Written by: TFVstaff • April 29, 2019• 5 Questions With… Fort Lauderdale

Derek Thomas, Vice President of Business Development at Veritas Farms

CBD is a buzzword at the moment and with lots of claims, scientific words, and “studies” being talked about, it can be confusing to understand. It leaves you wondering things like what are the differences between CBD and weed? What Are Terpenes? What is my local law on these products? Those familiar with the wellness ingredient know that not every CBD product is alike. In fact, unlike many other companies popping up thanks to passing of the Farm Bill (which legalized CBD, made from the non-intoxicating compounds of the hemp plant), Fort Lauderdale-based Veritas Farms is one of the few fully vertically integrated companies in the industry, operating their own 140-acre farm and production facilities in Pueblo, Colorado. We spoke with the company’s VP of Business Development, Derek Thomas to learn more about the company and the rise of the product-of-the-moment.

There are a ton of CBD products out there now, how are they different and what should a consumer look for?

Everyone should be conscious of the products they use, especially for things that go on or into our bodies. Consumers should first decide if full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD-isolate products are right for them. Veritas Farms recommends full-spectrum hemp oil if possible, to ensure consumers benefit from the entourage effect of all the beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and plant materials. Consumers should always ask for a COA. They should review it fully, confirming the cannabinoid content and purity, as well as the batch code on the COA to the batch code on the product. Finally, they should do some due diligence into both the third party lab providing the test and into the company itself. The lab should have state certifications easily available and the manufacturer of the CBD products should have easily accessible COA’s, a well-developed website, active social media, reachable sales, and customer service personnel, and a transparent supply chain. Consumers can also use cbdfx discount codes toward their purchases from various CBD suppliers as well.

You differentiate yourselves by owning your own farm, giving you control over the ingredients. What does that mean in terms of the final product?

[At our farm] we control all of our growing, extracting, manufacturing, and bottling to ensure the quality, potency, and freshness of its products. Our products come straight from the farm to your doorstep. This means you’re going to receive one of the most fresh, transparent, quality products.

What spurred the entrance into the CBD market and how long has the company been around?

Five years ago, our CEO Alexander Salgado, recognized the huge opportunity in the CBD market. Not just to enter the space and become a sales and marketing company – a route that would have been easier and paid off bigger in the short run. But Alexander had the vision to see that quality and transparency would be lacking in the market, and moved in to establish a fully vertically integrated company that would capitalize on that opportunity.

What are your most popular products?

Our most popular product is our 1,000 milligram peppermint tincture. Equally as popular is our 400mg cooling menthol salve and 400mg lavender/eucalyptus salve. Our gummies are also incredible and a huge hit! We also offer capsules, lotions, lip balm and even products for your pets!

CBD is becoming a major buzzword in health/wellness and only continues to gain popularity. Where do you see the industry going next?

The CBD industry has potential for incredible breakthroughs in health and wellness. If we can move people away from NSAIDS and opioids and into healthier more holistic options, it would be life-changing for countless people. Due to our success, we can also predict that many other businesses will try and create some products similar to ours. If they do, the CBD industry can continue to grow and become more popular. If any businesses are getting started in the CBD/hemp industry, it can be difficult and success won’t come overnight. However, with the help of some hemp loans, more companies might be able to experience success in this industry. Growing a company can be difficult, especially in this industry, but loans can always help. A company can never have too much financial support. With more companies growing steadily, the CBD industry should experience innovation and new products.

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