Hemperium, Since 1995

Posted by C.S. Linneus

Back in 1995, Hemperium founder Chris and his friend Ed had an idea to bring Austrian pumpkin oil to Holland. Somehow Ed had found out that pumpkin-oil, although commonly used in Austria, was not available in the Netherlands.

In their search for pumpkin-oil, they found a family-business that also made “cold pressed hemp seed oil”. They processed this healthy, nutty-flavored oil in the same fashion their great grandparents did: Cold-pressed, with love and skill, and according to a well-guarded 120 year old tradition! – Chris & Ed couldn't resist, and brought the hemp-seed oil with them to Holland.

After introducing hemp-seed oil to the Netherlands Chris was told about another Austrian company. This company, working under the name Spirit of Hanf, produced a real hemp beer with 7% alcohol and a tiny bit of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana). These THC levels are below the norm in Austrian law, and therefore legal in most countries.

The 1990's were optimistic times for the European hemp industry. Legal (and even subsidized) hemp crops were being grown in Holland, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, France, Spain and England. With these new crops came newly developed products such as new hemp foods, candy, body care products and cosmetics.

From here it went quickly; by early 1997 the little company was already distributing all the seven different products from Spirit of Hanf all over the Netherlands. Around this time Ed decided he wanted to get more involved with his wine import, and so, after adopting the new name HEMPERIUM Chris went on– full-time- with his hemp business. In 1998 Hemperium was already carrying over 125 different products!

The following year Hemperium proudly presented its first self-developed hemp product; THE absolute original, 'Hemp Lollipop' - a direct hit!

The hemp & lemon-flavored cannabis lollipops, made with 100% genuine European hemp essence, were very enthusiastically received. Hemperium decided to enter them for an award at the prestigious High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam.

In November of 1999, with the website (hemperium.com) finished just in time, the company presented its Cannabis Candy at the Cup. It turned out a huge success, and to owner's big surprise, Hemperium won the award for Best Hemp Product followed by an other award at the Haarlem Hemp Awards.

By 2000 Hemperium was growing rapidly, delivering cannabis suckers all over the world, as far as New Zealand. Chris was also attending hemp fairs left & right; the Cannatrade in Basil, Highlife in Amsterdam, Hanfparade in Berlin, promoting his delicious hemp food and other hemp products.

The service website, ‘hemperium.net' was launched containing all kinds of cannabis related info, facts, pictures, videos, games and other fun stuff.

The turn of the century also brought more success for Hemperium when Chris introduced the new Crunchy Hemp Chocolate. ”At the 14th High Times Cannabis Cup in 2001...” Chris recalls, “I was standing behind my candy stand, selling my hemp candy and space cake, when I was suddenly called onstage!” Hemperium had won Best Hemp Product, second year in a row! This time for its fine Hemp Crunch Chocolate!