In the ever-growing market of alternative medicine, it’s essential to partner with a company that not only understands the industry but also excels in delivering highquality products and services. Enter D Squared Worldwide, a Houston-based company that has been revolutionizing the CBD, CBG, CBN, and Delta markets since 2020. With their commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, D Squared Worldwide offers a private label program that helps businesses create and market their own unique line of CBD products.
D Squared Worldwide understands the challenges faced by businesses entering the CBD market. That’s why they’ve designed their private label program to accommodate minimal MOQ (minimum order quantity) requirements, giving you the opportunity to start small and grow big. With their fast turnaround times and personalized support, you’ll be able to quickly bring your products to market and build a successful CBD brand.
At D Squared Worldwide, quality is never compromised. Their products are made from premium ingredients, ensuring a topnotch experience for your customers. To maintain transparency and trust, all products undergo third-party lab testing for potency and purity. This guarantees that you’ll be providing your customers with the very best CBD products available.
A strong brand identity is crucial in today’s competitive CBD market. D Squared Worldwide’s private label program allows you to create custom labels and packaging for your products, setting you apart from the competition.
Their in-house design team will work closely with you to bring your branding vision to life, providing professional guidance on fonts, colors, and imagery.
D Squared Worldwide’s extensive product catalog ensures that you’ll find the perfect items to suit your customers’ needs. From beverages and edibles to topicals and smokables, their private label program covers a wide range of CBD products. They even offer specialized products for pets and intimacy, ensuring that you can cater to a diverse clientele.
Production Excellence: By adhering to cGMP standards and using pure CO2 extraction methods, D Squared Worldwide guarantees the highest quality products. They also accommodate custom cannabinoid formulations and bulk CBD orders.
Design Expertise: Their skilled graphic design team will help you create the perfect label for your products, ensuring a cohesive and professional brand identity. Client Guidance: D Squared Worldwide’s dedicated customer service team is always available to assist you throughout the private label process, making it feel like a collaborative effort.
Are you ready to start your journey in the CBD industry with a reliable partner by your side? Contact D Squared Worldwide at info@dsquaredworldwide.com to book your free business consultation and take the first step towards building your successful CBD brand. Together, let’s push the boundaries of alternative medicine and make a lasting impact on the world of hemp, cannabis, and the mushroom industries.
BY ILISSA NOLAN
Why did you get into the hemp industry?
I got into the hemp industry for multiple reasons. First, I had seen through my own personal experience how significantly the cannabinoids produced by the plant could help people. Before personally finding hemp, I had really struggled to keep up working out due to some lingering sports injuries, but I found that CBD really kept the inflammation down and helped get me moving again. I knew there were a lot of people out there that could also benefit from the plant and help improve their health and fitness. I also knew how much the plant stood to benefit people with more serious conditions, like my father with chronic pain from nearly two dozen orthopedic surgeries or my mother with multiple sclerosis. It is extremely motivating and inspiring to me to be able to help improve the condition of people’s lives in those types of ways.
Second, as an entrepreneurial person, I had been looking for the right industry and right time to launch a business, and the hemp industry presented the perfect opportunity. When I was younger, I was very into learning about science, medicine and engineering, and then I developed a love for general business after my undergraduate studies in business, career in commercial real estate, and Master of Business Administration. The hemp industry presented the perfect crossover between all my interests and passions, all while being a newly legalized industry with a lot of opportunity.
Tell me about your company? What does it specialize in?
Power Biopharms is a hemp cultivator, extraction lab and product manufacturer located right in the middle of the Dallas-Fort Worth
metroplex. We specialize in indoor farming, solventless extraction, and rosin infused products. Our product lineup includes gummies, tinctures, topicals, bath bombs and pet products.
What is something unique that your business does?
In our indoor farm, we grow vertically on pallet racking with multiple tiers, so that we can double or even triple the canopy space per square foot of floor area. It makes a really efficient cultivation system that we operate yearround, producing harvests every 2-4 weeks.
What do you think are the main challenges within this industry?
There are challenges with the clarity and completeness of rules and oversight, which has really caused a great deal of confusion between both consumers and businesses. The overall uncertainty of what is allowable now and what is about to be allowable is extremely challenging for developing and sustaining a healthy business. I think there are a lot of great people who are very passionate about the plant and the industry that don’t understand all the time, cost, and expertise it takes to produce a healthy crop that can be sold at a profit, and it is very easy to get overextended and underfunded very quickly.
What is the most important advice that you would give individuals who are looking to get involved in this industry?
Have a plan for exactly how you are going to sell your harvest or products, and don’t
assume that just because you have it that it is going to sell. Don’t overlook crucial details like packaging and labeling, as these things can really make the difference between a product that will sell and a product that won’t. Take the time to really learn and understand all the current laws that apply to the industry and make a budget for all of the associated licenses, permits, lab tests and other costs, as they can really add up quickly.
What do you hope to see for the future of the hemp industry in Texas?
I hope to see more clearly defined and understood laws and regulations, as well as more solidified supply chains and paths to market. I think we honestly are doing great for how new we are as an industry, but there are many aspects of the business that are just now taking shape within our state. I am hopeful that the mix of popular products and the general market pricing will stabilize a bit more so that producers, manufacturers, and retailers can have a bit more predictable landscape to navigate.
How to find Colt Power with Power Biopharms:
www.powerbiopharms.com
Instagram: @powerbiopharms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerBiopharms
The Texas Hemp Coalition’s goal is to provide industry specific information to growers, processors and entities that are involved in the Texas Hemp Industry. We will serve as an advocacy, educational and networking liaison to reputable entities within the hemp industry. Visit www.texashempcoalition.org for more information and membership availabilities.
In the heart of Texas, a revolution is taking place in the fields of agriculture and construction. This revolution is being led by Lucas Noble Evans, the founder of Texas Hemp Processors, an E3 Agriculture company, and an active member of the Texas Hemp Coalition and US Hemp Building Association. A man who once saw hemp as a mere paper replacement, Lucas Evans is now on a mission to promote the use of hemp in building and beyond, with his innovative company Hempitecture paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
Hemp building wasn’t always Lucas’s primary focus. It found him in 2020 when he was invited to work on a world-class project designed by Axel Vervoodt in Cedar Park, Texas. It was then that Lucas realized the potential impact of hemp on society at large.
From humble beginnings as a farmer and processor, Lucas initially explored hemp for its potential as a substitute for paper, textiles,
and plastic. However, he soon discovered the enormous demand and applications of hemp hurd and fiber as a building material. With properties like lightweight, fireproof, carbon-sequestering, and more, hemp-based building materials were a game-changer.
Lucas envisions a future where entire American homes or even city blocks can be grown, processed, and built locally, in a fraction of the time, using hemp. By doing so, he believes that a truly healthy economy can be created with Texas-grown crops.
The environmental and logistical benefits of hemp are clear when compared to traditional building materials like wood and steel. Hemp is a quickly renewable, sustainable option that can help combat the effects of climate change and resource exploitation.
Embracing industrial hemp means investing in localized, specialized, and regenerative
supply chains. Lucas acknowledges the challenges in changing habits and adapting to new technologies, but he remains optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead. With AI and tech rapidly advancing, the hemp industry can provide a fulfilling and realistic job market while promoting self-sufficiency and rural economic growth.
Though his focus is on hemp building materials, Lucas also recognizes the potential of hemp in food, textiles, and various other applications. His company is hosting a threeday workshop from June 30th to July 2nd, in collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife and PanExchange commodities exchange, to educate aspiring entrepreneurs on the overall hemp economy and create a local, sustainable economy based on industrial hemp.
For more information about the workshop, contact Info@TexasHempPro.com.
Lucas Evans is a true pioneer in the hemp industry, and his journey has only just begun. As hemp continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that this versatile plant will play a significant role in shaping a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. With Hempitecture as an exemplary model, the impact of hemp on the world of architecture and construction will undoubtedly be groundbreaking.
Discover the story of Lucas Evans, a pioneer in the hemp industry, and how he’s changing the way we think about building materials and local economies.
BY MS. GRACE GONZALES
Established in 1938 in the Upper Rio Grande Valley, TPS Lab, then known as Texas Soil Laboratory, Inc., became the first soil laboratory in Texas and is now one of the oldest and most experienced private agricultural labs in the country. Being a consulting lab, TPS Lab’s main purpose is to solve difficult crop problems and to guide growers to harvest successes.
TPS Lab is a DEA-registered lab for industrial hemp and holds USDA Soil and Plant Material Import Permits and has clients in many parts of the world.
Starting in 1956, TPS Lab began working with a soil and compost testing method that duplicates the way plant roots take up
nutrients and is extremely accurate for any type of soil or solid growing media. It is calibrated against actual plant uptake, so interpretations of lab data are not estimates (guesses), as are those of most other labs. Additionally, the lab consults on product development for fertilizer and growing media manufacturers.
In 1964, TPS Lab began testing plant sap using plant nutrition sufficiency standards published in the early ‘50s. Since then, the lab has gradually developed its own proprietary standards, adjusting for dete-
riorating soil and irrigation water quality, ever-changing climatic conditions, new products and discoveries in plant nutrition, new crops and new varieties of plants. Due to the endless variables in Nature, how much of what soil nutrients that actually get into the plant cannot be predicted. In calcareous soils, the bulk of many native soil nutrients exist as insoluble compounds and are therefore unavailable to the plant. While treatments can be applied to improve availability, those take time to become effective and the effects are short-lived. Fertilizers can have wide ranges of plant uptake efficiency ranging from zero, and there are other variables that influence nutrient uptake: temperature, sunlight, moisture, soil microbial activity, soil condition and much more.
Sap testing provides basically real-time feedback about the nutritional status of the plants which allows corrections to made quickly by foliar sprays or through drip lines – before the crop suffers loss for the season.
Because What’s In Your Water Becomes Part Of Your Soil ®, TPS Lab performs ir-
rigation water quality tests and tests for hydroponics and aquaponics applications, as water quality continues to be increasingly problematic. Irrigating with hard water (water high in dissolved calcium and/ or magnesium), which is predominant in most of the country, changes native soil chemistry over time and coats soil particles and roots.
Used in spray mixes and drip lines, hard water can change the chemistries of foliar sprays and drip line nutrients to the point of causing them to perform unpredictably or not at all – plus, the minerals in hard water can plug leaf pores and emitters and build up in lines. TPS Lab provides recommendations to manage these and other problems as part of its reports.
Hemp in general is an efficient heavy metals accumulator. In fact, one variety is so efficient that it is used exclusively for soil heavy metals cleanup and has no other value. This explains why it is so essential to have a soil test with heavy metals analysis run before planting hemp – and especially before acquiring any land for hemp cultivation!
With many crops, quality (nutritional content), is important, so protein or brix tests are performed as part of plant sap tests. With CBD hemp, quality is measured in terms of cannabinoid content and composition. TPS Lab uses a high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) to assay cannabinoids and was the first to introduce in-season hemp sap tests.
In-season sap tests, performed at critical stages of crop development, are extremely important to allow the grower to minimize THC-inducing nutritionally-caused plant stresses while maximizing CBD production by accommodating the plants’ ever-changing nutritional demands. Sap tests also inform the grower when to harvest before legally-unacceptable THC levels are reached.
Plant stresses also build in times of difficult growing conditions, such as those caused by weather. Sap tests can be crop-savers by allowing the lab to make specific management recommendations to help offset stresses. The recommendations can include organically-based acids, biological inoculants, hormones and more.
Noel Garcia, Senior Consultant and Chief Operating Officer at TPS Lab, took some time to answer a few questions about the
importance of soil testing and explained how vital it is to test your soil for heavy metals contamination.
Grace Gonzales: What kind of soil tests do you conduct on hemp soil samples and how accurate are they?
Noel Garcia: “We offer comprehensive nutritional testing, including detecting heavy metals contamination among other specialized tests on soil and media.”
Grace Gonzales: What are some common soil problems that hemp growers face, and how do you help them address these issues?
Noel Garcia: “Some of the most common soil problems hemp growers face results from not doing their homework before they purchase land resulting in nutritionally poor soils that require lots of time and money to restore to a productive state. “Another common problem, especially in our area, is high salinity or the amount of dissolved salts in the soil solution (the aqueous phase of the soil). Salts in the soil have a big impact on plant functions and nutrient management, leading to the need for increased fertilizer or irrigation use.”
Grace Gonzales: What is the importance of testing for heavy metals contamination in hemp cultivation?
Noel Garcia: “Hemp is known to accumulate heavy metals in its tissues. Testing the soil for heavy metals is important to eliminate major issues and allow the farmer to harvest a commercially-acceptable crop.”
Grace Gonzales: How do you help hemp growers optimize their soil for maximum yield and quality?
Noel Garcia: “We begin by testing the soil’s nutritional and health status. This information allows us to develop cost-effective fertility programs a grower can follow to improve their soil’s ability to grow a healthy plant. If there are issues with the soil, the land is placed on a regenerative program that can take 3 to 6 months to correct existing problems. We also utilize sap analysis to see how the plants are using the available nutrients, which is vital to help tweak fertilizer applications during the growing season to get the maximum yield and quality of the crop.”
Grace Gonzales: Can you walk us through the basic process of collecting and analyzing a soil sample?
Noel Garcia: “In brief, a composite soil sample is taken from at least 10 to 12 spots around the field to a depth of 12 inches; the sample is then sent to our lab, where it is analyzed using methods that duplicate root activity in the soil.”
Grace Gonzales: Lastly, what advice do you have for hemp growers who are just starting to work with your company for soil testing?
Noel Garcia: “My advice to new or existing hemp growers would be to study the industry and hemp market as much as possible; there are so many new rules and regulations regarding Hemp, as well as changes in the consumer market which affect the returns growers can expect from their harvests. Plan accordingly. Learn about the history of your farmland and determine how nutrient-rich or not the soil may be so you can add the necessary amendments well before your scheduled planting date. Finally, consider using sap testing to dial in your fertilizer applications. Doing so will help you save money and increase your yields by allowing you to be as efficient as possible with fertilizer and water use.”
Mr. Garcia, a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), was trained and mentored by E.K. (“K”) Chandler, the Certified Agronomist and Soil Scientist who spearheaded and co-founded Ask The Plant ® sap testing with his business partner Dr. Albin D. Lengyel, a pioneer in the practical application of plant analysis. TPS Lab has a dedicated staff that strives to provide precise and reliable results and recommendations. TPS Lab, as a consulting agricultural laboratory, is an essential resource for hemp growers and manufacturers who want to ensure their products are safe, efficient, and compliant with industry standards.
For over 8 decades, TPS Lab has been a trusted partner for growers and farmers, offering consulting and testing services that help reduce costs, improve yields, and maintain or enhance the health of their soils. As the hemp industry evolves alongside advancing technology, TPS Lab is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of this rapidly expanding field.
California-based Smilyn Wellness Group is keeping a grin on faces nationwide with its assortment of CBD tinctures, gummies, vapes and more and more.
“We exist to revolutionize,” said CEO Brett Weiss. “We exist to not only help individuals look and feel incredible — but smile throughout the journey of life. The mission is simple. Everyone deserves access to affordable, premium-quality CBD products that leave you smiling.”
Weiss said his sister came up with the business name, alluding to Grateful Dead lyrics that state, “Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile.”
“I create my companies based on how I want to make people feel,” he said.
The Smilyn brand hit the scene in 2020 under Weiss’ parent company, Caboella Group. Since then, its products have expanded to hundreds of locations throughout the country. Weiss credits a sharp focus on branding, marketing, innovation and quality ingredients for the brand’s success.
“I don’t cut corners on anything I do,” he said. “We’ve got a pretty unique following of people who love us, love our products and continue to come back time and time again.”
Weiss recently entered into a strategic partnership with Boast — a brand owned by the Tommy Hilfiger Group. The pair is releasing a line of infused strips (similar to Listerine breath strips) that dissolve on the tongue.
“The strips have Delta 8 THC and B12,” he said. “A gummy in the belly loses 50% of its potency. The tongue offers faster absorbency and no loss of potency.”
Weiss considers himself a futurist who always keeps a pulse on emerging trends. Last year, he added a line of mushroom products to the mix under the brand Mushroom Lyfe.
“Mushrooms offer similar benefits to CBD and hemp,” Weiss said. “You would be amazed at the different benefits of functional mushrooms. They offer so many benefits from a health perspective — like helping with focus, immunity, inflammation and sleep.”
Weiss said he is always looking to build more industry relationships. Businesses that are interested in carrying products from Caboella Group are encouraged to email brett@caboellagroup. com or call 760-239-0285.
BY PEPPER HERNANDEZ
Different cannabinoids can interact with different body systems in different ways, and some of the effects can be highly dependent on the individual and the specific condition being treated. Here’s a brief overview of how some of the most well-known cannabinoids interact with the body after much research from the Cannabis Holistic Institute:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive component in cannabis and is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system and can affect the central nervous system, leading to changes in mood, perception, and appetite.
Cannabidiol (CBD): Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have therapeutic potential in a number of conditions, including anxiety, pain, and inflammation. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, as well as with other neurotransmitter systems, and may also have an impact on the immune system.
Cannabinol (CBN): This cannabinoid is derived from the degradation of THC and is thought to have mild psychoactive effects. It may have potential therapeutic benefits for conditions such as insomnia and pain.
Cannabigerol (CBG): This is a less well-known cannabinoid but is thought to have potential therapeutic benefits for conditions such as inflammation and pain.
It’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which cannabinoids interact with the different body systems and to determine their safety and efficacy as treatments for various conditions. Additionally, the effects of different cannabinoids can vary greatly depending on the individual, the dose, and the method of administration.
The effects of cannabinoids on the different organ systems are complex and not fully understood. However, here is a brief overview of the current understanding of how some of the most well-known cannabinoids interact with the different organ systems:
Integumentary system: The skin is the largest organ and has its own endocannabinoid system, which means that cannabinoids can interact with it. THC and CBD have been shown to have
anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, which may be beneficial in conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.
Skeletal system: Cannabinoids, particularly CBD, have been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits for conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. They may help to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints and bones.
Muscular system: THC and CBD have been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits for conditions such as muscle spasms, muscle pain, and muscle wasting. They may help to reduce muscle spasms, increase muscle relaxation, and improve muscle function.
Lymphatic system: The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and helps to filter out waste and toxins from the body. Cannabinoids, particularly CBD, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the immune system, which may be beneficial for conditions such as autoimmune diseases.
Respiratory system: Cannabinoids, particularly THC, have been shown to have bronchodilatory effects, which means they can help to relax and open up the airways. This may be beneficial for conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Digestive system: Cannabinoids, particularly THC, have been shown to have effects on the digestive system, including increasing appetite
and reducing nausea and vomiting. This may benefit conditions such as anorexia and cachexia (wasting syndrome).
Nervous system: The endocannabinoid system is a part of the nervous system, and cannabinoids can interact with it to produce a range of effects. THC is well-known for its psychoactive effects, including changes in mood, perception, and appetite. CBD has been shown to have therapeutic potential in conditions such as anxiety and epilepsy.
Endocrine system: The endocrine system produces hormones that regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including growth and metabolism. Cannabinoids, particularly THC, have been shown to have effects on the endocrine system, including changes in hormone levels and insulin sensitivity.
Cardiovascular system: Cannabinoids, particularly THC, have been shown to have effects on the cardiovascular system, including increased heart rate and changes in blood pressure. More research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids for conditions such as cardiovascular disease.
Urinary system: The urinary system helps to filter waste and toxins from the body. Cannabinoids, particularly THC, have been shown to have effects on the urinary system, including changes in urine flow and frequency.
Reproductive system: The reproductive system is responsible for producing and transporting gametes (eggs and sperm) and supporting the growth and development of offspring. Cannabinoids, particularly THC, have been shown to have effects on the reproductive system, including changes in hormone levels and sperm production.
It’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which cannabinoids interact with the different organ systems and to determine their safety and efficacy as treatments for various conditions. Additionally, the effects of different cannabinoids can vary greatly depending on the individual, the dose, and the method of administration.
All information in this article is for educational purposes only. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change.
Dr. Pepper Hernandez, CNHP is a Naturopathic Nutritionist, Cannabis Therapy Consultant & Cannabis Holistic Institute Founder and Education Director. To find out more about her private practice, educational programs, videos and other offerings you can find her on the massive interwebs at DrPepperHernandez.com.
Go forth, Go Cannabis
Texas A&M undergraduate student Christian Hunter Spearman has just been awarded the $2,000 Texas Cannabis Hemp Innovation League Scholarship. Sponsored by the Texas Hemp Reporter and the Texas Hemp Coalition, the scholarship recognizes Spearman’s outstanding essay on the topic of destigmatizing cannabis.
Hailing from Plano, Texas, Spearman is an Agricultural Leadership & Development major with a minor in Plant Breeding. He is also a talented athlete, playing for the Texas A&M University Hockey team. The award was presented to him at the last C.H.I.L. meeting of the semester by Clay Moore, the President of CHIL, undergraduate researcher and breeder in the Industrial Hemp Breeding Program at Texas A&M University.
In his winning essay, Spearman delves into the history of cannabis in American society, its harsh criminalization in the 1930s, and the negative reputation it has garnered as a result. He proposes three main methods to destigmatize cannabis: educational awareness, poli-
cy reform, and normalization through media. Spearman advocates for dispelling common misconceptions about cannabis through educational campaigns, conferences, and classes that highlight the benefits and risks of its use. He addresses myths such as cannabis being a gateway drug, highly addictive, and causing lung cancer, which have been debunked over the years.
Policy reform is another key aspect of Spearman’s proposed approach to destigmatizing cannabis. By legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use, he believes that this will open more business and job opportunities, ultimately contributing to a more accepting and destigmatized view of
the plant. Spearman also emphasizes the importance of using media outlets to shift public opinion by promoting the positive effects of cannabis, such as its use for treating inflammation and pain relief.
Congratulations to Christian Hunter Spearman on this well-deserved achievement. His insightful essay highlights the importance of reevaluating societal perceptions of cannabis and offers practical solutions to create a more informed and positive image for this versatile plant. As the push for cannabis legalization and education continues to gain momentum, Spearman’s essay serves as a valuable contribution to this ongoing conversation.
Ihave to be blunt because I see a convergence happening and I’m curious if you do too. I’ve been a licensed cannabis operator in the state of Texas since 2019, and I am currently a part of the hemp program which was also legalized federally in 2018 that legalized less than .3 % delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis.
Now in those early moments, it felt like the true wild Wild West, no one really understood CBD from THC let alone Hemp from Marijuana. And if I’m being honest, a lot of people still struggle with those variances today.
But that’s another story for another time, specifically, I want to zone in on this shift that I’m seeing happening.
It’s been interesting, especially putting on the podcast, To Be Blunt, because I’ve always been a part of the overall cannabis conversation trying to help bridge that gap not only for consumers to understand the nuances between these two sides of the industry but also for the industry itself.
Over the years the awareness, acceptance, and ultimately adoption of hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids has drastically changed. I remember early on discussing what I did to my guests and peers and while they were always polite to my face, I couldn’t help but feel their pity as they looked on at what I was doing here in Texas. And truthfully I don’t blame them, for the first 3-4 years it felt as if hemp was an afterthought, the poor little sibling who wasn’t cool enough to tag along to the rock show, but something has been brewing and a true shift has been happening.
Yes, hemp was perhaps once a dirty word when compared to marijuana, I get it, our industry plays with the likes of delta 8 THC, and we can’t sell truly psychoactive flower (or can we.. more on that another time) or concentrates as that would violate the small window we operate within.
But the limited access we have is actually quite accessible when properly understood and I think that is exactly what is happening between hemp and marijuana right now.
You see, as you may or may not know, marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug federally, it shouldn’t be, but it is, and so every state that has legalized adult use is required to retain that program within the confines of the boundaries of the state.
Have a product in legal California and want to get It in legal Nevada, sorry must set up infrastructure independently in each new state because you better not be crossing any state lines as that would violate federal law.
But what about hemp, she was legalized in 2019 on a federal level, and what appeared to be a very specific and weird string of words is actually a jumping-off platform for a whole new way of looking at cannabis that I just had to talk about.
We’re seeing glimmers of it, states like Minnesota last year had quote-on-quote accidentally passed legislation that would allow for low dose thc products which paved the way for their booming micro-dose beverage scene.
In fact, this is further emphasized by a few points.
I recall some of my marijuana-specific guests on the podcast over the years scoffing at the idea of launching in the hemp market when I would bring it up as an alternative for them to consider.
Clearly, for everything I just mentioned, it was looked down upon as having no real
opportunity or runway since everyone seems to think the big finish line is marijuana legalization.
But these days I feel as if we already have a sort of federal legalization, at least from the understanding that presently it is possible to get quality THC delivered straight to your door whether you want to smoke it, sip it, or eat it.
Another piece to bring up is how recently a handful of those same brands that come to mind for me who laughed when I suggested hemp-derived delta 9 are actually operating in the hemp industry.
I started to notice this actually during SXSW this year when I caught wind of a few notorious marijuana brands, in particular, pop-up offering a hemp product and we both know it wasn’t just CBD.
That coupled with a few other conversations specifically after I was tracking and interviewing folks in Minnesota following up on their low-dose THC beverages led me to discover the #1 marijuana beverage is in fact now operating in the hemp-derived delta 9 space and it was shared at the recent Benzinga that hemp-derived delta 9 products are now accounting for 50% of their market share.
I’ve also been observing traditional marijuana-specific conferences evolve to feature and highlight conversations around the hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoid market. Plus whether it’s the main topic or not, marijuana brands are beginning to blur that language and as a result, it’s further confusing the path toward legalization because I would argue we already have federal access to these psychoactive cannabinoids.
Aside from rectifying criminal penalties, THC technically *is* already federally legal and accessible.
I think another angle to this is personally observing how many states’ marijuana programs are super restrictive and what impact that is having on operators whether it’s in licensing and legislation or regulation.
When it’s impossible to enter the market, what alternative do they have?
I believe now everyone is looking to hemp-derived, and this is just the beginning. You can read more and tune in to the show at tobebluntpod.com
Founded in 2015, Austin-based CBD brand Hometown Hero began its journey manufacturing e-liquids in the nicotine space. After hemp production was federally legalized in 2018, the company ditched nicotine and fully transitioned into hemp.
“Hemp by leaps and bounds was something the team saw more opportunity in,” Curtis Chouteau said.
Chouteau manages internal compliance and does government affairs work for Hometown Hero.
“We dedicate more resources than anyone we know of to battling bad legislation and creating good legislation,” he said. “Texas did a great job creating the consumable hemp program that created labeling and packaging requirements, which we all understand is needed for us to become a big boy industry. I absolutely love Texas regulation. We feel like it does a great job of balancing consumer protections while not being burdensome to small businesses.”
Hometown Hero’s products can be found in around 7,000 stores across 49 U.S. states, plus Guam and Puerto Rico.
“We’re currently looking to expand internationally,” Chouteau said.
As a veteran-founded company, giving back to veterans has been a big part of Hometown Hero’s mission from the beginning.
“Veterans are an extremely underserved part of our community that sacrificed a lot for us to enjoy the things we do,” Chouteau said. “There are so many testimonials with veterans and other groups who see cannabis as a wonderful alternative to opiates.”
Besides manufacturing quality CBD products, Hometown Hero provides support for groups like Canines for Warriors and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
“The VFW is the bread and butter when it comes to supporting veterans with their benefits and a place to call home,” Chouteau said.
According to Chouteau, the brand’s commitment to customer service also sets them apart.
“Customer service is becoming a lost art,” he said. “We don’t outsource any of our customer service or sales. Every sales member we have has been here for years. Live people answer the phone, and we take pride in the fact that we believe we can fix any problem you have within 5 minutes.”
Among Hometown Hero’s best sellers are
its naturally pressed live rosin gummies that are derived from homegrown flower in Spring Branch, Texas.
“We have eight proprietary hemp strains that produce very distinct terpene profiles for our live rosin gummies,” Chouteau said. Hemp’s true potential is just now coming into the limelight, according to Chouteau, ”and I’m not even sure we’re scratching the tip of the ice berg,” he said.
“Typically when people think fo cannabis, they think of recreational markets leading the path. We believe hemp will lead that path. It’s hemp where we see concrete and cannabinoids. We have more than 100 different cannabinoids that have never been marketed in other states. We might see twice as many discoveries over the next 24 months.”
While hempcrete and hemp plastic are gaining in popularity, Chouteau said it’s not yet graded and rated for commercial applications.
“There’s all these hurdles to get it utilized in that way, but we have to keep the farmers fed. This is how we all stay fed until the next innovation,” he said.
Businesses that are interested in carrying Hometown Hero’s products at their locations should email support@ hometownhero.com or call or text the wholesale line at 512-387-1613. Visit hometownherocbd.com for more information.
On the forefront of the Texas industrial hemp industry stands the youngest African American producer and seed seller in the state, Gregory Gerami. This inspiring figure, who overcame a myriad of challenges to become the founder of Batterson Farms Corp., is championing the cause of sustainable farming and biodegradable hemp products in the Lone Star State.
Born in 1993 into difficult circumstances, Gerami’s life began with the severe trials of opiate addiction and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, leading to a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, seizure disorder, and severe ADHD. With the fear of blindness and deafness looming, he entered foster care at just ten days old. Fortunately, he found a loving home with his foster mother, who legally adopted him when he was two and a half years old. Armed with hearing aids, an abundance of love, and the expertise of medical professionals, he successfully combatted these afflictions, even achieving superior hearing capabilities.
An unexpected opportunity presented itself in the form of mentoring from the former Mayor of Arlington, Cluck, who instilled in Gerami the principles of civic duty. Concurrently, a local banker from
Merrill Lynch took Gerami under his wing, teaching him about investing and the importance of financial responsibility.
Capitalizing on these learnings, Gerami transformed his small-scale lawn care business into a successful property
management venture, employing his financial strategies to ensure prosperity. After selling his first company in 2016, he swiftly founded Batterson Southeast Capital Group, an investment consulting firm based in Alabama, the following year.
Over the next few years, Gerami lent his expertise to various consulting and investment deals across Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma, gaining an appreciation of the hardships faced by farmers in the South and recognizing the prevalence of food deserts in these areas. This insight led him to concentrate his efforts on the future of farming in 2020.
With a bold vision for the future, Gerami is poised to establish the largest African-American commercial hydroponic warehouse in West Texas, situated in Muleshoe. He has already identified the ideal tract of land and warehouse space for this venture and is eagerly engaging with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board, city, and state representatives to finalize agreements.
Gerami’s plans include the cultivation of industrial hemp for a diverse range of applications – from fiber, grain, and seed to fossil fuel research and Cannabinoids. Notably, his focus on Cannabinoids is driv-
en by a desire to contribute to Therapeutics for Pediatric Cancer Research, further cementing his commitment to bettering the community and the world at large.
Through his remarkable journey from a
foster home to the helm of Batterson Farms Corp., Gregory Gerami serves as a beacon of inspiration, signaling that adversity can be transformed into success, innovation, and service to others.
BY CLAY MOORE
As pioneers in cannabis science, Medicinal Genomics (MGC) sets out to elevate the industry through innovation, advocacy, and patient care. Born from a deeply personal journey of utilizing cannabis therapeutics to support their father’s fight against stage-4 prostate cancer, the McKernan family established MGC with the core vision of prioritizing safety and efficacy in cannabis through genetics. With invaluable guidance from industry leaders including Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, Dr. Bonni Goldstein, Dr. Dustin Sulak, Dr. Debra Kimless, and Mara Gordon, they succeeded in significantly improving their father’s quality of life. This transformative experience led to the creation of CannMed Events – an annual conference aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, and advancement in cannabis science..
CannMed 2023, organized by MGC, was a testament to this vision, providing an unparalleled platform for the cannabis community to share knowledge, discuss cutting-edge research, and forge partnerships. Limited in attendance but not in opportunities, the event painted an immersive picture of the evolving landscape of cannabis medicine, cultivation, lab compliance testing, and capital markets. It was held at the stunning JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, offering a blend of professional development and relaxation. In the Medical Practicum workshop, attendees explored the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants. With the endocannabinoid system as the starting point, the workshop delved into the multifaceted ways in which cannabis can alleviate various conditions, including dosing, safety,
efficacy, and potential side effects.
Simultaneously, the Cultivation workshop brought together botanists and geneticists to elucidate the scientific nuances of cannabis cultivation. Recognizing the variability of the plant, the discussions pivoted around harnessing the power of genetics to predictably control cannabis cultivation in the future.
The Lab Compliance Testing workshop, in collaboration with Agilent Technologies, Cambium Analytica, and Modern Canna Labs, explored the complexities of cannabinoid analysis and the growing issue of potency inflation. This comprehensive session provided a platform for networking with industry experts and focused on the crucial role that analytical labs play in the evolution of the cannabis industry.
On the business side of things, the Capital Markets workshop provided an invaluable perspective on the challenges and strategies around funding cannabis and cannabinoid innovation globally. It addressed the historical context, current issues, and future prospects for funding in this sector, with a view to driving global innovation effectively.
CannMed 2023 also boasted a line-up of illustrious speakers from Texas A&M. These included Dr. Russell Jessup, who runs the Texas A&M Industrial Hemp Breeding Program, Dr. David Baltensperger, the Department Head of Soil & Crop Sciences, and Clay Moore, an undergraduate cannabis researcher and President of the Cannabis Hemp Innovation League. Through events like CannMed, Medicinal Genomics continues to propagate a story of purpose, one driven by a personal commitment to advance cannabis science and improve patient care. The McKernan family’s journey, as highlighted in the March/April 2021 issue of Cannabis Patient Care, serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of cannabis therapeutics. With their unwavering dedication to safety, education, and collaboration, MGC and CannMed continue to propel the cannabis industry into a future of unexplored possibilities and boundless potential.
Montana-based Big Sky Scientific is a synergistic venture founded by experts in the cannabis, agriculture, food processing and oil and gas industries.
“We thought we could put our heads together and create a competitive company that can make CBD products at an affordable price,” said Chief Operating Officer Patrick Farrell.
The company extracts and refines CBD and other cannabinoids from industrial hemp in its FDA-registered and Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) compliant facility. Their CBD oils, distillates and isolates are then distributed to the world’s largest CBD manufacturers.
“We started out small with a pilot lab back in 2019, and then in 2022, we finished our construction project to scale up,” Farrell said. “Ever since then, we’ve had almost 10x growth.”
According to Farrell, quality products and customer service have been key to the company’s expansion efforts.
“We’ve fostered a good reputation in the industry by treating our suppliers right and then having great customer service,” he said. “But then above and beyond that, we’ve probably got some of the best quality in the world.”
Farrell said Big Sky Scientific is one of
the largest extractors in the world and has built a loyal international customer base.
“We’ve developed a crude processing process, and it then makes some of the best quality distillate and isolate,” Farrell said. “And because of that, we’ve been able to keep our customers very happy and then also compete pretty well against our competitors. Because of our high quality, the type of customers we’re attracting aren’t as fickle. If they can find something $5 cheaper, they’re not going to run across the street to get it. They know what we offer is consistent and safe, and that’s worth keeping.”
While Big Sky Scientific has found success in the hemp space, its journey hasn’t
been without challenges — like regulatory uncertainty and dishonesty in the industry.
“Now that we’re progressing, it’s getting better each day,” Farrell said. “I think there are more and more good players, and the bad actors are getting weeded out more each day.”
Farrell said Big Sky Scientific is always looking for long-term farming partners to grow along with them. Get in touch by emailing sales@bigskysci.com or calling 406-578-4900.
Tell us how long you’ve been in business now with your head shop on Wheels location on Rainey Street?
We have been in business as of July 2021. We made Rainey St home in April 2022
How did you get involved in the Cannabis space to begin with?
A friend introduced us to D8 in January 2021. We loved the product so much we decided that we wanted to Sell this product and open a business out of a food truck and within 2 months we were up and running going to our first event in Lampasas Tx. We are very passionate about the products we sell and educating not only ourselves but our customers have been a blessing to us and we are loving every minute of this space.
Do you offer the very popular thca flower?
We have been offering THCA flower since September of 2022.
How did you come up with the idea to have a smoke shop on wheels and what led to the basic name of the store?
We wanted to sell this product throughout Texas at festivals and big events so the only way we were going to do that was in AC and in a trailer.
What percentage of your products are not just recreational but also offer medicinal or have health benefits for your customers?
We believe that all of the consumable products we offer have both Medicinal or Recreational benefits to them.
I’ve noticed some of the mushroom products coming up more on shelves within retailers can you tell us about the mushroom products that you offer?
We offer Amanita Muscaria, a psychedelic mushroom without psilocybin. We have been offering this for sale since Oct 2022.
I understand you recently opened up a second location can you tell us where this is located and how folks can come by and visit you?
We are located at 4816 N FM 620, Austin and people can visit our Instagram and Facebook to see the hours.
What have you learned most about being in the Cannabis space here in Texas so far?
There is still a lot to learn and to teach to the general public about how much these products benefit you.
Do you have any thoughts about when Texas lawmakers might make cannabis full medicinal or recreational?
As a small business we are concerned about full recreational or medicinal because the permitting criteria will be inaccessible for us as a small business. Without getting big investors involved, It will be for the big corporations to come in because they have the manpoower and funds will take over the industry.
Do you feel like there’s a too much regulatory oversight with the current laws in the Lone Star State?
We don’t know too much about this but we are all for making sure our customer get safe clean products.
Raymond what’s one of your biggest movers of all of your products there at headshop on wheels?
THCA Flower is our biggest mover.
As you gear up for the summer months are there any specials you want to offer readers and fans of the store?
Bring in the ad in the Hemp Reporter and get 20% off entire purchase.
Decades ago a young soldier returned from Vietnam. He, despite the rampant drug use in that era, had not used drugs and was against marijuana. Then he met a woman who used marijuana, and he tried it. Then he liked it. He went on to write the best selling hemp/marijuana book ever, “The Emperor Wears No Clothes.” Most readers would know who this was: Jack Herer.
Many other activists entered the ring, among them my sister, Mina Hegaard, who got to know Herer. In 2012 she started an online petition to the White House to make hemp legal. Soon afterwards the federal government did just that, allowing each state to decide its status. Many states have since made both industrial hemp and marijuana legal. Texas, Californian, and New York are on that list.
I live in the latter, and I have already written in this magazine a number of times about the ‘herb joints’ of Gotham. There are over 2,000 illegal ones, and so far, only five legal ones.
The situation is not the mellow scene that is unfolding in other states, it is not what Herer and Hegaard worked to achieve. A recent opinion in the ultra-liberal AM NY ended by saying:
“The entire cannabis industry in New York threatens to go up in smoke without substantial action to crack down on the illegal vendors, and stabilize the legal dealers, now.”
In the Manhattan Times, a bilingual weekly for Upper Manhattan, Gregg McQueen writes about CannaBronx, headed by Kavita Pawria-Sanchez. It is an organization dedicated to helping people with cannabis arrests get a piece of the action. Pressure from this and other groups did result in the New York State Cannabis Control Board approving, provisionally, 99 additional retail dispensaries. That figure included a number of petitioners who had their cases blocked.
She is asking not just for approval, but for investment from the state. In her words, “The New York cannabis movement is at a make-or-break moment.”
A recent post on gothamherald.nyc
echoed these sentiments, adding a call for all marijuana plants grown here to be used not just for recreational cannabis, but for local paper mills as well – making sure that the entire plant is used to its fullest and that there are long term benefits given the plant’s economic and ecological potential.
The cannabis movement here has a liberal voter base which very much backs legal marijuana. However, the way in which illegal shops have conducted business, and the serious crimes which they tend to attract – a number of murders – are not helping to make it work.
Another aspect to this is that the consumers are losing confidence in the vendors. Many would rather pay the tax and surtax on legal marijuana rather than run the risk of having a problem with the product. And dealers, who are supposed to use New York state grown cannabis (each state mandates that the product be grown and manufactured in its borders) – are not always doing so. Crime cartels, often growing the marijuana with an enslaved workforce, have gotten into the picture. In some parts of California illegal pot farms are set up, some stealing the water supply from food farmers – at a time when food prices are skyrocketing.
None of this is the dream that Herer, Roulac, Hegaard and others worked for. New York must take a look at what is going on and remedy the situation. It must sort out the problems with permit applications, it must decide what to do with the illegal shops, and it must make sure that the marijuana industry is not falling into the hands of violent thugs, human traffickers and individuals who threaten the nation’s food supply.
It is not just a make-or-break moment for the hemp movement in Gotham, but for the national hemp movement. The hemp plant is a national treasure and needs to be treated as such.
During the SXSW music festival in Austin, I ran into Albert, Founder and CEO of OnlyDank. OnlyDank boasts a collection of branded merch — including rolling trays, grinders and hats. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this growing brand recently added edibles to its sleek product catalog.
The Forbidden Fruit gummies by OnlyDank not only taste great, but they also reflect the quality the brand stands by. They are organic, vegan and manufactured through a solventless extraction process. They are also made in a Kosher Certified Facility.
The first time I indulged in one of these 10mg Delta 9 THC gummies, I noticed that it was fast-acting. I took it right before bed, and it quickly brought me to a mellow, contemplative place. While my mind was moving in an analytical way, I felt euphoric and not the least bit anxious as I dozed off into a tranquil slumber.
Based on my experience, I highly recommend heading to onlydankofficial.com to make a purchase.
It was through Texas Hemp Show’s recent partnership with Weed and Whisey TV that I discovered the Buck’A Buzz gummies. Jerry “J-Man” Joyner, the streaming platform’s frontman, is involved in the venture and gave me a pack to try.
I have to give this brand an A+ on its marketing. For one, the packaging is colorful and attention-grabbing. Furthermore, a 5-pack of 10mg Delta 9 THC gummies costs $5 (hence the name “Buck’A Buzz”).
Yes, the concept is amusing, but the effects are no joke. When I took a Buck’A Buzz, I found the experience to be rather uplifting. For the next few hours, I felt chatty and upbeat.
BY RACHEL NELSONWhen it comes to covering hemp and cannabis in Texas, testing out new products is a perk of the job. Recently, I indulged in two brands of gummies that I highly recommend. Coincidentally, they’ll both turn your tongue blue.
If you want a gummy that will provide a quality sesh for yourself and four friends at a value, Buck’A Buzz is for you. Find them at buckabuzz.com.
BY CLAY MOORE
Asad, Co-Founder/CEO, and Razia T. Qureshi-Shalami, Co-Founder/COO, the leaders of ZAR Wellness, understand firsthand the transformative power of medicinal cannabis. For Asad, a former hospital medic in Germany, and Razia, who suffered from Rheumatoid arthritis, their personal journeys with medicinal cannabis serve as the cornerstone for the company’s mission to combat a host of health problems such as chronic pain, insomnia, depression, and joint stiffness.
Asad, once grappling with chronic insomnia due to his demanding work, found traditional medicine, like Ambien, was taking a toll on his overall health. “It saved my life,” he says, referring to medicinal cannabis. “Cannabis turned me back into a productive member of society again,” he added, underlining the plant’s potential to drastically improve the quality of life.
On the other hand, Razia’s battle with Rheumatoid arthritis led her to discover the effectiveness of ZAR’s products, particularly the RISE oil and Wellness gummy. “CannaTherapy changed my life,” Razia recounts her transformation, “By reducing my joint stiffness and pain, it allowed me to stay off my harsh medications.” Her story underscores
the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis, and why the mission of ZAR Wellness is so personal to its founders. With a strong commitment to supporting veterans, ZAR Wellness offers a 22% discount as a tribute to the 22 servicemen and women lost to suicide each day. To date, this initiative has saved nearly two million dollars for veterans, reflecting the company’s deep respect for their sacrifices.
A significant aspect of ZAR Wellness’s work involves educating customers and destigmatizing cannabis. Their Certified Cannabis Consultants educate clients through free consultations regarding common ailments, including sleep, pain, anxiety, and depression. With no medical card needed, people have access to these
certified consultants across the 25 ZAR Wellness locations in Greater DFW, San Antonio, Houston Metro, and online at ZARWellness.com.
Every product from ZAR Wellness is laboratory tested and GMP certified. Asad often asserts, “Not all CBD is created equally,” emphasizing their focus on maintaining strict quality standards in an industry that lacks heavy regulation.
RISE oil, a product from ZAR Wellness, has emerged as a customer favorite. It is designed to alleviate mental or physical ailments during the day while providing an energy boost and improved focus without any psychoactivity. For Razia, RISE oil, along with the Wellness gummy, has been life-changing, allowing her to move away from her daily pain-reducing medications.
Despite the economic strains presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and a challenging market, ZAR Wellness has continued to thrive. Their unwavering commitment to quality and customer service, and their dedication to educating consumers, promoting wellness, and making a real difference, sets them apart. The future of medicinal cannabis looks bright and compassionate, thanks to the dedicated work of companies like ZAR Wellness.
