Join Chris Kilham on Compass Coffee Talk, July 14, 2021, 11:30am EDT
The Medicine Hunter: In Search of Sacred Plants
Chris Kilham, A Modern Day ‘Indiana Jones’, Author, Yogi, and Educator to Discuss the Power of Healing Botanicals and How the Natural Products Industry can Bridge Cultures Together on the Next Compass Coffee Talk
WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 11:30 AM - NOON EDT
ZOOM, ADMISSION IS FREE
Chris Kilham
Take an epic virtual adventure deep into the jungle on the next Compass Coffee Talk on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, and hear from internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and educator Chris Kilham, Founder of Medicine Hunter, Inc. Regarded by the New York Times as “part David Attenborough, part Indiana Jones,” Chris Kilham will share with Compass Coffee Talk listeners his stories about discovering the healing power of botanicals and their potential in benefitting products and supplements in the natural products industry.
In his work, Kilham has traveled nearly 4 million miles and has roamed the globe visiting unknown wild places in rainforests, mountains, and deserts. He has fire-walked in the South Pacific, been made a chief, enjoyed a diplomatic post for three years, made best friends with a prince, dined with prime ministers, and embarked on ceremonial journeys with shamans. Kilham’s mission as the Medicine Hunter is to promote and preserve natural, plant-based medicines, to protect the natural environment, and to support indigenous cultures.
About Chris Kilham
Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter, author, educator, and yogi. The founder of Medicine Hunter Inc., Chris, has conducted medicinal plant research and sustainable botanical sourcing in over 45 countries. Chris works with companies to develop and popularize traditional plant-based food and medicinal products into market successes. These include ashwagandha, kava, Maca, Rhodiola, Schisandra, tamanu oil, cat's claw, dragon's blood, ayahuasca, and hundreds of other plants. Chris also works to bridge worlds, regularly sharing information about other cultures through presentations and media.
Chris has appeared on over 1,500 radio programs and more than 500 TV programs worldwide. As a TV correspondent and guest, he speaks about medicine hunting, traditional botanical medicines, nutraceuticals, psychoactive plants, environmental and cultural preservation, and other related topics for a broad and diverse audience.
About Compass Coffee Talk™
Take a 30-minute virtual coffee break with Compass Coffee Talk™. Hosted by natural industry veterans Bill Capsalis and Steve Hoffman, Coffee Talk features lively interactive conversations with industry leaders and experts designed to help guide entrepreneurs and businesses of any size succeed in the market for natural, organic, regenerative, hemp-derived and other eco-friendly products.
Compass Coffee Talk™ is produced by Compass Natural Marketing, a leading PR, branding and business development agency serving the natural and organic products industry. Learn more.
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Hemp Industry to Congress and FDA: “Regulate CBD Now”
This article originally appeared on LetsTalkHemp.com
By Steven Hoffman
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable (USHR) at a press conference on June 18 in Denver called on members of Congress in Colorado and in states across the country to support national legislation that would call on the FDA to regulate CBD like any other dietary supplement.
With approximately 100 people in attendance in person and online via Zoom at its Spring 2021 membership meeting held at the Denver History Museum, USHR underscored its lobbying efforts by announcing the launch of Regulate CBD Now, an online campaign to encourage citizens to contact their representatives about important legislation impacting consumer access to hemp and CBD products in the U.S.
Members of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable announced on June 18 the launch of “Regulate CBD Now,” an online campaign to encourage passage of national legislation allowing access to CBD in dietary supplements and food and beverage products. Photo: Let’s Talk Hemp
According to USHR General Counsel Jonathan Miller, the hemp industry is focused on two bills that Congress is currently considering – H.R. 841 in the U.S. House of Representatives, and S. 1698 in the U.S. Senate – that would call on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate CBD as a dietary supplement or as a food additive. “To have CBD regulated like dietary supplements would be a game changer for the hemp-derived CBD industry,” Miller told Let’s Talk Hemp.
According to a statement by USHR, while the FDA has recognized the significant public interest in CBD, the agency has not yet established a legal pathway for its sale.
“We wanted to raise awareness of this important legislation by hosting our Spring meeting in Colorado, an epicenter of the hemp industry,” said Miller. “We’re grateful to Colorado Representative Ed Perlmutter for co-sponsoring H.R. 841, and we hope that Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) will co-sponsor H.R. 841, as she serves on the committee of jurisdiction, Energy and Commerce. Also, we hope Senators Hickenlooper and Bennett will support the Senate bill, S. 1698.” Miller noted that in addition to allowing CBD to be regulated like dietary supplements, the Senate bill also calls for CBD to be permitted as an ingredient in food and beverage products.
“Colorado is a hemp state. We need Colorado’s elected officials to stand up and support legislation that gives consumers confidence in our products, protects small businesses and farmers, and allows this new industry to thrive,” said Steve Smith, co-founder of Pet Releaf, a family-owned company based in Littleton, CO. Smith noted that Colorado is home to many hemp and CBD companies. However, regulatory uncertainty has started to dismantle this up-and coming market, he said.
“The only way we’re going to see a regulated CBD market is if everyday citizens make their voices heard,” Miller emphasized. “Taken together, these two bills are a huge step forward in creating more certainty for farmers, greater protections for consumers, and more economic opportunity for…hemp companies,” he said.
About the Bills
H.R. 841 – Hemp and Hemp-Derived CBD Consumer Protection and Market Stabilization Act of 2021
Introduced by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR), H.R. 841 allows the use of hemp, cannabidiol (CBD) derived from hemp, or any other ingredient derived from hemp in a dietary supplement, provided that the supplement meets other applicable requirements. Currently, FDA's position is that CBD products may not be sold as dietary supplements. (Source: congress.gov.)
S. 1698 – Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act
Introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), S. 1698 would allow hemp-derived cannabidiol and hemp-derived cannabidiol containing substances in dietary supplements and food and beverage products. (Source: congress.gov).
“Regulate CBD Now” Endorsed by Leading Consumer Products Associations
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable is a national advocacy organization comprising a coalition of dozens of leading companies and organizations committed to safe hemp and CBD products. USHR works in partnership with national, regional and state organizations, and helps lead the way forward for hemp and CBD products through education and action.
In addition to USHR, the Regulate CBD Now campaign is supported by organizations including the Alliance for Natural Health, American Herbal Products Association, Citizens for Health, Consumer Healthcare Products Association, Council for Responsible Nutrition, Friends of Hemp, Hemp Alliance of Tennessee, Hemp Industries Association, Midwest Hemp Council, National Grocers Association, Texas Hemp Coalition, United Natural Products Alliance, U.S. Hemp Authority, U.S. Hemp Building Association, Vote Hemp, We Are for Better Alternatives (WAFBA), and the Wisconsin Hemp Alliance.
For more information, visit www.regulateCBDnow.com and www.hempsupporter.com.
Supporting the Juneteenth Holiday, and Diversity and Inclusion in Hemp
In addition to covering a lengthy agenda, members of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable also wrapped up their Spring meeting by honoring Juneteenth – the new national holiday celebrating emancipation from slavery in the United States – with a number of USHR members volunteering to work at the Juneteenth Music Festival on June 19 in downtown Denver. The volunteer opportunity was organized by USHR’s Minority Empowerment Committee (MEC) to advance the association’s efforts to achieve equity, including, diversity and inclusion in the industry hemp and CBD industries.
U.S. Hemp Roundtable members volunteered to work at the Juneteenth Music Festival on June 19 in Denver, CO – Photo: U.S. Hemp Roundtable Facebook Page
One Step Closer™ Fosters Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Natural Products Industry, Announces New Leaders to Guide its J.E.D.I. Collaborative
Mission-driven Non-profit Adds New Board Members, Rebrands Itself, and Inspires Companies to Drive Positive Change through Compostable Packaging, Climate Reform, and Social Justice
Oakland, CA (June 3, 2021) – One Step Closer™ (OSC), a mission-driven natural products industry organization, is pleased to announce that visionary leaders José Corona and Konda Mason have joined the nonprofit's board of directors. In addition, Cynthia Billops has been hired as OSC’s Vice President of Operations, Membership & Belonging, and will guide the organization’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion project known as the J.E.D.I. Collaborative.
Formerly known as ‘One Step Closer to an Organic Sustainability Community (OSC2)’, the organization rebranded to its current name as ‘One Step Closer.' OSC envisions a society that collectively brings people One Step Closer to manifesting a shared vision for a just and prosperous world. Together members and partners meet to drive change focusing on OSC’s three core competencies: zero-waste packaging, reversing climate change, and embracing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. .
Lara Dickinson, Co-founder and Executive Director states, “At One Step Closer, we aim to model what we seek to inspire in natural Products. An important step for us is embracing the leadership of those who have been historically excluded. We are fortunate that Konda and José have joined the OSC Board and Cynthia is now a part of our executive team. Through their extensive experience, authentic approach to leadership, and advocacy, we will increase our capacity in our core competencies.”
New Board Members
Joining the OSC Board is José Corona, Vice President of Programs & Partnerships, Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation. José is a social entrepreneur who has built a reputation as an innovator and relationship-builder.
“I am humbled and honored to join the OSC Board, whose members and efforts align with my values and allows me to continue walking my path in life,” said Corona. “My path and mission in life has been dedicated to ensuring all people have the opportunity they need to fulfill their life mission and goals.”
Konda Mason is also new to the OSC Board of Directors. She is the Co-founder and President of Jubilee Justice, Inc, a non-profit working to bring climate-resilient farming and economic equity to Black farmers in the rural South to restore and accelerate Black land ownership and stewardship and create thriving Black farming communities.
“Leveraging the incredible companies in its network, OSC is wisely guiding them to an even better version of themselves with the J.E.D.I. initiative. The work of OSC and their commitment to racial justice in the natural food sector made my joining this Board a no-brainer,” said Mason. “Plus, I get to hang out and learn from some really cool and experienced entrepreneurs.”
Membership Details
The OSC member community is comprised of leaders in the natural products industry who maintain the highest sustainability standards in business and personal lives. For more information about our Core Chapter, Rising Star Chapter, and Cannabis Chapter memberships visit, osc2.org/join-osc/. To make JEDI commitments, go to jedicollaborative.com/make-commitment/.
About José Corona, Vice President, Programs and Partnership, Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation
As Vice President of Programs & Partnerships, José leads all grantmaking, partnership, and programmatic efforts for Stephen and Ayesha Curry's Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation – a new foundation the Curry’s launched in 2019 that is becoming one of the country’s most innovative and impactful philanthropic organizations through its commitment to creating equal opportunities and bright futures for every child.
In 2020, José served as the Co-chair of the City of Oakland Economic Recovery Advisory Council, charged to safely open businesses in Oakland during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, José is an Aspen Fellow and serves on the Boards of Northern California Grantmakers, The Unity Council, and the Oakland Museum of California.
About Konda Mason, Co-founder and President of Jubilee Justice, Inc
Konda is a social entrepreneur, financial activist, earth and social justice activist, and mindfulness teacher. She is also the Co-founder and VP of Potlikker Capital, a charitable loan fund specifically designed to deploy integrated capital to Black American farmers.
Konda is Co-Founder and founding CEO of Impact Hub Oakland (newly renamed Emerge Oakland), an award-winning co-working space that supports socially engaged entrepreneurs and changemakers. In addition, she is the Strategic Director of RUNWAY, a micro-lending fund for African American entrepreneurs, and the co-founder of the annual COCAP (Community Capital) conference in Oakland, focusing on closing the racial wealth gap restorative economics, and the next economy just transition.
Konda is on the Board of Directors of The Historic Clayborn Temple in Memphis, TN, On Being with Krista Tippett, One Generation with Paul Hawken, and Lion’s Roar Magazine.
About Cynthia Billops, OSC & J.E.D.I VP Operations, Membership & Belonging
Cynthia is a business strategy and operations expert who has spent the last few decades planning, designing and launching complex IT, Web, and SaaS services. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Mills college – focusing on small group interactions and the importance of each individual’s contribution to optimal success.
Her unique understanding of the challenges (and opportunities) faced by developing organizations combined with her determination to ensure open doors and “on-ramps to opportunity” for persons living in and coming from systemically marginalized communities; helps collaboratively create systems and processes that lead to sustainable growth, better staff retention and higher profits due to optimization and efficiency gains.
About One Step Closer (OSC)
One Step Closer (OSC) is a non-profit community-based organization centered in the natural products industry. OSC was founded in 2012 to build regenerative businesses and tackle some of the toughest challenges facing our industry and planet. With a carefully cultivated membership of 50 mission-driven companies, OSC has three leadership chapters: Core Chapter, Rising Star Chapter, and Cannabis Chapter. In addition to regular chapter meetings, OSC hosts industry-wide programming and member-focused continued education programming through OSC University. OSC has launched three industry-wide projects with a network of partners: Compostable Packaging Collaborative, the Climate Collaborative, and J.E.D.I Collaborative. For more information, please visit osc2.org and www.J.E.D.I Collaborative.com.
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Pepsico Announces Goal to Expand Regenerative Farming Practices on 7 Million Acres by 2030
This article originally appeared in Presence Marketing’s June 2021 Newsletter
Pepsico announced in late April that the company is launching an ambitious, impact-driven “Positive Agriculture” strategy with the goal of spreading regenerative agriculture practices across 7 million acres of farmland by 2030, which the company says is approximately equal to its entire agricultural footprint.
“Any plan to tackle the urgent challenges facing the global food system must address agriculture, the source of nourishment for billions and a key lever to address climate change and inequality,” said PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta.
Pepsico estimates the initiative will eliminate at least 3 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by the end of the decade. Additional 2030 goals within its Positive Agriculture agenda include improving the livelihoods of more than 250,000 people in its agricultural supply chain, and sustainably sourcing 100% of its key ingredients, the company said.
“One big part of Positive Agriculture is extending regenerative farming practices — a set of techniques that improve and restore ecosystems with a focus on building soil health and fertility, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing watershed management, increasing biodiversity and improving farmer livelihoods. Partnering with farmers, PepsiCo will spread the adoption of these practices across 7 million acres, approximately equal to the company’s entire agricultural footprint. The growers behind products like Lay’s potato chips, Quaker oats and Tropicana orange juice will be driving forces,” the company said.
“Today, we're accelerating our Positive Agriculture agenda, because we know we have to do even more to create truly systemic change,” said Jim Andrew, PepsiCo’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “By focusing on regenerative agriculture practices at the local level to build soil health, we can build a stronger foundation for our products and help make the entire food system more sustainable.”
ePallet Offers Innovative Online Platform for Wholesale Buyers
This article originally appeared in Presence Marketing’s June 2021 Newsletter
Utilizing a proprietary, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven, web-based platform, ePallet is disrupting the traditional wholesale business model by providing customers with user friendly, direct access to what it claims is a more efficient and cost-effective way to buy and sell food and consumables in full-pallet increments.
Think of it perhaps as the “Amazon for wholesale buyers,” serving foodservice operators in hospitality, restaurants, healthcare, corporate and institutional kitchens, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, retailers and grocers, manufacturers, and others — and helping businesses and organizations in North America secure their supply chain from a wider range of sources, said ePallet cofounder and CEO James Kwon.
Working under the slogan “True Wholesale,” ePallet’s business model provides a single-source platform for buyers to purchase affordable, quality food, grocery and foodservice products from a diverse range of trusted global and local brands, including a wide array of natural and organic products, with no hidden costs, said Kwon.
“ePallet offers an innovative approach that disrupts the traditional supply chain where layers of middlemen typically add markups of 10% to 40%,” Kwon noted. “With ePallet's machine-learning platform, customers benefit from real-time, net-net delivered pricing in full-pallet increments.” ePallet also offers wholesale customers the option to build mixed-pallet orders from vendors. The company is open to working with vendors, retailers and foodservice operators in the natural products channel. Visit www.ePallet.com.
Thrive Market Wants to Be the First Climate Positive Grocer
This article originally appeared in Presence Marketing’s June 2021 Newsletter
Thrive Market, the online natural products retail marketplace founded in 2014 by Nick Green, Gunnar Lovelace, Kate Mulling and Sasha Siddhartha, has set a new goal to become the nation’s first “climate-positive grocer.” The company saw sales skyrocket in 2020 during the pandemic and now CEO Nick Green says it wants to take those profits – and momentum – to pursue how it can reduce plastic packaging and overall waste, among other objectives.
“We are committing to not only minimize our negative environmental impact, but have a net positive effect on the climate specifically,” Green told Forbes Magazine. “The big message that we’re trying to send, which we hope other companies will embrace as well, is that doing less harm isn’t enough. We should all be thinking about what we can do to actually make things better to help heal the planet after a century in which we’ve done more harm than all prior centuries combined. Specifically, at Thrive Market that means committing to going carbon negative as a company by 2025 (right now we are carbon neutral), making our zero waste practices official with a TRUE Zero Waste certification in 2022, and going fully plastic neutral, as well, by 2023. We’re already proud to be the largest grocer ever to receive B Corp certification and looking forward to recertifying in October 2023 with even stronger commitments to both social impact, environmental stewardship and investment in our people,” Green told Forbes.
Said Thrive Market’s Chief Merchandising Officer Jeremiah McElwee, “The biggest inherent challenge is balancing out high quality, value and values-driven products being packaged in truly environmentally responsible formats. At present, those options can still cost five to 10 times what the more conventional options cost. So you can have a product that retails for $1.99 and the package itself costs $1. That means the customer would have to pay that premium when just affording healthy, organic food can be a challenge for many on a limited budget. Our approach is to create step functions so that we start with reduction always, then we move toward innovation and, ultimately, end of life solutions. Right now we have multiple pilots exploring both compostability and upcycling solutions for our shipping materials and product packaging,” he told Forbes.
As part of its Climate Positive initiative, the company identified three key areas of focus: carbon footprint, zero waste, and excess plastic. For more information on Thrive Market’s commitment to becoming the world’s first climate positive grocery store, visit here.
Grocers Are Lifting Mask Mandates after CDC Issues New Guidelines
This article originally appeared in Presence Marketing’s June 2021 Newsletter
As the nation loosens public safety restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection, grocers are removing mask mandates for customers and in some cases employees who are fully vaccinated. Retailers including Wegmans, Kroger-owned stores, Trader Joe’s, Harris Teeter, Publix, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Walgreen’s, Target, Meijer, Aldi, Costco and others are removing face mask requirements based on new guidelines issued on May 13 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which stated that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to cover their faces indoors.
"Starting May 20, fully vaccinated customers and most fully vaccinated associates no longer need to wear a mask in our facilities, including stores, distribution centers, plants and offices, unless otherwise indicated by state or local jurisdiction," said the Kroger Co. in a statement on the company’s website. "If there is a state or local mandate, please follow that requirement and timing,” the company added. Kroger will continue to require that non-vaccinated employees wear a face mask, and the grocer requests that non-vaccinated customers continue to wear a face mask. Employees will need to provide proof of vaccination to work without masks, the grocer said. Associates in its pharmacy and clinic locations will be required to continue to wear a mask due to CDC’s guidance for healthcare settings. Kroger added, “We will continue to respect the choice of individuals who prefer to continue to wear a mask.” In addition, Kroger is offering a $100 one-time incentive payment to associates for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Whole Foods Market announced in May that Whole Foods team members and Prime shoppers are required to wear face masks, reported WRAL in Raleigh, NC. However, customers who are fully vaccinated can now shop without a mask.
Trader Joe’s was the first major national retailer to announce a change in its mask-wearing policy in mi-May after the CDC issued new mask guidelines.oHoe
Natural Grocers on May 24 updated the natural retail chain’s mask guidelines, as follows: “We require customers who are not fully vaccinated to wear face coverings in our stores per the most recent CDC recommendations. We will not be asking customers to prove their vaccination status to shop in our stores, unless required to do so by government mandate; we will be relying on the honor system for compliance. We understand that certain of our customers subject to our policy may be unable to wear a face covering while shopping in our stores. Under these circumstances, we are pleased to provide curbside pickup and delivery through Instacart to allow continuing access to our goods and services,” Natural Grocers said. The company requires employees to wear face coverings at all times, and added that currently, the state of Oregon requires that customers provide proof of vaccination to go maskless indoors, the grocer said.
Sprouts Farmers Market also updated its face mask policy, stating on Instagram, “Vaccinated customers are now welcome to shop without a mask! We’ll continue to encourage non-vaccinated customers to wear face coverings while shopping and will continue to follow state and city mask ordinances where masks are required.”
Some grocery workers have expressed concern that CDC’s new guidelines put them back in the center of the face mask debate. Fox News reported that “now, some workers say the end of mask mandates has put them in a new position of having to explain their employers' mask policies, manage anxious shoppers and assess whether unmasked customers are indeed vaccinated, all while potentially risking their own health.”
U.S. Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Legalize Sale of Hemp-derived CBD
This article originally appeared in the May 26, 2021 edition of the Let’s Talk Hemp Newsletter and Presence Marketing’s June 2021 Newsletter
By Steven Hoffman
In a bipartisan move, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rand Paul (R-KY) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) on May 19 introduced S. 1698, the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act, in the U.S. Senate, a bill that would allow the sale of CBD and other hemp-derived ingredients in dietary supplements and in food and beverage products.
The Senate bill joins H.R. 841 a bill introduced in February 2021 in the U.S. House of Representatives to allow for the use of CBD in dietary supplements only. The Senate version also allows for hemp-derived CBD in food and beverage products.
According to a statement from Sen. Wyden’s office, currently, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act prohibits any new dietary ingredient, food, or beverage from entering the market if it has been studied or approved as a drug. The FDA has the authority to exempt items from this prohibition, however, the agency has yet to exempt hemp-derived CBD, despite Congressional action to legalize its production and sale.
By exempting hemp-derived CBD from the prohibition, the FDA can regulate hemp-derived CBD like all other new dietary ingredients, foods, and beverages, Sen. Wyden’s office said.
However, FDA, has stated that hemp-based CBD – or cannabidiol – cannot be lawfully marketed in dietary supplements or added to food and beverages because the compound was first studied as a drug and is currently the active ingredient in the GW Pharmaceuticals’ Epidiolex, approved by the FDA to treat certain forms of epilepsy.
According to a summary of S. 1698, the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act:
Gives hemp-derived CBD products an opportunity to lawfully be used in dietary supplements, foods and beverages under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
Prioritizes consumer safety, requiring manufacturers to comply with all existing federal regulations for the products that contain CBD.
Ensures that these products are properly labeled.
The Bill text can be found here.
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable encourages hemp industry members to urge their Senators to support S. 1698, the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act, and also to contact their Representatives to support H.R. 841, the Hemp and Hemp-Derived Consumer Protection and Market Stabilization Act. For your convenience, you can use a pre-written letter here.
The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Acthas support from the Consumer Brands Association, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, Hemp Roundtable, American Herbal Products Association, Oregon Farm Bureau, Vote Hemp, and the National Industrial Hemp Council. The following industry leaders submitted comments via press release, Sen. Wyden’s press announcement and direct submission:
Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR): “CBD products are legally being used and produced across the nation. Yet because the FDA has failed to update its regulations, consumers and producers remain in a regulatory gray zone. It’s been more than two years since I worked with colleagues to have Congress legalize hemp and hemp-derived products. It’s long past time for the FDA to get with the program, for the sake of American consumers and farmers.”
Senator Rand Paul, (R-KY): “Hemp-derived CBD products and businesses have earned their recognition in the marketplace, but the FDA, unfortunately, hasn’t treated them like any other food additive or dietary supplement. The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act directs the FDA to regulate hemp products properly and provides a huge relief to hemp farmers, processors, and merchants.”
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR): “Every day that the FDA drags its feet to update its CBD regulations, hemp farmers are left guessing about how their products will be regulated, and real economic gains for workers and business owners in Oregon and across the country are left on the table. Hemp-derived CBD products are already widely available, and we all need FDA to issue clear regulations for them just like they do for other foods, drinks, and dietary supplements.”
Jonathan Miller, General Counsel, U.S. Hemp Roundtable: “We could not be more excited about the successful, bipartisan rollout of S. 1698, which is simply critical for hemp farmers and businesses,” Miller told Let’s Talk Hemp. “The hemp and dietary supplement industries are united behind the bill and we’ve also secured the support of leading food and beverage companies and organizations. What we need now is the help of the grassroots to push this bill to final passage. We encourage all hemp supporters to go to www.hempsupporter.com to send emails to their Senators, urging them to co-sponsor this vital legislation.” In addition, Miller interviewed Sen. Wyden on May 24 on U.S. Hemp TV; you can watch the interview here.
Michael McGuffin, President, American Herbal Products Association: “The leadership of Senators Wyden, Paul, and Merkley in resolving this matter is greatly appreciated. Americans deserve to have assurances that the hemp and CBD products they include in their food and dietary supplement choices are properly regulated. AHPA supports this legislation since it would clarify the lawful pathways for bringing such products to market.”
Eric Steenstra, Executive Director, Vote Hemp: “It is critical that FDA begin regulating CBD products to ensure that consumers are protected and top quality compliant producers are the only ones on store shelves. Hemp derived CBD should be regulated the same as all other food and dietary supplements and we thank Senator Wyden, Senator Paul, and Senator Merkley for their leadership and support.”
Jason Miller, N.D., Cofounder and CEO, HempFusion, and Member of the Board of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable: “We proudly endorse and commend The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act and thank Senators Wyden, Paul and Merkley for their bipartisan support. A major component of our strategic business plan has been to prepare for this day and now we are finally at the door of what will open up the CBD industry for those brands that can properly adhere to FDA’s requirements.”
Ola Lessard, Chief Marketing Officer, HempFusion, and President of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable: “While the Senate bill is more comprehensive than the previously introduced House bill H.R. 841, passage of either will provide a vast and very important boost to the hemp industry, benefitting farmers, producers, manufacturers, small and large retailers and, most importantly, consumers. The lack of clear regulation for the past several years has had devastating economic impact across many sectors. It’s also allowed fly-by-night companies to thrive, selling products that don’t meet label claims, aren’t manufactured properly, and – in some cases – are actually dangerous to consumers.”
Patrick Atagi, Board Chair, National Industrial Hemp Council: “Last year, nearly $15 billion in economic benefits were left out of the economy because CBD wasn’t regulated appropriately. If the FDA can’t act, Congress should fulfill its oversight role and pass this legislation. NIHC supports Senators Wyden, Paul, and Merkley’s recognition of hemp and CBD as an ingredient in both food and supplements, and we applaud their legislative approach to ensure that it’s regulated accordingly. This bill will deliver safe products to the marketplace and create a hemp economy that works for everyone.”
Morris Beegle, Cofounder, We Are for Better Alternatives (WAFBA), Producer of NoCo Hemp Expo and Southern Hemp Expo, and Publisher of Let’s Talk Hemp: “As a producer of some of the largest industrial hemp trade shows in the world, we have to have a clear regulatory understanding of hemp-derived cannabinoids as ingredients for dietary supplements, foods and beverages. I have seen first hand over the last several years as this industry has started to take shape how the FDA’s lack of clarity and action has adversely affected the entire supply chain and created a vast amount of state-to-state patchwork regulations regarding CBD and hemp as a whole. The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act provides necessary relief to an industry that needs stability to mature. Here at WAFBA, we thank Senators Wyden, Paul and Merkley for championing the benefits of industrial hemp at the federal level, and we appreciate the broad industry support and collaboration around this proposed legislation. This cannot pass through congress and get signed by President Biden soon enough.”
Courtney N. Moran, LL.M., Oregon Industrial Hemp Farmers Association: “We are grateful for the continued leadership of Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Rand Paul (R-KY) in advancing hemp policy, creating economic opportunities and broadening protections for our industry stakeholders. This bill is an important step forward not only for the cannabinoid sector, but for the grain and fiber sectors investing in infrastructure to open the food, animal feed, and supplements markets.”
Brian Furnish, Owner, Hempin’ Hill Farm: “I want to thank Senator Paul for being a co-sponsor of the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act. This is a much needed step in moving the hemp industry forward. This bill will clarify that hemp byproducts are treated as a food or dietary supplement. Senator Paul has been an advocate for hemp legalization since the very beginning.”
Katie Moyer, Owner, Kentucky Hemp Works: “I am so grateful for Senator Paul’s continued support of the U.S. hemp industry. This bill will take us one step further in ending the Drug War mentality and allow hemp farmers and processors to not only break even, but to flourish in their fields. Current regulations pit state and federal bureaucracies against our farmers, and I’ve never been prouder of my Senator for consistently looking for ways to get government off the farm.”
Derek Selznick, Executive Director, Kentucky Guild of Brewers: “The Kentucky Guild of Brewers would like to thank Senator Paul and all of the other sponsors of this bill. Allowing breweries to use safe products like CBD in beer allows us to continue to innovate and respond to consumer demand by offering new and unique beers. Innovation is at the core of our industry and this is one more way we can further diversify our product portfolio.”
Scott Melville, President & CEO, Consumer Healthcare Products Association: “We strongly commend Senators Wyden, Paul and Merkley for their bipartisan bill which will provide a pathway for CBD to be legally marketed as a dietary supplement. A lawful regulatory pathway will provide long-term certainty in the hemp-derived CBD market and protect consumers from potentially unsafe products.”
Angi Bailey, President, Oregon Farm Bureau: “We are so thankful to both Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden for their steadfast support for one of Oregon’s fastest growing agricultural crops. This important legislation will ensure consumers have access to non-intoxicating hemp and hemp derived ingredients in both food products and dietary supplements. Providing consumers with the assurance that the CBD products they are purchasing are safe and property labeled is of utmost importance to the industry.”
Dawson Hobbs, EVP, Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America: “The lack of clarity on the legality of hemp-derived CBD products used in foods and beverages has been a significant source of confusion in the marketplace. America’s family-owned wholesalers are federally permitted and regulated businesses that need clarity from federal regulators regarding the legal status of CBD products. We applaud this action directing the Food and Drug Administration to affirm that CBD is legal in dietary supplements, including food and beverages. It will allow America’s wholesalers to continue providing U.S. consumers with the most diverse product selection in the world.”
Jen Daulby, SVP, Government Affairs, Consumer Brands Association: “The Consumer Brands Association commends Senators Wyden, Paul and Merkley for shining a spotlight on a product that has been a catalyst for a conflicting patchwork of state laws and regulations. Consumer Brands has long advocated for a national regulatory framework for CBD that empowers FDA to establish smart, consistent regulations and gives them the resources they need. Today’s action is a first step in delivering these much-needed regulations for American consumers.”
Photo courtesy of Let’s Talk Hemp
Join Robyn O'Brien and Pam Shepherd on Compass Coffee Talk, June 16, 2021, 11:30am EDT
Financing the Transition to Regenerative Agriculture
Food Industry Icon Robyn O’Brien and Finance Expert Pam Shepherd Discuss the Future of Organic and Regenerative Farming on the Next Compass Coffee Talk™, Wed., June 16, 2021
Wednesday, June 16, 11:30am - Noon EDT
Zoom, Admission is Free
Robyn O'Brien (Left) and Pam Shepherd (Right)
Get the latest dirt on why soil is the future and hear from rePlant Capital’s Co-founder and Managing Director Robyn O’Brien, alongside finance expert Pam Shepherd, Managing Director, Manna Tree Partners.
Robyn O’Brien has been called “food’s Erin Brockovich” by the media and is globally recognized for her voice in the industry. At rePlant Capital, O’Brien diligently works to reverse climate change through the deployment of a series of proprietary funds focused on U.S. farmers. On Compass Coffee Talk, she will share her perspective on the future of organic farming and how financing plays a part in transitioning American farmland to regenerative and organic agriculture.
Also joining Compass Coffee Talk is Pam Shepherd, who brings 18 years of financial, transactional, and operational expertise to Manna Tree Partners, an investment firm dedicated to improving human health through nutrition with forward-thinking strategies that make a global impact.
About Robyn O’Brien
Internationally acclaimed by the New York Times and Bloomberg, Robyn O’Brien was recently recognized by Forbes Magazine on its Impact 50 List for her work in food and agriculture. O’Brien’s TEDx talk (based on her book, The Unhealthy Truth, Random House) exposes the shortcomings in the food system. It has been watched by millions, translated into dozens of languages, and influenced policy, legislation, and product formulation in the food industry.
Prior to founding rePlant Capital, Robyn advised CEOs and executives at multinational CPG companies, startups, and farm organizations and worked on a team managing $20 billion in assets.
About Pam Shepherd
Pam Shepherd, Managing Director, Manna Tree Partners, spent eight years in investment finance, on the buy-side as a Vice President at Greenmont Capital Partners, working with healthy living companies like Eco-Products, Madhava, and EcoSmart. She also worked on the sell-side at St. Charles Capital, where she closed over $300 million in total transaction value. Most recently, Pam served as the COO and CFO of The Boppy Company for six years, a global consumer products company supporting mothers.
As a former operator, Pam has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by growth-stage companies. In addition, as a former investor, she understands how to best drive and support shareholder value creation for Manna Tree investors.
About Compass Coffee Talk™
Take a 30-minute virtual coffee break with Compass Coffee Talk™. Hosted by natural industry veterans Bill Capsalis and Steve Hoffman, Coffee Talk features lively interactive conversations with industry leaders and experts designed to help guide entrepreneurs and businesses of any size succeed in the market for natural, organic, regenerative, hemp-derived and other eco-friendly products.
Compass Coffee Talk™ is produced by Compass Natural Marketing, a leading PR, branding and business development agency serving the natural and organic products industry. Learn more.
VIEW OUR PAST COMPASS COFFEE TALK EPISODES ON YOUTUBE
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper Lifts COVID Restrictions in Time for Southern Hemp Expo at Raleigh Convention Center, Sept. 2-4, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper Lifts COVID Restrictions in Time for Southern Hemp Expo at Raleigh Convention Center, Sept. 2-4, 2021
Governor’s executive order lifts COVID restrictions for masks and capacity limits at public gatherings
What: Southern Hemp Expo (SHE3) in Raleigh, NC, will return to “normalcy” after a new executive order by Gov. Roy Cooper who has lifted restrictions for COVID-19. (information listed below)
When: September 2-4, 2021
Where: Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601
More information: Click HERE
Denver, CO (May 20, 2021) -- Networking, supply chain expansions and new hemp business connections will return full-force at the Southern Hemp Expo in Raleigh, NC, after a new executive order from Gov. Roy Cooper lifted COVID restrictions throughout the state last week.
The governor’s Executive Order 215 significantly lessens restrictions going forward into North Carolina. Effective immediately, all requirements for mask-wearing, social distancing, and wellness screenings have been removed and are no longer mandatory for events at the Raleigh Convention Center (RCC), except when more than 5,000 people are gathered in one space, said Hayley Burkhardt, Events Manager for the RCC. Even that last restriction for 5,000 attendees in one space may soon be lifted well in time for the Southern Hemp Expo on Sept. 2-4, Burkhardt said.
Open for Business, with Cleanliness and Sanitation Assured
“Covid-19 took us on a wild ride,” Burkhardt said, but the convention center was looking forward to the return of face-to-face events. The RCC will still undergo thorough cleaning and sanitation procedures, Burkhardt emphasized.
Case counts in North Carolina have dropped, and 51% of the state's residents over the age of 18 have received at least one vaccination, the governor’s office said. “North Carolinians have made great progress in getting vaccinated, and every day, more North Carolinians are protected from this deadly disease,” Gov. Cooper said in a statement Friday.
The World of Hemp, in One Location
The Southern Hemp Expo 2021 will bring a robust trade show featuring 250 exhibitors, three full days of expo hall and education including the Let’s Talk Hemp Business Conference and Farm Symposium.
Southern Hemp Expo attendees will include farmers, genetics companies, soil amendment suppliers, equipment manufacturers, hemp foods producers, pet product formulators, extraction experts, processors, lab companies, industry organizations, brands, distributors, retail and wholesale buyers, marketers, ancillary service providers and more.
Raleigh offers a unique setting for networking, business meetings and an all-in-one location designed to meet with existing and new clients. SHE3 will feature a welcome reception, gala, concert, and multiple networking parties to celebrate the reuniting of the hemp world. Check out the many features of Raleigh, NC here: https://www.visitraleigh.com/
More than 100 speakers and special keynote guests will provide the latest in green technology initiatives, natural fiber textile developments, building & construction materials, bioplastics, superfoods, cannabinoid applications and educational tracks for general consumers.
In March, the Let’s Talk Hemp Conferences welcomed thousands of guests and hundreds of exhibitors in Denver, Colorado at the National Western Complex for the 7th annual NoCo Hemp Expo as the first in-person expo after several virtual conferences held in 2020-2021.
“It’s time to get the hemp industry back on track and focused on the future so we finish 2021 on a high note, and move into 2022 with a clear understanding of the obstacles and opportunities that lie ahead of us,” said Morris Beegle, president and co-founder of We Are for Better Alternatives (WAFBA).
Exhibit at SHE3 and Save with Early Bird Discounts
For businesses interested in exhibiting at the 3rd Annual Southern Hemp Expo, opportunities to reserve a booth and secure sponsorship are now available. Early bird discounts have been extended through May 31, 2021. Visit and apply today: https://www.southernhempexpo.com/exhibitor-info/
About WAFBA and Colorado Hemp Company
We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA) is committed to researching and developing better alternatives so that hemp can once again thrive, prosper, and help individuals and communities throughout America and around the globe. The Colorado Hemp Company, producer of Southern Hemp Expo and NoCo Hemp Expo, is a leading organization for the advancement and advocacy of hemp farming, processing, production, innovation, education, and legalization in the USA. The entire team is committed to researching and developing alternatives so that hemp can once again thrive and help individuals and communities throughout America and around the globe.
Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, 303.807.1042, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com
Morris Beegle, President of WAFBA, 970.541.0448, morris@morrisbeegle.com
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