Interview Series – Peter Vermeul, Founder and CEO of CBD Spain

“One prevalent issue in this sector is herd mentality. Many blindly follow without the necessary knowledge, leading to significant investment missteps and substantial financial losses. The true expertise lies with the old guard, the original cultivators, who possess invaluable knowledge and skills, often overlooked in favor of profit-driven ventures.”

– Peter Vermeul

As Peter says, the cannabis industry is plagued by a pervasive herd mentality, where individuals often succumb to the allure of quick profits without delving into the depth of understanding the plant requires. This blind following has led to a plethora of investment missteps, resulting in substantial financial losses for many. Unfortunately, this trend has sidelined the true experts—the original cultivators who hold centuries-old wisdom and unparalleled skill. Their invaluable knowledge often takes a backseat to profit-driven ventures, perpetuating a cycle of ignorance that hampers the industry's growth and potential for meaningful innovation. In this interview, Peter Vermeul who is the founder and CEO of CBD Spain shares insights into his cannabis journey, amazing discoveries, and his take on the industry.

Peter, with 40 years of experience in growing and processing cannabis, what inspired you to establish CBD Spain and specialize in full-spectrum organic cannabis oil and extracts?

Certainly. I've been deeply involved in cannabis for a long time. Initially, it was a passion for the plant and a supplementary source of income. About 18 years into it, individuals with cancer approached me, seeking cannabis extracts as a potential remedy. This prompted my move to Spain in 2015, where, with my girlfriend, I founded CBD Spain. Our aim was to produce CBD oil, considering its prohibition in the Netherlands. Fortunately, Spain offered more leniency despite stringent regulations.

Through extensive research and my accumulated knowledge, I concluded that the purest form of medicine comes from the plant itself. Whether consumed fresh or as a smoothie, preserving all its components in their original state is crucial. This realization led me on a quest to maintain the plant's original integrity within the bottle, without altering its composition.

You've been recognized for your expertise on various cannabis-related topics, particularly for your scientific precision. How has your background and experience shaped your approach to educating others on cannabis?

Certainly. In 2015, when I began producing CBD extracts, I stumbled upon unexpectedly potent results. This prompted further investigation. Every product, from strains to extracts, underwent rigorous testing at a reputable laboratory, Fundacion Canna, in Spain. Ensuring stability over time was paramount. However, a pivotal moment occurred over four years ago during the development of my first CBG strains. I encountered unusual laboratory results, which led to a deep dive into the extraction process. This exploration revealed a unique method I had inadvertently developed, preserving not only CBDa but also other essential components in the extracts.

As someone deeply immersed in the cannabis industry, both in Spain and Suriname, what are some common missteps or injustices you've observed within the legal cannabis sector, and how do you advocate for improvement or change?

One prevalent issue in this sector is herd mentality. Many blindly follow without the necessary knowledge, leading to significant investment missteps and substantial financial losses. The true expertise lies with the old guard, the original cultivators, who possess invaluable knowledge and skills, often overlooked in favor of profit-driven ventures.

Peter, your expertise extends to the therapeutic applications of cannabis, including its potential benefits for patients with leukemia. Can you provide insights into your work with leukemia patients and the role cannabis oil and extracts play in their treatment or symptom management?

Over the years, I've assisted numerous cancer patients, including those with leukemia, along with individuals facing various health challenges such as Parkinson's, eczema, Lupus, and more. While I've primarily encountered only one leukemia patient, the results have been promising. After two years of treatment, she has progressed to yearly check-ups. Remarkable outcomes have been observed in cases of prostate and skin cancer, often confounding medical professionals.

What do you believe is one of the most common misconceptions about medical cannabis?

A prevalent misconception revolves around research solely focusing on isolates. While essential for understanding specific cannabinoids' effects, the true potential lies in whole plant extracts, encompassing various cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Additionally, the decarboxylation process, often employed for heating, can diminish the medicinal potency by destroying crucial components. It's crucial to acknowledge that nature's design is inherently potent, and altering it may hinder its therapeutic efficacy. This stems from the inability to patent complete plant extracts, potentially limiting pharmaceutical interests.

It was a great pleasure to have this conversation with Peter. Readers are encouraged to check out CBD Spain to learn more.