While the recreational consumption of marijuana and marijuana-derived extracts is still illegal in the UK, existing prohibitions have done nothing to slow the popularisation of cannabis and its naturally-occurring compounds among consumers. Impressively, it isn’t just cannabis-sourced products like cannabidiol (CBD) oil or terpene isolates that are a hit with UK citizens — the farming of legal varieties of cannabis like hemp has skyrocketed in prevalence in recent years as well.

 A look at the British Hemp Farm Revival

In the UK, hemp farming is a fast-growing industry. This year it’s been reported that sales of the plant have experienced an astonishing 300% increase since 2012. The reasons for this vary greatly between consumer groups, but there’s one thing that all producers currently seem to agree on: cannabis has never been more popular in Britain.

It seems that Britons are increasingly turning away from alcohol as they seek out new ways to relax after work or find relief from physical pain. Cannabis varieties like hemp provide consumers with these benefits, without any of the risks associated with consuming cannabis products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is renowned for its psychoactive effects.

Hemp food products are even more popular, with the plant’s seeds being bought by 480% more Brits this year than last year. Hemp flour is becoming incredibly popular as a substitute for regular wheat-based flours; it’s low GI means that it releases energy slowly and can help to balance blood sugar levels. It’s also high in omega-3 and omega-6, making it a great choice for those with dietary intolerances as the fatty acids can be consumed without having an adverse effect on digestion. 

Despite these benefits, hemp is still considered a novelty by many Britons, who were only recently allowed to grow the plant. Prior to a change in legislation, hemp was illegal to grow or sell. Now, however, it’s only illegal to grow psychoactive cannabis plants (e.g. marijuana) as they contain high levels of THC — but if you want to enjoy the pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of hemp-derived CBD, you are now well within the law to do so.

 The popularity of the cannabis plant in Britain is expected to continue growing over the coming years. In fact, it’s believed that by the end of 2022 there will be well over 2.2 million regular hemp users within the UK. Incidentally, it’s worth noting that hemp extracts aren’t solely available in tincture or powder forms. In this post, we go over three examples of hemp-infused products you can buy in the UK right now.

Quality CBD Gummies by HempHash UK

Sourced entirely from British-grown hemp and other natural ingredients, these high quality, heavy metal and pesticide-free CBD gummies come in 300mg tubs containing thirty delicious pieces. In line with HempHash’s commitment to the highest production standards, these gummies are certified non-GMO with no artificial flavours, sweeteners, preservatives or colours — and no THC per finished packaged product. HempHash’s CBD Gummies come in over a dozen flavours and varieties, from lemon & lime to candy gummy worms.

Hemp Blunt Wraps by Kingpin

Kingpin Hemp Blunts are quality, flavourful wraps that come in packs of four. The blunts are available in flavours like Original G, Goomba Grape, Laid Back, Mango, Spanish Fly and fan favourite Blueberry Bomb. The wraps are easily recognisable by their vibrant packaging, high-end feel and perfect fold technology with sticky lips. Kingpin Hemp Blunts are tobacco free and easy for anyone from cannabis veterans to hemp greenhorns to use; simply lick, roll and light up.

40% ABV Hemp Rum by Dead Man’s Fingers

Dead Man’s Fingers is one of the fastest-growing rum brands in the UK, and was voted the fourth most appreciated brand in the country according to Savanta’s 2021 BrandVue survey. Their 40% ABV Hemp Rum is infused with natural hemp, for a flavour profile described as “Caribbean rum with hints of dark chocolate and spice, shaken up with lemon verbena, lime and grassy herbal backnotes”. Fans have already independently published their own recipes for Dead Man’s Fingers’ rum via social media, creating a cavalcade of playful pun-centric monikers like Ernest Hempingway, Hempstar and Hemping Hand.

For the unpractised mixologist, Dead Man’s Fingers recommends mixing their hemp rum with cola, ginger ale or basil tonic for a punchy thirst quencher, or simply switching out one’s usual rum for a novel experience.

Is There a Benefit to Hemp-Infused Products?

CBD, which is the primary cannabinoid in industrially grown hemp, is currently being studied for its broad therapeutic potential for symptoms of common neurophysiological conditions. Its beneficial properties come from its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system, peripheral organs and immune system. A growing number of studies show that CBD exerts a positive modulatory influence over the body and brain’s sensitivity or response to hormones and signalling molecules associated with pain, mood, anxiety and even sleep disorders.

Emerging scientific evidence around the therapeutic potential of CBD has driven interest in cannabinoids to an all-time high among individuals looking to supplement proactively against acute and chronic pain, inflammation and stress-related conditions. The consumption of products infused with hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids is seen as a means of doing this, along with the use of CBD isolates and broad- or full-spectrum CBD formulations.