U.S.-based High Grade Hemp Seed has partnered with Swiss Cannabinoid, Stabio, Switzerland, to bring High Grade’s entire catalog of CBD-rich hemp strains to Europe, the companies have announced.
High Grade said the move is the first step toward streamlining full international distribution, facilitating order processing and shortening shipping timelines within the continent. Most importantly, the partnership gives European customers access to previously difficult to obtain best-in-class hemp genetics from Longmont, Colorado-based High Grade.
All High Grade Hemp Seed strains are now available for sale as seeds in Europe.
Established partner
“Amidst the turmoil in import/export regulations and the ever-changing political landscape, having an established neighbor in a growing European market helps pave an easier path for the hemp farmer,” said Mike Leago, COO at High Grade. “This expansion will encourage European hemp cultivators to try new varietals, better diversify their crops, and increase profitability.“
High Grade Hemp Seed and Swiss Cannabinoid started collaboration earlier this year by paving the way for CBG production in the U.S. with the release of Matterhorn CBG, a new strain.
Considered by many in the industry to be the leading edge in hemp compounds, CBG (cannabigerol), like THC and CBD, is one of 120 cannabinoids found in cannabis. While stakeholders have long been focused on developing THC and CBD, researchers and hemp breeders are now teaming up to better understand CBG, and developing CBG-rich cultivars. The compound is known as the “mother” or “OG” cannabinoid, due to the fact that it is the precursor to all other cannabinoids.
Synergies
The companies said the European distribution agreement builds on the successful collaboration on Matterhorn.
“After kick-starting a highly synergistic relationship with the High Grade team on Matterhorn, becoming their European distribution partners was a natural progression,” said Swiss Cannabinoid founder Matthias Ghidossi, a long-time veteran on the European hemp scene. “This fresh infusion of hemp cultivars into the European market will be a great benefit to farmers across the EU,” he said.
Swiss Cannabinoid pioneered R&D of new genetics of Cannabis Sativa l. The company has played a pivotal role in the development of a new strain with low THC content, and collaborates with pharmaceutical companies and key players in the cannabis industry in North America and Eastern Europe.
Complex process
Isaac Cohen, CFO at High Grade, said it was a “huge endeavor” to establish European distribution in time for the 2020 planting. The company had to navigate regulatory hurdles, and sort out complex distribution and fulfillment issues as well as customer service considerations in building a robust system to deliver the company’s hemp cultivars to farmers throughout Europe.
High Grade, which has been a leader in the reintroduction of industrial hemp to the global supply chain, also said it is pushing R&D with 20 new terpene crosses and genetics focused on high-potential minor cannabinoids.
HGH seeds can be ordered through Swiss Cannabinoid, which is processing orders the day they are received, and estimates 2-3 days for delivery.
