LONDON: Highlands Natural Resources has entered into a two-year agreement to provide hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), grown under quality-controlled conditions to Cellulac plc for conversion to medical grade CBD.

The agreement with Cellulac will provide for the conversion of the CBD, supplied by Highlands, into medical-grade CBD and submission of the finished products to Integumen’s Labskin test facilities. The CBD will be infused on their Wound pHase and STOER range of wound care and skin care products, providing a vertically integrated farm-to-finished product to meet with the requirements of all parties to the agreement.

The establishment of Zoetic, Highland’s wholly owned vertically integrated CBD operation in Colorado, has already seen a successful launch of premium CBD consumer products in a matter of months. In addition, Highlands has also identified higher value opportunities in the supply of quality controlled, hemp-derived CBD, for inclusion in medical devices, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical products.

Robert Price – Executive Chairman and CEO Highlands, comments: “With over 110 varieties of hemp, there is a requirement to provide quality hemp-derived CBD to meet specifications for the medical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical sectors, grown under supervised quality-controlled conditions.

“Our state-of-the-art, 33,000-foot indoor hemp growing facility in Colorado, US, offers the quality and consistency grade needed to meet those requirements and we welcome the recognition of the quality products and the opportunity to collaborate with Cellulac and Integumen to deliver consumer products for wound care and skin care consumer products in the shortest possible time.”

Gerard Brandon – CEO of Cellulac and Integumen, comments: “We are delighted to have entered into an agreement with Highlands. To satisfy regulatory authorities in multiple jurisdictions, it is necessary to identify the origin of each plant and confirm the supervised growth from seed, extraction and shipment. The CBD market is still evolving, so it is imperative that any CBD infused treatments in wound care and skin care are subject to the highest testing standards, scientific verification and validation prior to product launch.”

Edited by Kiran Khan