Judge for yourself, says town cannabis oil producer

ASOUTHPORT businessman aims to remove the stigma from products containing cannabidiol (CBD) oil.

And he is urging the public to educate themselves before they pass judgement on it.

Dan Clough is one of the partners of CBD UK Online, which is run from his home in Southport.

He hopes that through education people will see that CBD products are legal, acceptable and can be of huge benefit.

He said: “Cannabis sativa, or hemp as it is often known, has been used for literally thousands of years.

“Cannabis is an amazingly versatile plant, it can be used for its fibres, seeds and flowers – all of which have a vast variety of uses, including, making fabrics and building materials or resources, to being used as an ideal ingredient for making wholesome and nutritious foods and beverages.

“Hemp really can be used in so many ways, it’s an ethical, easy to grow plant, it’s a super food and of course ideal for extraction of CBD oils. A more recent medical discovery, the human endocannabinoid system, is where CBD has become of particular interest.

“It is now accepted that humans, and all other mammals have an endocannabinoid system.

“It plays a very important role in our general health and wellbeing.

“This endocannabinoid system is a group of receptors in both the brain and the nervous system which regulate a huge variety of processes including appetite, mood, memory function, muscular and skeletal functions and many other vital functions.

“CBD and other cannabinoids interact with these receptors and keep them working at optimum levels.”

Dan, and his business partner, James, are looking for a local business to stock the oil so that the general public can access it – especially older people who are less likely to be able to access CBD UK Online products through the internet.

He added: “We do have our products stocked in The Imperial Muay Thai Gym on Virginia street. We are also currently working with local nutrition company JT Nutrition to bring you CBD healthy food snacks.

“We have a few more local businesses who are interested in getting involved and we are always looking for retailers.

“We currently stock over 10 retailers down south, ranging from gyms and health shops to cosmetic and beauty shops.”

The business was started in July, reselling other branded oils, although Dan had been in the CBD industry for a lot longer.

Now he and James have produced their own oil.

Dan said: “As we already had connections within the industry we made our own brand after sourcing some of the highest quality full spectrum filtered oil from Colorado.

“Once we had secured a supplier, we then started working on expanding our range, we started off with 200mg and 400mg atomiser sprays (CBD with MCT Oil), 800mg CBD oil and a 300mg salve.

“Since then we have carried on building and added even more products ranging from tea and coffee all the way to hemp protein.

“Our latest goal is expanding our oil dropper range, adding several new strengths and adding a lemon and peppermint flavour to each of them.”

Dan believes that the progress of the business is being held back by the stigma attached to cannabis products, but insisted that CBD did not have the psychoactive properties of its more famous cousin THC – or marijuana – which is still illegal to sell in the UK.

He said: “A lot of people are unwilling to try CBD oil because of the stigma attached to it, even though it’s 100% legal and contains legal trace amounts of THC.

“Education is the answer to the progress problem. The more people know about CBD oil and its benefits and how it affects the human body, the more open people will be willing to try it, weather it be related to cannabis or not.

“There’s a lot of people in the public spotlight who are now using CDB products, a lot of high-profile fighters use it to help in training and aid recovery, the likes of MMA fighter Nate Diaz.

“We also sponsor our local Thai boxer Jack Kennedy.

“CBD is used in the martial arts scene is big and only getting bigger.”

Dan urged potential customers to thoroughly research the product before coming to a judgement.

He said: “All we can say to people who don’t agree with CBD being widely available, is to do some research and educate themselves.

“Come and join our support groups, we are willing to show you the benefits.

“Once they see that the benefits of CBD oil and how it’s helping people all round the world, I’m sure they will quickly change their opinions.

Dan was also keen to stress that customers should exercise caution before purchasing, so that they are absolutely certain of what they are buying.

He said: “We recommend anyone buying CBD from any CBD company should ask to see lab reports.”

And he added: “CBD UK Online products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease and we do not offer advice regarding certain medical conditions.

“We recommend that you seek the advice of your doctor or medical professional before using any of these products.”

For more information on the company’s products, visit www. cbdukonline.co PEOPLE visiting friends and family in hospital on Christmas Day will be able to travel free this year after Merseytravel announced that the service will be running again.

The 44 bus route between Formby Duke Street, Southport Hospital Town Lane and Crossens Rufford Road will be running in the afternoon, allowing visits to spread festive cheer to the sick.

A Merseytravel spokesman said: “Merseytravel is once again offering free bus services on Christmas Day, to help people make hospital visits or to spend time with their friends and family.

“Buses will operate a limited service from around 12noon until around 6pm on routes serving hospitals across Merseyside.”

Cllr Liam Robinson, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority transport portfolio holder, said: “We are one of a very few areas that operate services on Christmas Day, which can be a lifeline for people who would otherwise not be able to see their loved ones in hospital on this very special day.

“Although these services are provided primarily for hospital visiting, anyone who can use them to visit friends and family along the routes is very welcome to do so.”