As British Cannabis Group’s newly-appointed managing director David Ralson delves into where things are headed for the company – and for the future of consumer cannabis products.
British Cannabis Group, makers of the UK’s leading Independent consumer CBD health supplements; Canabidol (R) , Access CBD(R) as well as many other brands powered under their white label division, recently celebrated the appointment of David Ralson, on his promotion from sales director to managing director in July.
David, who has been with the firm from the early days, has seen it grow into the largest and longest-standing independent cannabis company in the UK over the last six years.
“It’s hard to summarise our journey in only a few words, as the road has been long and very eventful,” he admits.
We started out back in 2015 as a small business with a dream. The light bulb moment came when our founder and CEO, Tom Whettem, was inspired by the latest reports coming in from ‘across the pond’ about the benefits of cannabis products and decided to challenge the status quo by developing and launching the first UK made sublingual cannabis / CBD tablet.
“This product at the time reached no.1 on the Amazon UK Herbal Supplements category and, at the risk of using a cliché, demand for the product grew overnight.”
British cannabis group success
This success inspired Tom to invest more into the business and expand into the research and development of more products, including the UK’s first refined, golden and smooth cannabis oil.
Having gained total control of its supply chain, with its own lab, manufacturing facility, warehouse and dispatch and leading testing facility, the firm invested all profits back into the business which led to the development of its cannabis research farm in Portugal.
David has been on board to overcome any challenges and be part of the group’s success story
“We soon became the leading experts in our field and summed this up with the company slogan ‘We know more; Because we do more,” he continues.
“Over this time, the group has had more firsts than Usain Bolt in an Olympic year. We developed the first UK-made golden CBD extract, the first water-soluble CBD, the first UK-made THC free oils and the first clinically proven cannabis cosmetic. as well as a range of supplements with added vitamins which were backed by approved EU health claims. The list goes on and on.”
This continuous programme of research and innovation at British Cannabis has most recently seen the launch of the CBD Dermal patch under their Canabidol pharmacy and retail brand
The results of over 12 months of research and development mean each patch has been designed to deliver all the benefits of the plant via a simple to use dermal application directly to any part of the body, over a 24 hour period.
Unlike other dermal products which have recently appeared on the market, the patches’ unique formula contains 17 natural plant terpenes and essential oils as well as 50mg of pure cannabis-extracted CBD.
“We looked at other products such as gummies and tablets but these are not as effective, as research shows that only a very low percentage of the CBD is actually absorbed by the body once consumed,” explains David.
“We are confident that this terpene and high CBD blend will have a more effective delivery.”
Awards and recognition
Over the years British Cannabis has won awards for its own whole plant-based distillate, as well as a number of accolades across its retail brands including best cosmetic cream and best CBD oil with Canabidol and Access CBD. Meanwhile, its white label and private label partners have also picked up a number of awards for the products we produce for them.
All this success is underpinned by the company’s motto of ‘Legacy Before Currency’ and the passion the whole business has to deliver the best quality, most compliant products on the market.
“We don’t put something out unless we’re satisfied that it is what it says and that it will work for people,” says David.
“Not only are our products working well for consumers, but our set up, with seed-to-shelf capabilities and with over 1,500 product options, all with registered Novel Foods applications, means other brands in recent months have turned to being ‘Powered by British Cannabis’ under our white-label manufacturing.
“With the situation, CBD brands are facing at the moment regarding the Novel Foods and Home office regulations, several high-profile brands have turned to us for help and support. This is because their supply chain from the US or Europe had been interrupted due to the difficulties importing products into the UK, especially ‘full-spectrum formulas and extracts.”
With many manufactures not being able to satisfy the FSA with required safety data or simply not even applying within the correct time frame for the Novel Foods dossier deadlines and the Issues surrounding controlled substances under the Home office misuse of drugs act regulations means British Cannabis offers a safe route to market and reassurance for these brands that have been let down.
British cannabis shipping
In just the first half of 2021, the company shipped over 50,000 bottles of CBD oils alone, between only two of the biggest white label clients (two of the industry’s best-known brands).
“We whole-heartedly believe in the benefit of full cannabis extracts and in getting as much of the plant into products as possible; it’s what we did (THC notwithstanding) for several years,” said David.
“But while we empathise with this cause, we have to maintain a compliant product range so that the industry as a whole can survive and move on. We would encourage any brand that is struggling with its ongoing supply chain, due to regulatory pressures, to get in touch to see if we can help.
“We are unmatched when it comes to these areas, and as we see the market evolve, we are already poised to take the next step as the UK leading independent cannabis company.”
The firm is now investing in a new facility which will see it treble its capacity and ensure staff are well looked after with improved staff benefits; after all, “look after your staff and they will look after your customers”, adds David.
British cannabis analytics
This facility includes a state of the art ISO-accredited testing lab (British Cannabis Analytics) and manufacturing investment, including a new cosmetics line.
As one of 35 testing labs selected to participate in the UK’s Government Chemist ring trial assessment for measuring CBD and cannabinoid content in commercial products, British Cannabis’ Analytics division received a vote of confidence in their product testing services and validation about the reliability and accuracy of their results.
The ring trial represents a coordinated effort to establish effective processes for measuring cannabinoid levels in nutrition, novel food and cosmetics products as they become increasingly available in the UK. The LGC stated that the trial was “very successful”, with 82 percent of labs demonstrating their capability to determine CBD in consumer products successfully.
CEO and founder, Tom Whettem, commented: “Having this amount of trust and faith put into our analytics services is further ratification that British Cannabis’ labs are up to par with other established testing facilities such as the MHRA, Eurofins and British American Tobacco. “After five years of pioneering in the UK consumer cannabis industry, the hope is that the establishment of British Cannabis Analytics will take the company one step closer to becoming a preeminent household name, on a par with legacy firms the likes of British Sugar, British Gas and British Airways.”
The company is also in the process of building a cannabis experience room, which should be ready for clients to immerse themselves in the story of the industry by the end of the year.
The idea came about after the company’s Portugal research and development farm donated a Cannabis sativa L. plant to showcase in the RHS Wisley plant medicines display at its new Hilltop Science Centre.
But the team also realises that they can only stay ahead of the game for so long as an independent company.
Canna-listings
Following the recent trend of cannabis companies gaining London Stock Exchange (LSE) listings, David has confirmed that they too are in the process of securing investment.
“We want to ensure our legacy not only continues but that we have the size and scale to truly become a success story for the cannabis sector,” he says.
“With no ties to cigarette or vape companies or another larger parent company backing us, being independent and family-owned is something we continue to be proud of. However, we certainly intend to move with the times and look outward to strengthen British Cannabis for the long term.”
David adds: “I extend my thanks to the team and our customers for the faith they have shown in putting me in this position to lead.
“There’s going to be a great ride ahead of us.”
Call British Cannabis today to discuss any aspect of their CBD products and services on 0203 965 2420 or visit www.britishcannabis.org
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