How to Capitalize on Europe’s Exploding CBD Market

Europe is the second-largest CBD market in the world after North America, with over 500 million potential customers. According to Brightfield Group, the European CBD market will grow from €270 million in 2018 to €1.4 billion by 2023, representing a blistering 42% compound annual growth rate, making it one of the fastest-growing markets.

While European regulators debate CBD classifications, hemp-based CBD is legal in most countries as long as it contains <0.2% THC. Many large CBD companies are waiting on the sidelines for clear European Union guidelines, but smaller companies are increasingly entering the space and building a lucrative market presence.

Multi-National Opportunities

The North American CBD market is already well-established after the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the DEA’s list of controlled substances. As the U.S. and Canadian markets mature, many companies are looking to expand into faster-growing markets—like Europe. And, their operational experience could give them a significant leg up.

CBD Life Sciences Inc. (OTC Pink: CBDL) recently announced plans to expand its hemp product line into Europe. In particular, it hopes to expand its retail division into France, Italy, and Switzerland to reach more customers and build an international base of operations. Aside from Germany and the U.K., these are among the largest regional markets.

“There are many perks when it comes to taking a company global and we have been working diligently to eventually make this happen,” says CEO Lisa Nelson. “By taking our business global, we will have access to a much larger base of customers, and this is a wonderful opportunity to take our revenues to an all-time high.”

CBD Life Sciences operates retail CBD locations in Arizona and an online platform. In addition, the company is pioneering the development of CBD vending machines to reach customers with less capital expense than a brick-and-mortar location. The company also recently launched a Bitcoin vending machine to draw customers to its retail locations.

Investing in Domestic Startups

The rising interest in CBD across Europe has spawned many startups across the region. For instance, Germany’s Sanity Group raised more than $20 million to launch its wellness brand, VAAY, and pharmaceutical brand, Vayamed, sold in German beauty stores and online. The company even launched a series of television ads.

Many European startups have also become acquisition targets for multi-national CBD companies. For example, World High Life acquired U.K. CBD brand Love Hemp for £9 million and invested £2 million into the business following the 2019 acquisition. These kinds of deals could become even more common over time as the market matures.

Looking Ahead

Europe’s CBD market already represents over 30% of the global market—just shy of North America’s 40% market share. Investors interested in the space may want to consider U.S. companies expanding into the region, such as CBD Life Sciences Inc. (OTC Pink: CBDL), while high net worth investors might participate in European startup rounds.

To learn more about CBD Life Sciences, visit the company’s website at www.lbcbioscienceinc.com.

This article was published by CFN Enterprises Inc. (OTCQB: CNFN), owner and operator of CFN Media, the industry’s leading agency and digital financial media network dedicated to the burgeoning CBD and legal cannabis industries. Call +1 (833) 420-CNFN for more information.

About Ryan Allway

Mr. Allway has over a decade of experience in the financial markets as both a private investor and financial journalist. He has been actively involved in the cannabis industry since its inception, covering public and private companies.