Father Launches Hemp Innovations to Transform UK Approach to Cannabis, Following Son’s Life-Saving Experience
A father from Norwich has launched a new business aimed at changing the way the UK approaches cannabis, following his son’s life-saving experience with the controversial plant. Simon Blackwell’s son, Deryn, battled leukaemia and a rare form of cancer, and after failed attempts at traditional treatments, the family turned to cannabis as a last resort. They found success with a cannabis-based painkiller, which they were forced to administer illegally since it is not licensed for children in the UK. Deryn’s health improved significantly, and this transformative experience led Mr. Blackwell to start his own venture, Hemp Innovations.
Hemp Innovations is a company that utilizes artificial intelligence technology to grade and process hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant that contains minimal THC, the psychoactive component. The technology, originally developed for grading wood, has shown remarkable efficiency, increasing productivity by up to 70% in the manufacturing industry. Mr. Blackwell believes that applying this technology to cannabis will contribute to the development of a hemp industry in the UK and aid in the country’s journey towards medical cannabis legalization.
The potential benefits of cannabis as a treatment for cancer have been a subject of interest and debate. Some studies suggest that certain cannabinoids found in cannabis can inhibit the growth of blood vessels, which are crucial for tumor development, and provide relief from symptoms like pain and nausea. However, other research has shown that cannabinoids can also stimulate the growth of cancer cells and damage blood vessels. The current regulations in England restrict the prescription of medical cannabis to a limited number of conditions, such as severe epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced vomiting, and muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis.
Mr. Blackwell, who witnessed firsthand how cannabinoids positively affected his son’s health, believes that more research is needed in the UK. His new business, Hemp Innovations, aims to contribute to the development of a hemp industry by utilizing AI technology for grading and processing hemp plants. This will not only increase the supply of cannabis for medical purposes but also serve various industrial sectors, including clothing and cosmetics.
Hemp Innovations recently received over £12 million in seed funding, indicating a promising start for the company. Mr. Blackwell plans to establish a site in Norfolk where hemp plants will be grown. With his business venture and personal advocacy, he hopes to change public perception and promote a more open and evidence-based approach to cannabis in the UK.
While the future of cannabis legalization in the UK remains uncertain, it is clear that individuals like Simon Blackwell are driving the conversation forward and challenging the status quo. The transformative experience of saving his son’s life has made Mr. Blackwell a strong advocate for the potential benefits of cannabis. With the launch of Hemp Innovations, he aims to revolutionize the UK’s approach to cannabis and contribute to the ongoing discussion on the medical and industrial uses of the plant.
As society continues to grapple with the complexities of cannabis, stories like Deryn’s highlight the need for ongoing research and exploration of alternative treatments. The potential of cannabis as a medical and therapeutic tool should not be ignored, and businesses like Hemp Innovations are at the forefront of this movement, striving to unlock the plant’s potential and make a positive impact on people’s lives.
