Following the incredible success of the inaugural Hemp & CBD Expo earlier this year, organisers were quick to bring it back once more in September to the National Exhibition Center in Birmingham for what is now a bi-annual event.
To satisfy growing demand the event was moved to a larger room where more than 150 exhibitors showcased all things CBD including a vast array of products, specialised equipment, as well as pertinent business and regulatory information.
The Extract was a media partner at the event which saw a nice mix of established businesses such as CBDfx, Harmony, and PhytoVista Labs sitting alongside some newer players in the CBD scene.
There was a real sense of community but none more so than when the speakers began.
Speakers at the event
Guests were informed and entertained for two days by UK and world-leading experts in the fields of medicine, law, and cannabis research. Such was the demand that two stages were set up; the main stage and a business pro stage.
Head of the European Industrial Hemp Association, Lorenza Romanese, gave an update on the current EU stance on hemp while Catherine Wilson of the EIHA spoke at length on how CBD is NOT a novel food; something everyone in the hall was delighted to hear.
Chair of Cannabis Trades Association, Mike Harlington, spoke about the critical importance of compliance in the hemp sector and how to stay within the confines of the law.
Tom Whettham and Guy Coxall from TrustCanna spoke about an industry-led adoption of good practice which would ensure that when the regulations come into play that all businesses will be covered.
Long-time advocate and president of CLEAR cannabis reform Peter Reynolds gave the audience some insight into the latest UK legal and regulatory framework.
Dan Herer, son of the legendary Jack Herer spoke about his father’s iconic activism throughout his life, providing the audience with a more personal insight into the much-loved activist.
Farida Hussain from Kushko Holdings along with Sergiyi and Stuart from Hempire provided an intriguing overview into the power of packaging, insulation and hemp building products.
Steve Bevan spoke about CBD economics. Mile-high labs showed us how to future-proof our CBD business and Scheril Murray spoke about cannabis and law reform.
A medical panel with 4 experts including professor Mike Barnes spoke about the medicinal potential of CBD and the other phytocannabinoids, all of which was very well received.
There were plenty of advocates given a stage, such as Phil Monk and Simpa Carter, but it was a Callie Blackwell talk that really struck home with a lot of people.
Callie spoke about her son Deryn who, at the age of 10, was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukaemia. After trying ‘conventional' medicine Deryn and his mother were told there was nothing more that could be done and that he would have only weeks to live.
Deryn began organising his own funeral. Desperate, Callie had learned about cannabis and, as a last resort, she began to give drops to her dying son.
Callie finished her talk by informing the eager audience that Deryn is now 20 years of age and in an excellent condition of health.
The next event will take place from 29th February 2020 to 1st of March 2020.
