About Us

Our training facilitated the very first industrial hemp grower licences offered in Michigan on Earth Day 2019.

We are a member-based organization representing hemp farmers, seed cultivators, processors, manufacturers and hemp businesses statewide.

We are engaged in defining industrial hemp’s path to success, from seed to sale and beyond.

We are committed to empowering hemp farmers, fueling industry leaders, and educating consumers to ensure hemp flourishes in the Midwest.

We are working to promote responsible and fair regulation, provide grower education, and enable full access to the evolving marketplace.

Built Michigan's Hemp Community

Starting with our inaugural event on January 26, 2019, we have cultivated a thriving member-based organization representing farmers, processors, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs across the state.

Dozens of Events Statewide

From our flagship Midwest iHemp Expo (drawing over 1,200 participants in 2020) to virtual expos during COVID, Hemponomics 101 and 102 presentations, and speaking engagements with civic groups across Michigan—we've brought hemp education directly to communities throughout the state.

Over 110 Episodes of the iHemp Hour

Our live-streaming series delivers timely, expert information on policy, cultivation, and market opportunities—featuring industry leaders, researchers, and advocates making progress with industrial hemp.

Recognized Voice in Lansing

Our advocacy efforts are recognized in the Capitol halls. We've testified at Cannabis Regulatory Agency public hearings, championed fair hemp regulations, and remain committed to shaping sensible policy at state and federal levels.

Hemp Building Pioneers

From hands-on hempcrete workshops to supporting innovative projects like the "Canary Home," we're at the forefront of promoting sustainable hemp construction in Michigan.

Farmer-First Focus

Down On The Farm

Blain is one of the founding members of iHemp Michigan. Blain was a County Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency for 27 years, administering Government Farm Programs to farmers. After retiring in 2011 from USDA, he formed Down On The Farm, a consulting service to assist farmers through the maze of government paperwork with the goal of receiving program benefits. Blain helps farmers and the hemp industry meet compliance with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) & Good Agriculture Collection Practices with handbooks and third-party audits required by buyers and current industry regulations.

Blain manufactures FDA-approved hemp feed for laying hens, Hemp Seed Oil, Hemp Protein Flour, Hemp Protein Cake and Hemp Hearts and is a supplier of hemp bedding. He also is a seed dealer for fiber and grain genetics and offers a decortication service, including CBD stalks.

Late in 2018, John Freeman approached Dave to help organize an education event. Dave has been hooked on the hemp community since the first iHemp Michigan event on January 26, 2019. He brought his graphic design, website development, and technical skills to begin what became a rapid series of events through 2019 and the execution of the Midwest’s first Industrial Hemp Expo – 2020 Midwest iHemp Expo, January 10-11, 2020.

Since the legalization of industrial hemp in 2019, Dave has gained experience in every aspect of growing, processing, and formulation of products using hemp, including both CBD products as well as Frisbees. Dave owns a marketing agency, Advantage Intelligent Marketing, and is active both playing and organizing ice hockey under the Gears.Beer brand.

Becky spent 44 years in the legal field as a legal assistant / paralegal, retiring in 2020. Currently, she spends time assisting her husband, Blain Becktold, with his consulting business Down On The Farm, and assists iHemp Michigan with membership as well as serving as its Board Secretary and Treasurer.

Becky enjoys reading, spending time with their 7 grandchildren, and keeping the family organized.

Pott Farms

Robbin Pott, JD, MPP, is a co-founder and majority managing member of Pott Farms, L3C, an innovative educational regenerative hemp farm in Willis, MI. With extensive expertise in regenerative cannabis agriculture, Robbin provides living soil services, including consulting and education, helping growers transition to sustainable practices. Her work integrates social equity by offering supportive job training to young adults facing poverty and trauma, in collaboration with social service agencies.

Robbin holds degrees in Law and Public Policy from the University of Michigan, as well as certifications as a living soil consultant. Her professional background spans legal advocacy, policy development, research, and social service collaboration, reflecting her dedication to empowering communities and youth through teaching regenerative agriculture and advocating for systemic change to create an equitable and restorative cannabis industry.

Lakeland Hemp

A life-long farmer with 35 years of teaching experience, Dennis added a hemp crop to his cherry operation in 2019. This began Lakeland Hemp LLC which offers a one stop online experience for all things CBD.

With the addition of a hemp genetics operation, Lakeland Hemp presently carries over 20 unique high quality CBD strains as well as isolate, kief, rosins, lotions, salves, tinctures and clones. Dennis’ goal is to educate fellow farmers and the public on the benefits of hemp products in their lives and for our planet.

Ag Marvels

Cassin studied Chemistry at University of Missouri and has over 15 years with best practices in the pharmaceutical industry. They came to Cannabis to help keep patients and consumers safe by using those sister industry best practices and work towards standardized sampling and testing in the industry. They're the founder of Cassin Consulting helping cannabis companies establish quality management systems and forecast business financials using experience from mature cannabis markets around the US. Prior to their education and career Cassin served in the US Army and received an uncharacterized discharge. They still participate in veterans advocacy with a special emphasis on suicide prevention after having lost several friends and family members to suicide. Cassin is an award winning advocate for patients, caregivers, and growers. They continue to be a tireless advocate for removing the stigma from plants and creating more sensible drug laws. Cassin currently works in the cannabis industry championing international standards and best practices around the US and the globe.

A pioneer in cannabinoid science for 25+ years, Andy was doing the work long before the rules allowed for it, when the majority of operators viewed workers health and welfare as little more than a burden. He partnered with some of the first caregiver compliance facilities and together they developed processes to accurately measure a wide spectrum of cannabinoids down to trace impurity levels - which have become industry standards. As the hemp market evolves and a wider variety of products become available businesses are obligated to adapt and maintain a high level of consumer and worker safety.

Since Medical Legalization in 2008 Andy has successfully founded, managed, and scaled numerous plant touching entities. His hands-on leadership has covered the entire supply chain, holding key roles such as VP of Lab Operations, Production Director and Licensed Operator. This comprehensive background adds to a practical and strategic understanding of both operational challenges and industry opportunities.

Andy’s foundational experience in Detroit's pre-regulated market provided a unique bridge to the modern legal industry. Doubling down, he is actively helping to shape the industry's future through research and standards development both as a member of the NCIA Hemp Committee and as a participant in ASTM INTL. D37 cannabis workgroup acting as Technical Contact for a new standard for sampling bulk hemp and cannabis.

As a part of the Political/Government Outreach Committee helping to bring the Michigan Hemp industry out of the shadows and define a path forward for those who choose to participate, Andy is a dedicated lifetime advocate for responsible advancement and committed to contributing his extensive experience to support the mission of IHEMP Michigan.

Kyle McCalmon has been a well respected professional in the hospitality industry. He has been in the Hospitality business for over 30 years working, owning his own restaurant, as well as consulting. Through his consulting business he has been most successful in helping his clients elevate standards, put in place best practices and streamline processes. All of these aspects contribute to the overall success of his clients and their businesses.

Being owner of Thumb Coast CBD has allowed him to put his expertise and passion into the family business. He is dedicated to continued education in the cannabis space, always looking for ways to improve best practices and processes. His focus is providing our clients with a product that is made with the utmost care and consideration from seed to sale.

I am a veterinarian, retired after 39 years of private practice in Detroit, volunteering with and acting as the veterinarian of record for the Charlevoix Area Humane Society. I have been an advocate for cannabis reform, in opposition to prohibition, since 1978 and I am excited and grateful to further those efforts with iHemp Michigan.