Every year, on the 8th of August, we come together to celebrate National CBD Day – a day that highlights the incredible transformation of CBD, from obscurity to widespread acceptance. To commemorate the occasion, let's take a trip down memory lane to when Love Hemp was born.
Humble Beginnings
Back in 2015, the UK CBD industry was still in its infancy, while the US was experiencing a CBD boom. Love Hemp dared to challenge the status quo and took its first steps with a revolutionary mission in mind – to introduce the wonders of CBD to the British population. The goal? To educate, enlighten, and bring the benefits of this remarkable compound to the forefront of holistic health. Little did we know, this venture would redefine wellness practices across the nation.
Overcoming Stigma
The journey was far from easy and in the early days, Love Hemp faced much adversity due to the stigma associated with CBD and its connection to cannabis. This stigma created irrational fears and hesitations among the public. Back then, CBD carried a cloud of misunderstanding and many people were unsure about the distinction between CBD - a non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp - and the recreational use of cannabis. Questions like "Will CBD make me high?" and "Is CBD addictive?" echoed the concerns that we had to confront head-on.
Education as a Catalyst
Love Hemp recognized that education was the key to shattering these misconceptions and we worked diligently to dispel the myths around CBD, providing accurate information that would pave the way for greater understanding and acceptance. This educational approach also contributed to our rebranding in 2019, shifting towards a more professional image that appealed to a wider audience. It wasn’t just about selling products; it was about changing the narrative and symbolised our dedication to presenting CBD as a holistic solution to wellness.
Building Trust
So, how did Love Hemp go from breaking down stigma to building a devoted community of CBD enthusiasts? It all came down to our unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and transparency. Our dedication didn't just stop at offering top-notch products; it was about fostering trust and confidence in our brand and debunking extravagant health claims.
Step by step, Love Hemp nurtured a loyal community – a tribe of believers who found solace in the benefits of CBD. These community members weren't just customers; they were advocates. They shared their own personal experiences on platforms like Trustpilot, where honest reviews spoke volumes about the transformative power of CBD. But we didn’t stop there. The real game-changer was when our CBD oils, CBD capsules and CBD edibles secured a spot on the shelves of major high street retailers such as Boots, Holland & Barret and Tesco. This was a monumental shift that made CBD accessible to everyone, no matter where they shopped, and shouted loud and clear that CBD had earned its place as a legitimate wellness supplement.
And the trust doesn't stop there. Love Hemp are the proud owners of a range of prestigious accolades, having won “Leading CBD of the Year - Western Europe” in the Commercial Cannabis Awards by Global Health and Pharma for the second year in a row, and “Best CBD Brand 2022” In the Cannavist Awards, alongside a host of individual product awards, acting as a testament to the commitment to quality in the products Love Hemp produce.
The Evolution of CBD
As the health and wellness industry continued to flourish, CBD's reputation grew in parallel, earning the trust of countless individuals looking to enhance their wellbeing. More than just a passing trend, it quickly became a part of people’s everyday lives and in 2019, the UK CBD market had surpassed the total Vitamin C and Vitamin D market combined. This achievement not only showcased the growing rise and acceptance of CBD, but its undeniable impact on the wellbeing landscape.
According to data from the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis, approximately 3 million individuals are regular users of CBD products in the UK, with an additional 3.6 million having sampled CBD at least once. The projections also suggest that the number of regular CBD users in the UK will double by 2025*.
Regulation and Recognition
Fast forward to 2022 and a significant development took place. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) unveiled a public roster of pre-approved CBD products, and Love Hemp had secured its place on that list. This endorsement serves as a nod of validation, affirming our commitment to quality and compliance, and reinforcing our position as a dependable CBD brand in the UK.
But there’s more to this narrative that extends far beyond our brand. This strategic move by the FSA was a gamechanger for the industry, shaking things up and putting a definitive end to the reign of unregulated 'cowboy' brands. As a result, this has now created a safe space for brands like Love Hemp who are committed to ethical practices, and customers who deserve nothing less than trust in the products they choose.
Notable Partnerships
Moreover, Love Hemp's reputation has received a substantial boost through high-profile endorsements from renowned organisations like the UFC, along with the endorsement of respected figures such as Anthony Joshua. These alliances have not only fortified Love Hemp's credibility but have also ignited a sense of trust and assurance among the public.
*Source: Centre for Medicinal Cannabis, 2019.
