The Cannavist USA Issue 1 | Page 92

HASHing it out London Thinking about investing in CBD? The CANNAVIST’S Gordon Stribling took in an investment driven, women-led event, which saw money experts and cannabis activists do the math on the potential of CBD. This invite-only event was a far cry from the likes of conferences I usually attend as a CBD journalist. I’ve certainly never been handed a complimentary glass of wine or canapé while walking the fl oor of a giant expo. This event, led by HASHCreative, a female-founded creative agency, discussed core elements like business, investment and legalities. But there were also some very inspiring stories told about how the carefully selected panellists entered the world of CBD. fourfi vecbd is one such success story, having appeared in major media outlets around the world. The proven THC-free sports range is the brainchild of panellist, and recently retired Saracens rugby player, Dominic Day, and England 92 international George Kruis. Dominic explained that he began using CBD as an alternative way to help recover from injury. Dom and George created fourfi vecbd with drug-tested professional athletes in mind. Joseph Oliver explained how he was primarily driven by a want to help ill people when he entered the cannabis space. His company LDN CBD has a compassion fund which allows lower-income customers to access their products. But the most engaging speaker for me was founder of Ohana CBD, Jasmin Thomas. Jasmin has cannabis advocacy in her blood. Her Rastafarian grandfather was arrested multiple times for religious use of the plant while her grandmother was arrested for helping ill friends and family access it. Jasmin began using cannabis to treat her MS symptoms a few years ago and now the illness is inactive, and she’s able to work seven days a week. We also heard from some exciting innovators from the drinks industry, including Rebekah Hall of Botanic Lab and Sally Wynter of MUHU Spirits, who launched a CBD-infused hibiscus gin in October last year. Sally explained that, despite a huge resurgence in gin in recent years, there had been very little modern innovation until CBD came along. The emerging cannabis industry presents a huge opportunity for investment. It’s only a matter of time until more investment-focused events such as this arrive on the scene.