As one of the only CBD brands on the market fully formulated, developed, and tested by a doctor, Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics has seen exponential sales growth over the past year. With international expansion into over 3,000 retail locations on four continents – it was one of the first CBD brands featured at Selfridges – it is also forecasted to see growth of six times in revenue from 2019 to 2020. We caught up with the team to discuss inspiration and regulation.
Why did you decide to create Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics?
Founder of Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics, Dr. Andrew Kerklaan said: “Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics was inspired from my continued desire to help my patients. In 2013, patients starting asking questions about CBD and their health. At that time, I simply did not have the answers to confidently address their concerns. I took the opportunity to research, study and attended conferences in order to confidently provide answers to patients who were asking about the health benefits of CBD.
“After realising that there weren’t many brands or products that I could recommend to my patients I decided to take matters into my own hands. I worked with biochemists on an ideal CBD formula that would end up being an extension of my practice and the care I always provided my patients, allowing me to help patients beyond the walls of my clinic. The result was a line of broad-spectrum CBD topicals targeting relief, skin problems, PMS, and sleep issues.”
How did you first discover CBD?
“I had an epiphany moment after treating a patient in her mid-eighties. She was suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. She was faced with a chronic cycle of pain and poor sleep, contributed to by the many medications she was taking. After suggesting she research a prescription for medicinal cannabis, I was amazed that as a conservative, older patient, she was willing to give it a try.
“Over the next couple of months, it led to an incredible change in her health. While it didn’t resolve all her health issues, it had this tremendous effect on her. It was amazing to see her willingness to try CBD for her health.”
For someone who is hesitant to try CBD, what would you advise?
“There are many CBD products now on the market. I recommend consumers get as educated as possible. There are more and more credible resources to find useful information to help make informed decisions. We see topicals as fantastic introductory products for people who are new to CBD. Some people may be hesitant about ingesting CBD, but because our topicals don’t get into the bloodstream they offer a great first step. A simple and effective way to try CBD for the first time.
“For our products in particular you can go to our website. We have a lot of great information there. You can check out the information we have even on our packaging. We put ratios out there so you know exactly what you’re getting – what the cannabinoid dose is. I think patients having access to that information to be able to make decisions is an important part of the equation for them and I hope more companies become transparent with their packaging. I would also say ask questions of your retailer, nine out of 10 times, they are patients themselves who have been using products similar to what you may be looking for and can give their personal experiences.
“I see our product as a great way to introduce the mass market to the health potential of cannabis. I know there are lots of people out there who have already benefited from cannabis in many ways for their health, but I think this is also a great opportunity to introduce people to cannabis who might be hesitant.”
Do you think the CBD market needs to be better regulated?
“Convinced of the need for trusted products that deliver natural, CBD-based, non-psychotropic relief, I worked in tandem with leading biochemists to develop a breakthrough in topical formulas. The result is a robust product line that is doctor-designed and patient-approved. And rigorously tested by the top labs in California.
“Our team is made up of endocannabinoid professionals, business visionaries, and wellness activists, all deeply committed to bringing a new standard of natural health care to you.
“We use 100% Oregon-grown hemp, processed in our own QA controlled Oregon lab, using extraction and refining methods including chromatography. We provide lab tests all along the production process. Our CBD products are 0% THC and produced in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill in the USA and EU regulations.”
