Client: Tenacious Labs

Brief: 

• Tenacious Labs, an international CBD and cannabis brand, wanted to establish itself as a leading player in the growing UK cannabis and industrial hemp sector.

• Cutbill Jacoby was tasked with not only raising the profile of Tenacious Labs but also protecting their standing against the anticipated surge of large, multinational investors poised to dominate the industry.

How:

• Strategic influence campaign: Cutbill Jacoby launched a targeted influence campaign, securing cross-party support by rallying senior MPs, including Conservative MP Crispin Blunt, Labour’s Jeff Smith, and Baroness Manzoor.

• Formation and expansion of APPG: We spearheaded the establishment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for CBD Products, with Crispin Blunt as Chairman, providing a formal platform to elevate Tenacious Labs’ voice within political circles and positioning them as a leader in the CBD industry. In 2022, to extend the APPG’s influence both inside and outside Westminster, we expanded its scope and renamed it the APPG for Industrial Hemp and CBD, broadening its remit to encompass industrial hemp’s potential in economic and climate development.

• Coalition-Building with Trade Bodies: To solidify influence, Cutbill Jacoby facilitated the collaboration of leading cannabis trade organisations (Cannabis Trades Association, Cannabis Industry Council, European Industrial Hemp Association, and British Hemp Alliance) through a Secretariat Advisory Board (SAB) under the APPG.

• Advocacy for Proceeds of Crime Act Reform: As the campaign has evolved, Tenacious Labs’ influence goals have expanded to include a high-profile mission: advocating for the reform of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). This complex and impactful work, if successful, would not only reduce regulatory barriers for cannabis and hemp companies but also position Tenacious Labs as a champion for industry-wide change.

• Facilitation of regulatory advocacy blueprint: Facilitated the co-authorship of a detailed business plan, A Plan for a Legal and Regulated UK Hemp, CBD, and Cannabis Sector. Bringing together some of the sector’s most respected leaders, Cutbill Jacoby coordinated this collaborative effort, resulting in a comprehensive document advocating regulatory reform, emphasising hemp’s role in achieving the UK’s Net Zero targets. This blueprint was subsequently presented at the Cabinet level, elevating the conversation to a national scale.

• Creation of APPG for Hemp Carbon Credits: To further drive influence, we are currently establishing an additional APPG focused on Hemp Carbon Credits. This new APPG is anticipated to increase the profile of Tenacious Labs and Delarki while exploring hemp’s potential as a source of carbon credits—a promising revenue stream for both Tenacious Labs and Delarki and an innovative approach to supporting the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.

• Discreet facilitation of political partnerships: Cutbill Jacoby has played a key role in helping Tenacious Labs foster strong political partnerships, including relationships with influential MPs such as Sir Mike Penning and Ronnie Cowan.

Outcome:

• Enhanced industry standing

• Regulatory impact and reformed hemp licensing

• Secured strategic partnerships

• New opportunities for revenue

  Recognition as industry thought leaders