It is difficult to pinpoint the moment in which CBD and CBD-infused products became mainstream, but right now, they are being hailed as one of the best all-natural products for health and wellness.
Pam Lehr saw the rising tide in CBD and co-founded GrowthCell Global Corp. to help individuals tired of big pharma’s empty promises and drugs achieve a more natural way of living.
According to Lehr, “GrowthCell Global Corp. infuses nutraceuticals with a patented oligopeptide that increases the bioavailability of nutrients from food and supplements, as well as normalizing and rebalancing adrenal functions which is key for people and pets to live a longer and healthier life.” CBD is a key ingredient in the supplements produced by GrowthCell Global and the company’s work in the sector has increased the health of those who take it.
GrowthCell+CBD isn’t just for people as the company’s line of supplements can also be taken by pets. With more and more people taking better care of their dogs and wanting them to live pain-free lifestyles, GrowthCell Global felt it was time to market their products to pets as well.
Lehr recently sat down with Totalprestige Magazine to explain the benefits of GrowthCell Global Corp.’s products and the work that goes into starting a new company.
Pam, GrowthCell Global Corp. is an extremely exciting company that “infuses nutraceuticals with a patented oligopeptide that increases the bioavailability of nutrients from food and supplements”. Can you explain GrowthCell in layman’s terms and how its supplements benefit those who take them?
This is the only natural health supplement in the world that has over 40 different types of growth factors. It not only promotes hormonal balancing and homeostasis, also stimulates cellular regrowth and rebuilding.
The break-through technology, GrowthCell’s oligopeptide, is extracted under a patented process and has natural growth factors that pass the blood brain barrier and signals the receptors to draw in the CBD and directs it to where it is needed in the body. There is virtually no product on the market today that can penetrate the cellular membrane in order to properly communicate with the cells.
A study was recently completed by the Department of National Defence that shows the increase of CBD blood concentration from 83% after 15 minutes to 139% after 9 hours with oligopeptide (GrowthCell) in combination with CBD vs. CBD alone.
This tagline sums it up very well, “enhance intake of nutrients, stimulate dormant cells, rejuvenate total body.” You won’t find a growth factor product with this level of intelligence or versatility anywhere else.
GrowthCell targets the health of both people and pets. What made you decide to include pets as a target for consumers?
My partner and co-founder, Darcie, discovered that both CBD and GrowthCell’s oligopeptide could be used to help alleviate the pain and agility in her 10-year old Presa Canrio, Titan, who is 130 pounds and had signs of arthritis. Titan was having trouble getting up in the mornings and had stopped wanting breakfast and CBD helped with his pain and changed her old dog’s life.
Many people will spend more on their pets than they will themselves and CBD in combination with GrowthCell’s oligopeptide allows pet owners to manage their pet’s pain naturally, as well as GrowthCell’s natural growth factors and amino acids help to bring hormones into balance, improve chemical signalling, and restore a sense of youth and vigor to aging or ill pets, thereby reducing the costs of veterinarian services.
Hemp CBD is a main component of the company’s products. Firstly, how is the perception of cannabis and CBD changing, and secondly, what is the current marketplace like for legal cannabis/CBD products?
When I was first introduced to CBD a year and a half ago and I started marketing CBD oil, for the most part, to friends on Facebook. The overwhelming positive response and feedback utilizing a natural plant to help people with pain management fuelled my passion for the cannabis industry.
Living in Canada and with the federal recreational cannabis legalization in October 2018 one would assume that legalization meant a free and open market. What it actually means is that everything is now heavily governed. For any product to be legal it must be produced by a Licensed Producer and only sold by a company with a sales license. Hemp CBD falls under the cannabis legislation and is governed by the same rules.
Our business is mostly based within the US. With the passing of the US federal Farm Bill 2018 under Section 12619 any cannabinoid that is derived from hemp would be considered legal provided that the production meets all of the federal regulations, state level regulations, and other guidelines in a manner that is consistent with the Farm Bill. Hemp CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are widely available throughout the US.
I would also like to point out that not all hemp CBD products are created equal. Research on the ingredients in the products are crucial. If it is an isolate, is it pure CBD or what percentage is it, how is it extracted, is it nano emulsified, is there a terpene profile, is there THC, and if there is THC, does it fall within the guidelines for hemp CBD?
As a co-founder of GrowthCell Global Corp, what drew you to start the company?
Being in the right place at the right time played a big role. I knew I wanted to be part of this industry that would change people’s lives and revolutionize the healthcare industry. Darcie’s husband and I have known each other for many years and both happened to be in the CBD space at the same time. An industry colleague introduced this break-through technology, referred to as GrowthCell oligopeptide, and on its own has key health benefits such as lowers cortisol levels and reduces stress, helps normalize blood sugar levels, reduce oxidative stress and speeds recovery, and more. The rest of the story is history.
I love to learn and be challenged and forging a business in this new industry certainly involves both aspects on a daily basis.
You took an interesting route to your current role at GrowthCell. You worked in real estate law and retail prior. What led you to the business side of cannabis and CBD?
Fortunately our team each has their strong attributes and my role was a natural fit with my law background that comes in very handy with the plethora of contracts and my extensive marketing background and connections serves GrowthCell well.
How did your early career in other industries prepare you for your role as Chief Business Development Officer? What was the biggest shock to founding your own company?
Between working in law with contractual experience and years of online marketing experience, as well as key takeaways from my brick and mortar boutique, in that easy to use loyalty programs will keep happy customers coming back and building solid relationships with vendors/suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers. That laid the foundation for my role.
The biggest shock in this industry is the time involved to negotiate and close contracts.
What are some of the difficulties of marketing and selling cannabis and CBD-infused products?
Any form of paid advertising is against Google and Facebook terms of service so any advertising relies on organic traffic, press releases and SEO. As our business model is B2B and we work with other CBD companies that would like to white label our GrowthCell plus CBD formulas, we utilize LinkedIn very successfully.
For anyone that is marketing CBD products to end consumers, aligning yourself with social influencers would be worthwhile.
Where do you envision the CBD market and industry going? Is it a fade or here to stay for the long-term?
I believe the CBD market is just getting started and will take up to three years to hit its peak.
You personally want to help people rather than those individuals relying on big pharma. A lot of people are moving away from big pharma products. Do you foresee this continuing and will the movement increase with more CBD-infused items on the market?
Yes, we are already starting to see CBD-infused products from gummies, candy, water, tea, coffee, energy drinks, face creams, pain topicals, protein powders, chocolate and more. This will continue as CBD becomes more mainstream over the next couple of years.
The company mission is to have its GrowthCell natural oligopeptide in all CBD products. The health benefits of CBD coupled with GrowthCell’s oligopeptide benefits makes for a powerhouse natural health product.
Pam, what is healthy, natural living to you and how can others attain that lifestyle?
A few years ago I took a six-week Crossfit challenge and part of that was to eat Paleo. I cannot say living Paleo comes easy, it takes a strong desire to eat healthy and maintain very little refined sugar, lots of protein, and limited carbs. I am a firm believer in the 80/20 rule and I do eat Paleo at least 80% of the time. Occasional treats are soft ice cream, dark chocolate and red wine.
What is a day in your life like?
As in any startup, working 16-hour days is more the norm than not. Our industry changes daily with rules and regulations that we must keep up with. As our partners/team live in separate cities, phone strategy meetings are key. Online meetings with potential clients, negotiations, contracts, dealing with manufacturers, and follow-ups are part of everyday.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I am an “all or nothing” person in all areas of my life. There is no halfway.
What makes you smile?
A night out with friends
Pam, do you have any hobbies?
No hobbies per se. I enjoy fast-paced walking or hiking. I like golfing for the social aspect and love red wine and travelling.
Can you share two of you favorite quotes with us?
“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” – Buddha
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” Pele
If you had the power to change just one thing in the world what would it be?
To prohibit refined sugar/high fructose corn syrup from being sold.
For more information on Pam Lehr and GrowthCell+CBD Formulas please visit www.GrowthCellGlobal.com, on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/growthcellglobal and on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmlehr/
