Two new companies have launched in Harrogate to capitalise on the growth of CDB oils, a cannabis-based health product for pain relief.
The Harrogate CBD Company was launched seven weeks ago by 24-year-old Harvey Radcliffe after he witnessed his mum suffer from severe arthritis. She was on an intensive course of steroids and painkillers, but they had stopped working.
To help his mum, Harvey suggested she gave CBD oils a try. She was sceptical at first, but he says it’s changed her life.
CBD products entered the UK market around five years ago and are usually taken in capsule form or as a spray. They are backed by the World Health Organisation who say it can be beneficial for people suffering from MS and cancer to insomnia and depression.
However, a study from the University of Nottingham, published in 2019 suggested there is “very weak evidence” that CBD can successfully treat many ailments, with the exception of seizures.
CBD products won’t get you “high” but they work by responding to natural cannabinoid receptors within your body. They are legal in the UK as long as any product contains less than 0.2% of the psychoactive substance THC.
Sellers must also ask the customer to check with their GP if it is safe for them to use them.
Harvey from the Harrogate CBD Company said he wants to overhaul the image of CBD oils away from “snake oil salesmen” who would sell the product out of suspect looking vape shops.
He said:
“Our branding is more about the health benefits so it looks like a mainstream product.
Every product on their website also includes analysis from a lab which includes exact information on where the product comes from and what’s in it.
He hopes his company can help more people like his mum.
He added:
“If you’re in pain then you will try something that makes your life better. Chronic pain is the worst type of pain.”
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Launching this week, Harrogate Organics Company is a new wellness brand that will sell a range of health products, including CBD oils.
Known to be beneficial for mental health, owner Dan Simpson said lockdown is the perfect time to launch his new business.
He said:
“It’s no surprise that consumers are turning to CBD during these times as an alternative way to fulfil their wellbeing needs.
“It feels slightly odd launching a business during a global pandemic, but we truly believe that our brand couldn’t be any more relevant and needed right now.”
Russ Newman, runs the Grape Tree health food store in the Victoria Shopping Centre which sells a range of CBD oils.
He told the Stray Ferret that after CBD oils cleared up eczema on his shin he’s happy to “promote it to the hills.”
But is it a health fad? Mr Newman doesn’t think so, and he’s seen demand for it rocket in Harrogate as more people turn away from man-made pharmaceuticals to treat their ailments.