Having a passion for a natural lifestyle and eastern medicine led a Bermudian to start a hemp distribution business.

Infinity Hemp Bermuda was founded by Kwan Smith and Andre Marshall a year ago.

Mr Smith, the company’s chief executive officer, mentioned his interest developed while doing a degree in psychology.

“Ever since then I have had the intention of contributing to the growth of consciousness in this field,” Mr Smith said.

“The creation of Infinity Hemp Bermuda has been the outcome of a passionate observation of the global health crisis, and the destructive persistence of unnatural means of existing.

“In developing a solid perception of the lack of attention that has been paid to the harmless benefits of many natural resources that exist in our world, it was clear that hemp (cannabis sativa l.), which has been in use for thousands of years, had mutual solutions for many of the imbalances we currently have as a society.”

Hemp in recent times has been naturally cultivated for its cannabidiol (CBD) and has had legal distinctions made between its industrial composition and low concentrations of psychoactive compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Mr Smith said that CBD is one of many cannabinoids present inside hemp and stalk seed oil. Clinical research concludes that the endocannabinoid system is largely responsible for managing homeostasis: the body’s natural condition of balance.

“Virtually all hemp products containing less than 0.3 per cent THC are considered industrial hemp. To clear the air of any doubt about the sincerity of industrial hemps as an organic medicine, According to the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA), cannabidiol is no longer prohibited.

“This new change to the schedule will impact athletic organisations worldwide. Athletes and other fitness professionals, if you’ve waited to try CBD, now is the time.” Mr Smith said.

“We have been working endlessly to make a way for these products in Bermuda and our first major product has been Hemp2o, an organic hemp seed oil beverage — which is uniquely different from many of the available flavoured beverages.

“Our product process has been uniquely different, and this is perhaps why hemp has been a hot topic in Bermuda for this past year.”

When asked why hemp products are beneficial, Mr Smith talked about the origins of the plant and the various benefits that is has.

He added: “Hemp is perhaps the most versatile plant on Earth. It can be used for food, medicine, clothing, building, fuel, and safely. More specifically pertaining to health, many peer-reviewed medical studies have confirmed that high-quality cannabinoids like CBD, if used on a regular basis by those suffering from chronic illnesses or diseases such as cancer, diabetes, autism to name a few, could result in positive benefits, when compared to conventional medications.”

Mr Smith wants to overcome negative perceptions of cannabis to shed a positive light on its potential as a medicine.

“It is our goal to help facilitate a more tangible framework for locals who have been suffering from illnesses that require them to have to travel abroad to get the ideal treatments,” Mr Smith said.

Mr Smith said his company is the first local hemp product provider to sell products at several locations and aims to keep its prices competitive.

“It is important to us to maintain a realistic level of affordability for the community, so that they may find commonality in the use of hemp in everyday life,” Mr Smith said.

Products the company supplies include body products, cosmetics, vape and glass products, edibles and many creations that have not been experienced locally.

The items are all vegan, organic, and kosher. And they also adhere to government regulations on hemp products, Mr Smith added.

In November last year, Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, explained the new rules.

Ms Wilson said: “After some years handling the requests and doing further research and consultation, it was determined that CBD-containing products with less than 1 per cent THC could be safely reclassified as an over-the-counter medicine rather than a controlled substance.

“This will eliminate the unnecessary burden of processing applications and remove access barriers, based on the low level of risk attributed to the substance. This approach is consistent with that of other jurisdictions. For example, the UK has recently classified CBD oil as a medicine.

“Accordingly, CBD with less than 1 per cent THC content will also be available over the counter, by a registered pharmacist in a pharmacy.”

Mr Smith stressed that Infinity Hemp is a wholesale company that supplies pharmacies and local retailers.

For more information, visit http://www.infinityhempbermuda.com/ and instagram @infinityhempbermuda