A startup business in Wimborne has developed the world’s first CBD gel to gain NSF certification, meaning it can be used by professional athletes and military personnel.

Farard Darver, a former boyband star turned commando, created HEMPE after being injured in Afghanistan, and the brand has boomed ever since.

The new certification is operated by NSF – a global organisation active in 170 countries which ensures that products meet the highest safety standards.

Professional sportsmen and women around the globe, as well as ordinary people, are now using the topical gel to alleviate muscle and joint pain.

Premiership and Czech international footballer Tomáš Souček is the latest convert and brand ambassador who applies it to help recover after games.

“We have to be very careful as professional athletes in using products, because many contain substances that are illegal,” said Tomáš.

“With HEMPE, I know it’s absolutely fine to use, and importantly it works very quickly.

“I can use it before and after training and games to make sure I recover as fast as possible.

“There are hot and cold versions, and as sportspeople will tell you, this is extremely useful.”

Becoming the first CBD topical gel product to be NSF certified for sport followed almost two years of rigorous testing and evaluation.

It also means the product can be safely used by the military, which similarly has strict rules about what can be consumed or applied by its personnel.

Farard, who lives in Lymington, said: “This certification is a real first.

“No other company in the world has managed to gain topical CBD gel certification.

“It means we have been able to enter the world of professional sport – we’re already in talks with Premiership and Major League sports teams around the world.

“Many CBD products contain traces of THC – the active ingredient in cannabis – or the CBD is mixed with other substances that would fail a drugs test.

“Our new certification provides athletes with confidence in knowing the gels comply with stringent testing for banned substances.

“We have pro athletes in many fields – from football and cricket to rugby, motor sport, strongman and MMA – using it.

“HEMPE provides safe, effective and scientifically backed alternatives for managing muscle, joint and skin complaints.

“After my injury in Afghanistan, I was using ibuprofen and paracetamol too much and really wanted an alternative.

“After discovering the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD, I left the military and invested everything I had in developing and launching HEMPE.

“Tomáš Souček of West Ham United is just one of many pro athletes using it around the world, and his endorsement is typical of the feedback we hear all the time.”

• hempehelps.com