THE county's first cannabis oil cafe is set to be up and running this summer, thanks to the entrepreneurs at West Lakes Hemp.

The team at West Lakes Hemp, formally known as Lakeland CBD, announced that they are in the process of developing a community hub and cafe selling their own ranges of CBD oils, cosmetics and merchandise as well as their own branded tea, coffee, hot chocolate and CBD snacks.

The cafe will be an extra addition to the business and is set to launch in early summer.

Luke Woodend, co-owner of the company, said: “I think a move out west was always going to be on the cards if something suitable came up. Many of our friends and family in the Cleator Moor area are big supporters of the brand.

“The goal is to create a space where you feel you can socialise, but that’s also comfortable to seek advice in.

"With a purpose-built consultation room away from the coffee shop, we’ll be able to cater to everyone, whether you’re stopping by for a cuppa and a cake with a friend or if you want advice and help on hemp-based products.”

Nic Hewitt, who co-owns the company with business partner Luke explained: “Going through the first lockdown gave us a lot to think about and we re-evaluated our situation. We both decided it was time to come back home to West Cumbria and we’ve always wanted to open a physical bricks and mortar shop.”

Nic has previously said that setting up her own business saved her life as the devastation of Storm Desmond in 2015 left her feeling suicidal. Nic was diagnosed with Bipolar Type II in her teens and a Borderline Personality Disorder in her twenties.

She hid her mental health conditions from her friends and family for most of her life, until she had a major episode in 2015.

During Storm Desmond in December of that year her then-home in Carlisle flooded and she was unable to go to work at the city’s Youth Zone, which was also damaged.

“When Storm Desmond hit, it felt like the end, I was considering taking my own life,” she said. "I had to move in with my mum and dad and they had to keep coming to check on me to make sure I was still breathing. It was a black hole. I couldn’t get out of bed and I didn’t want to speak to anyone.”

Nic has shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity, making a success of the CBD business and joining Luke in plans to expand.

Send us your nominations for the next Trader of the Week.