The Oil Collective UK’s first yoga and essential oils retreat in a handcrafted eco-village set in a secluded wild wooded valley just outside of Bath. If you are looking for an off-grid getaway complete with log cabins, yurts, firepits and a shepherd’s hut with wood-burning stoves, then this ticks all the boxes. During the weekend you can experience wild swimming, local walks, all vegan and vegetarian meals included, yoga, essential oil activities, games and more.

RETREATSANDTRAININGS.YOGA

KEW THE RUN WEEKEND

When: Saturday April 9 and Sunday April 10, 2022

Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London

Tickets: 10K – from £35

Half marathon – from £38 Saturday sees the Kew Gardens 10K which will take place on fully-closed roads inside Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Southwest London. The following day hosts the Kew Gardens Half Marathon which starts and finishes inside Kew and includes an additional flat and scenic route of the Richmond Riverside. After the events, finishers and their families will be treated to an afternoon of acoustic live music and a picnic (bring your own or purchase on the day) on the lawn.

KEWTHERUN.COM

REVIEWS

REMEDY KOMBUCHA RASPBERRY LEMONADE

Reviewed by: Patrick Griffin

My CANNAVIST colleague Katie, who reviewed the Good Earth product, has been trying to get me to try kombucha for years.

I always declined because the idea of a fermented tea drink didn’t really appeal and I just decided I would not like the taste. However, after my first sip of this lightly-sparkling, nicely chilled raspberry lemonade kombucha I was instantly converted.

The raspberry here is authentic and unmistakable and, for me, was a very similar taste to that of a delicious raspberry pavlova. You get raspberry and that’s it. There is no bitter aftertaste at all. And with just seven calories per 250mg, this raw, vegan and unpasteurised drink is a real winner for me.

GOOD EARTH GINGER & LEMON KOMBUCHA

Reviewed by: Katie Loomes

Good Earth’s ginger & lemon kombucha is a flavour-packed delight. Infused with a tongue-tingling kick of ginger and a twist of sour lemon, this flavour pair creates a perfect balance between sour, tart and subtle sweetness.

Brewed with the finest black teas, live cultures and organic ingredients to create a truly authentic taste, this really does get your tastebuds tingling. Good Earth proudly have sustainability at the core of their values and this is very important to me.

The company uses 100 percent biodegradable packaging, Rainforest Alliance ingredients, and donates one percent of all profits to environmental non-profit organisations. So, if you’re looking to try from Good Earth’s kombucha range, you can feel good about helping create a sustainable future.

CONCIOUS (BY DESIGN) -

CBD WELLNESS POURS

Reviewed by: Oliver Smith

I must be honest, I had not heard of the Conscious (by design) wellness pours before we received their brilliantly-puttogether sample pack. The pack contained four concentrated liquid sachets, each of which contained 20mg of Swiss CBD plus natural botanicals and vitimins. The sachets, which are added to water or juice, are designed to benefit four separate areas of wellbeing. I think these wellness pours are a great choice if you are looking for an effective product to help with your day-to-day life, especially when combined with the beneficial properties of CBD. So how did they shape up?

Recline

I tried Recline after a long day at work. It was flavoured beautifully with lavender and chai and I found that it was perfect for those times when you need to decompress.

Flex Immerse

I loved the citrus flavour of this sachet. Citrus is one of my favourite flavours, so the Flex pack was a real stand out for me. It was just the job for when I was looking for a helping hand on a Sunday after a night out.

Immerse is designed to be refreshing and refreshing it was. I found it perfect for a post-run drink as it was not heavy on the stomach and the taste was superb.

Touch

The Touch sachets were a very interesting flavour indeed. The two fruits and black pepper delivered a truly unique taste and it was a perfect drink to take before heading out to face the day.

INSIDE OUT SPARKLING AND STILL DRINKS

Reviewed by: Patrick Griffin

Well, I got this one all wrong.

The idea here is that you drink this before a night out on the town so that you will feel better the next day.

As it happened, I didn’t read the label and I downed the still version of this drink the morning after the night before.

This is a cranberry flavoured plant and berry-based drink which has no added sugars and comes in at 29 calories for each 240ml can.

The taste, rather obviously, is cranberry and there is a touch of bitterness to the drink but that is not off-putting at all.

To get the very best from this drink, serve it cold from the fridge, and you will find it delightfully refreshing. Luckily, I also had the sparkling version at hand too, so I downed this one before heading out for drinks with some work colleagues.

It is very lightly sparkling, not overpowering like some people find sparkling water to be.

I found that the bubbles gave it an extra edge over the still version but I really enjoyed both.

So, with the Christmas and New Year Party season fast approaching, these gluten free drinks may very well be worth checking out.

WILD LIFE BOTANICALS

Ultra-low alcohol sparkling wines (0.5% ABV)

Reviewed by: Patrick Griffin and Jordan Millar

Wild Life Botanicals has taken low-alcohol wines to the next level with these two offerings – the rosé Blush and white Nude. Before we even get to the wines themselves, it must be said that these are beautifully presented premium products. The gift-pack looks great and it was so informative that I read every word on the box before I took out the bottle. Each of the botanicals are pictured together with a summary of their benefits. Wild Life Botanicals is a Cornish company and they are clearly proud of their heritage. Blush and Nude are both suitable for vegans and one 125ml glass will contain 15 percent of your daily reference intake of vitamins and minerals. And if you are watching your figure, these wines contain 60 percent fewer calories than champagne or prosecco.

Blush

Upon opening, there is a very satisfying ‘pop’ as you twist off the cork. It looks and smells just like a bottle of sparkling rosé wine and there is a good amount of bubbles as you pour. While almost all of the alcohol has been taken out, the wine retains its Sauvignon Blanc aromas. However, it is what is actually in this drink that is the main story here. There is a mix of vitamins, minerals and botanicals in every glass including calming lemon balm, soothing damask rose and antioxidant-rich rosemary. This has proved to be a really enjoyable and guilt-free drink. [PG]

Nude

This award-winning wine only disappointed on one front…when the bottle ran dry. I’m ever the sceptic when it comes to near alcohol-free alternatives, so I was pleasantly surprised when I took my first sip of this light, refreshing number from Wild Life Botanicals. Everything from the fruity taste to the sleek, gently contoured bottle made for a sophisticated drinking experience. And the fact that it’s overflowing with beneficial vitamins and essential minerals made it feel like I was doing my body a favour by enjoying a glass. [JM]

Final Thoughts

All in all, Wild Life’s Blush and Nude sparkling wines are great for those who want to enjoy the festive season with friends, family or work colleagues…and wake up refreshed the next morning. But don’t think that these are only for those who want an alcohol-free experience. They are the perfect base for a range of cocktails (or mocktails) and there are several examples on the Wild Life Botanicals website.

NUISANCE PREMIUM BOTANICAL-BASED SODA MIXERS

Reviewed by: Keala Woolley

Born in the Cotswolds and based in Edinburgh, these three premium blends from Nuisance bring a new twist to tired old soda mixers. Taking inspiration from the countryside, they distil quintessential British flavours and package them up for easy enjoyment. Even the designs of the cans themselves made for a relaxing drinking experience, with the soft tones, delicate font and unique artwork coming together to create a soothing aesthetic. I’ve always been a fan of more refreshing botanical flavours, so choosing a favourite between ‘Wild Nettle’, ‘Mint, Cucumber and Chilli’ and ‘Bramble and Rosemary’ certainly proved difficult. Each 250ml can boasts a natural flavour profile that makes a great change to your typical tonics and pairs really well with those Friday night glasses of gin.

Wild Nettle Mint, Cucumber and Chilli Bramble and Rosemary

This was my first time trying a nettlebased drink and so I wasn’t sure what to expect. As someone who prefers a much stronger flavour, I didn’t think I would enjoy the more delicate and understated taste notes of this mixer… but I was pleasantly surprised. If I had to sum my thoughts up in one word, I’d say ‘refreshing’, not just because of the drink itself, but also because it’s great to see a brand exploring more adventurous and unique flavours.v

This three-pronged flavour hit certainly made for a rollercoaster of different taste notes and combinations. I was immediately met with the gentle cucumber, which was quickly followed by the much more powerful mint and chilli. Personally, I think the softer foundation of this drink really pairs well with the more dominating ingredients, with the chilli giving the mixer a far more powerful flavour presence.

Keeping in theme with the first two mixers, the Bramble and Rosemary blend started off quite softly. But it wasn’t long before I was met with a fruity explosion, enjoying notes of those juicy traditionally British berries. And the hints of rosemary really set this mixer apart from the rest, giving it a distinct edge that you don’t always get with other berry-based drinks.

PENTIRE BOTANICAL NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS

Reviewed by: Patrick Griffin

The first thing to note about these two drinks is how great the bottles look. The labels are elegant with subtle colours, giving these products a really classy feel. I have not traditionally been a consumer of alcohol-free products and have generally thought of them as inferior and bad-tasting versions of the ‘real thing.’ However, having experienced these botanical non-alcoholic spirits from Pentire, I realised how far behind the times I really am. These are great products and are very worthy no-alcohol substitutes for a traditional gin-and-tonic. As an extra bonus, they are free from added sugar, artificial colouring and flavourings, which is another plus point for me.

Seaward

As much as I enjoyed Adrift, Seaward was my favourite of the two. This is a little lighter and more delicate but that is not to say that this does not pack a mighty punch when it comes to the flavours on offer here. There is sea rosemary, woodruff, sea blackthorn, pink grapefruit and wild seaweed in this drink and this turns out to be a really delicious combination. This is an amazingly-refreshing drink and the grapefruit instantly comes through for me. It has the great zesty flavour of grapefruit but without any of the bitterness. If I wanted an upmarket G&T, but without the alcohol, this is where I would go every time. Pentire has two fabulous products here.

Adrift

This has quite an earthy smell. It contains rock samphire, sage, a special blend of plants, citrus and Cornish sea salt. I tried it as suggested on the label – a 50ml measure served over ice with tonic – and I loved the flavour combinations. There were obvious herbal notes with a clean citrus finish and I really enjoyed drinking it. If I was a designated driver on a night out, I could happily drink this and not feel I was missing out at all. A winner for me.

CBD-INFUSED DRINKS WITH NOOTROPICS

Reviewed by: Oliver Smith

As an avid energy drink consumer, there was no way I would allow anybody else in the office review the CBD range from MEDAHUMAN. The five-strong range - Relax, Glow, Recover, Night and Energy – are all differently flavoured and each can contains 20mg of broad spectrum CBD plus nootropics (supplements which are said to improve brain function) and a range of nutrients.

Relax was the perfect addition for when I was coming home after a long day at work. Plus, as a herbal tea fan, the still black tea was a great flavour for me.

Recovery was a very interesting flavour. I enjoyed how blood orange was paired with ginger. The blood orange makes for a great taste by itself but the spiciness of the ginger really gives it a kick. Brilliant.

Night was a great one for me as I had recently been struggling to fully switch off before bed. The flavour of the sour cherry along with it being a still drink was just the thing I needed before bed.

Night Glow

Relax Recovery Energy

Glow was such an enjoyable drink as the lime and elderflower combination is one of my favourite sparkling water flavours. With the bonus that this is packed with 20mg of CBD too, makes it just brilliant.

Night was a great one for me as I had recently been struggling to fully switch off before bed. The flavour of the sour cherry along with it being a still drink was just the thing I needed before bed.

SQUIRREL SISTERS ORGANIC BROWNIES AND FLAPJACKS

Reviewed by: Oliver Smith

I was pleasantly surprised when I first tucked into the assorted box of Squirrel Sisters treats. As the founders are not big on high sugar levels in their products, as highlighted on the Squirrel Sisters’ website, they were passionate about the bars being on the healthier side of snack treats. The largest pack in the box was the assorted peanuts and almond pack. Stuffed with ample amounts of nutritious benefits, they can be a great snack to enjoy when at home or on the go. Overall, the Squirrel Sisters’ assorted box did not disappoint and I thoroughly enjoyed every single product in the box.

Peanut Caramel

for me was a real surprise. I have never really been a caramel fan but the velvety texture you get from this bar has completely shifted my opinion.

Cacao Orange

offers the same richness in flavour but provides a real subtle orange citrus taste, which is extremely enjoyable.

The Cacao Brownie The Peanut Raspberry

was outstanding, in my opinion. If you want to try any of the bars, start with this one first, it will not disappoint!

was a real eye catcher as I have always enjoyed a rich chocolate flavour, and this snack bar definitely delivers.

NOORO CBD SNACK BAR

Reviewed by: Ryan Conway

I am partial to a little treat when I feel the need for an energy boost during the day. However, I also want to

three delicious flavours: lemon and ginger, banana and cinnamon and sour cherry and dark chocolate and all are packed with dried apricots, which I love. Each bar also contains natural supplements known as nootropics, which increase brain activity by improving blood flow

and slight crunch of rolled oats added plenty of texture to the soft, slightly chewy, snack before the dark chocolate came through. I really loved how all these flavours and textures combined in this bar which was my clear favourite of the three.

The lemon is very understated, with there being just enough to take the edge off the ginger. A real winner for me.

The banana and cinnamon choice offers a really earthy taste sensation.

The ground cinnamon is strong from the first bite but the hints of dried banana work well to ensure that the cinnamon is not overpowering.

I found that the dried apricot and gluten-free rolled oats added a delicious texture to this bar.

CANNUKA BEAUTY Selection

Reviewed by: Oliver Smith

As CBD is known for rejuvenating the skin, it comes as no surprise that these products from Cannuka leave the skin feeling and looking fresh. The CBD body moisturiser was soft and worked wonders on dry patchy skin without leaving any oily residue on the hands. With 108mg of CBD per container and Manuka honey, the moisturiser leaves skin hydrated and soft. As skin stays soft for so long, you don’t need to constantly reapply. The eye balm

was exceptional. Instead of your typical creams, this didn’t leave the skin greasy or interrupt other parts of a skincare routine.

The balm was easy to warm up to soften and apply to the skin.

The lip balm, which contains 5mg of CBD, was very similar to the eye balm as it was easy to warm up and had a very natural texture to it. These silky balms leave the lips and skin feeling hydrated, plump and moisturised throughout the day.

By combining the classic Manuka honey with their products, Cannuka has created a skincare dream combination.

Although the skincare brand doesn’t market as an acne treatment, by combining both CBD and Manuka honey, the products can reduce inflammation and calm the skin which is great for small breakouts and redness.

WELL LAB REST 02 CBD OIL 1200MG

Reviewed by: Oliver Smith

In the past I have struggled with getting a full night’s sleep, waking up and stirring every couple of hours.

So, I was delighted to be able to review the Well Lab Rest 02 CBD Oil to see if it would help. And help it certainly did. By taking just a few drops of the 1,200mg oil, I found that I no longer struggled to sleep and I soon drifted off for a full eight hours. The Rest CBD oil contains the supplements passionflower and camomile extract, which are well known for their sleep-boosting properties.

The flavour profile of this oil was incredible. I loved the lavender and wild fruit combination which worked perfectly for me and had a fantastic aftertaste. The Well Lab brand offers various CBD oils, coming in different concentrations and all tailored for the individual’s needs.

In my opinion, this broad-spectrum CBD product is better than many on the market and it works just great. If you are struggling to sleep this is well worth a try.

WORLD CBD AWARDS.

The World CBD Awards brings together companies in the CBD industr y from all around the world in one location We took advantage of this & planned the full event to complement as many networking opportunities as possible; it is unprecedented to leave without gaining great contacts, leads & friends…

WE CAN DO BETTER

CONFERENCE & GAL A

E W DAT E 13th - 15th JULY 2022

I N B A RCE L ON A

Who are we?

The World CBD Awards is an annual event spotlighting safe, compliant & effective CBD/Hemp products, devices & ser vices on a global scale!

Attendence

If you want to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in the industr y then why don’t you meet us in Barcelona? Celebrate the industr y the way it deser ves to be celebrated. Attend the full event, conference and gala awards or just stop for the day with our 1 day pass.

Nominations

Nominate for one of our 30+ categories and pick up an award in many fields within the industr y. Enter our most competitive categories like Best Industr y Newcomer or Best Extract Based Tincture. Showcase yourself as an industr y leader at our awards.

Sponsorships

With 3 different packages to choose from you can become involved with the awards on a much bigger scale, get the exposure through the awards not just while you’re there but also through press releases, social media campaigns, emails and more. See your name in lights in 2022.

The Awards are designed to recognise & reward those who go the “extra mile” making the industr y a safe & respected marketplace; showing they operate with integrity, transparency & ethical business practices.

The theme of our 2022 Awards continues to be “we can do better”. The objective is to pull together all the industr y pioneers worldwide

We have implemented an objective to define a unique judging process that does not exist anywhere else across the industr y; providing an independent group of judges made up of scientists, physicians, & professionals in the CBD/Hemp industr y

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