Surviving the Wild West: 8 Years of Hemp with Jeff Gallagher
"I didn't find hemp. The plant had a calling for me."
In 2012, Jeff Gallagher was a network engineer on a heavy pharmaceutical regimen to manage anxiety. When a neighbor suggested a capsule made from cannabis stalks, Jeff was skeptical. But it worked. He took it to a lab, asked what was in it, and discovered three letters that would define the next decade of his life: CBD.
Back then, if you Googled "CBD," you found Jeff Gallagher.
This week on the iHemp Hour, we sat down with Jeff, founder of Made By Hemp and US Hemp Wholesale. He is one of the original pioneers who navigated the industry long before the 2018 Farm Bill, Surviving the "Wild West" of 2013-2015.
Don’t Muddy the Waters
One of the most powerful takeaways from Jeff is his stance on the integrity of the plant.
As the market floods with chemically converted cannabinoids like Delta-8, Delta-10, and THC-O, Jeff is holding the line. His company refuses to touch them.
"I’m all for people enjoying recreational highs," Jeff says. "But to put that into the hemp space just muddies the water for us... Please quit muddying our waters."
Instead, Jeff is doubling down on Minor Cannabinoids that occur naturally, like CBN (which he calls a game-changer for sleep) and CBG (for focus and gut health). This is the difference between a cash-grab and a long-term wellness strategy.
The Trillion Dollar Crop (That We Can't Get Enough Of)
We talk often about the pivot from CBD to fiber and grain. Jeff confirmed what we have been hearing all over the country: The demand is here, but the infrastructure isn't.
Jeff actively sells hemp animal bedding. "The problem isn't the clients," he notes. "Everyone wants to buy it. The problem is finding the supply."
This is the signal farmers have been waiting for. The market for fiber—from bedding to plastics—is ready to explode. We just need the processing infrastructure to catch up to the demand.
Live from Grand Rapids: The Expo is Here
We also checked in with Chris Hudson live from the DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids for the West Michigan Cannabis & Hemp Expo.
- The Vibe: 60+ booths, glass blowing, cooking demos, and deep education.
- The Steam Competition: Taking place at Garfield Park, featuring the "Ganja Grapplers," a 9/11 remembrance ceremony with a hemp flag, and an Ultimate Frisbee tournament using hemp plastic discs.
These events are where the handshake deals happen. It’s where you find the supply for your demand.
A Note on Regulators
Jeff gave a masterclass on dealing with the FDA and state departments: Transparency.
"If you talk to them, they will work with you. If you don't, you won't like the consequences."
When the regulators come knocking, open the door. Show them the facility. Education beats evasion every single time.
Join the Directory
Jeff Gallagher’s story proves that longevity in this industry belongs to those who adapt, educate, and collaborate. You cannot do this in a silo.
Join iHemp Michigan. Our business directory is the hub for farmers, processors, and retailers who are serious about the next 10 years of hemp. It’s $100 a year to be found by the people who need you.
Join the Tribe at iHempMichigan.com
This Week’s Recipe: Honey Glazed Salmon with Hemp Hearts
We wrapped up the show with a dish that brings those healthy fats to the dinner table.
- The Glaze: Honey, soy sauce, garlic, and fresh lemon juice.
- The Crust: Sprinkle Hemp Hearts right on top of the fillet before grilling or baking. It adds a nutty crunch and a massive dose of Omega-3s.
Watch the full episode here: