The Cannavist Issue 6 B2C | Page 123

Colombians know food As soon as I entered the exhibition centre, and walked up the entrance ramp, I was greeted by the welcome sight and smell of a hog roast. That was a great start for me, I thought, ‘whatever happens at the show, at least I know I’m going to be eating well!’ This expo was a bit smaller than previous instalments but the atmosphere and turnout were better than ever. There was a noticeable change in the level of interest in CBD in particular, compared with previous years. Footfall was excellent, making for a very busy couple of days. The enthusiasm and energy coming from the exhibitors was an experience in itself, plain to see with maximum effort put into each display and a number of new product launches. It’s no surprise to me that the organisers of the largest CBD events in North America have carved time out for planning a CBD-based event, USA CBD Expo South America. Why visit Medellín? Medellín was once dubbed one of the most dangerous places in the world, but that association is no longer. It bears the nickname ‘The City of Eternal Spring’ for its attractive climate and an annual festival of fl owers. It’s also earning recognition for the growth and export of hemp. The South American hemp market is expected to be worth $1.5 billion by the end of this year, with Colombia providing investors with the most stable democracy on the continent (compared to neighbouring Venezuela and Brazil) and also boasting some of the most nutrient- dense land south of central America. Now, with a clean bill of health and a population of 2.4 million citizens, Colombia’s second city is fast becoming an obvious choice for events and investment like USA CBD Expo South America, coming later this year. 123