New CBD brands are popping up like mushrooms in London this quarter, but none has launched with the class and quality of UK startup Apothem.
As of last night, the flagship Harvey Nichols store in Knightsbridge now has its own CBD concession – taking up a large space on the 4th floor, near the Goop stand. Musicians and models rubbed shoulders with super-rich investors and cannabis experts were on hand to explain the science behind the products.
As well as retailing a range of 7 products, and educating the elite customer base, Apothem has a treatment room offering wellness and massage services. Clinical Aromtherapist Colleen Quinn designed the products – “I work with the plants’ DNA when I formulate,” she explained. “Their chemical makeup is my priority and how the combined chemistry of combined plants affects the body and mind is where my curiosity lies.”
The company is setting new standards in CBD, and rigidly controls its production from seed to pipette. Apothem has its own grow operations in Spain and elsewhere to ensure no additives creep into the production chain. It does its own processing, and all additives are certified organic.
One of the first to grow its own hemp in Europe, Apothem has a bespoke extracting and testing lab, as well as the beauty line on offer in Harvey Nichols, from CBD drops to topical body products. Following its hemp harvest last month it will be providing hemp, CBD and other cannabis derivatives to European businesses.
Founded by Tony North and Amelia Baerlein over a year ago, Apothem has faced many challenges since conception, not least navigating the complex UK and European laws that ensure it has full control of the product from farm to consumer.
“We felt the need to reset the industry standard,” says Baerlein. “We can provide credibility and a truly transparent source for our consumer. Our products are organic, we do not use pesticides and, as we grow in Alicante, Spain, we have no need to grow our plants inside greenhouses or use artificial lighting processes.” Any excess hemp created in production will be used to create new innovations such as packaging, clothing, shoes and accessories.
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