Hemp Processing
Hemp processing is the critical mid-stream infrastructure that converts raw agricultural biomass into shelf-ready ingredients and materials. This includes the mechanical separation of fiber and grain, as well as the sophisticated extraction methods used to create high-purity cannabinoid distillates and isolates. Efficient, regional processing facilities are the “missing link” required to turn Michigan’s hemp harvests into scalable industrial and consumer products.
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For the first time ever, 31 hemp organizations have united behind a comprehensive 2023 Farm Bill strategy—and U.S. Hemp Roundtable General Counsel Jonathan Miller says constituent engagement this summer is critical to success. Learn how a $10/month membership gives you insider access and tools to advocate for CBD regulation, farmer relief, and banking access.
Alternative options of homeopathic and holistic means of healing and enhancing the quality of life.
by Dave Crabill
/ April 29, 2022
Navy veteran Tanya Mora spent three years developing Sweet Dreams—a line of six organic CBD/THC lotions, each targeting specific body systems from nerves to bones. After watching veterans come home with “grocery bags full of prescriptions” and her aunt hospitalized from pharmaceutical overload, Mora built a company rooted in plant-based healing. Now operating Salute Synergy in Livonia, she offers products, education, and hope—earning endorsements from Snoop Dogg and Tommy Chong along the way. Her message: full-spectrum, science-backed formulations beat pharmaceutical isolation every time. Find her at sweetdreams.com or visit the storefront at 27552 Schoolcraft Road.
Governor Whitmer signed Executive Reorganization Order 2022-1, assigning the regulation of processing, distributing, and selling hemp to the soon-to-be-renamed Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA). On April 13, 2022, the ERO will go into effect and the MRA will become the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA). On this date, authority over hemp processors and handlers under the Industrial Hemp Research and Development Act (IHRDA) will shift to the new CRA.
“I don’t think that type of oversight is as necessary on the hemp side of things.” — MRA Director Andrew Brisbo on Michigan’s lighter-touch approach to hemp regulation. In this landmark iHemp Hour, we sat down with the head of Michigan’s soon-to-be Cannabis Regulatory Agency to discuss what Executive Order 2022-1 means for hemp processors, retailers, and farmers. Good news: No metric system required. No license needed to sell hemp products online. And a fee structure that respects agriculture, not prohibition. This is the conversation every Michigan hemp stakeholder needs to hear.
Americans for Safe Access
by Dave Crabill
/ March 3, 2022
As Michigan’s hemp processors prepare for the seismic shift to the new Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), patient advocates are sounding the alarm: medical cannabis patients must not be left behind. Brandy Zick of Americans for Safe Access joins iHemp Hour to discuss what “safe access” really means, why the caregiver program is under attack, and how hemp and cannabis advocates can unite to protect patient rights.
CBD Product Safety and Standardization Act of 2021
by Dave Crabill
/ February 18, 2022
When Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, it explicitly legalized the sale of hemp and its derivatives such as CBD. Farmers across the nation relied on this government action, and […] ...
Creating a Reliable Supply Chain of Carbon-Negative Hemp Materials
by Dave Crabill
/ January 13, 2022
More than 60% of North American injection molding capacity sits within 100 miles of the Great Lakes. That’s why Heartland Hemp Company—a biotech firm engineering hemp fibers for plastics—planted their flag right here in Michigan. In this iHemp Hour episode, we explore their USDA-funded carbon research, why Fortune 500 companies are paying attention, and what it means for Michigan farmers and manufacturers.
Icon Processors joins the iHemp Hour to share how they’re reshaping Michigan’s extraction and manufacturing landscape—from large-scale ethanol processing and mold remediation to turnkey white labeling, biodiesel-powered facilities, and next-generation CGMP expansion. Dr. Fabio Rhody and Christina Caschetti reveal what’s coming in 2022, including CBD intimacy products, high-milligram formulations, and their plans for a 50,000 sq. ft. cannabis manufacturing facility with 4.5 million sq. ft. of grow. This is a must-watch for anyone in hemp or cannabis processing.
Hemp Economics
by Dave Crabill
/ November 4, 2021
Economist Beau Whitney breaks down the real state of the U.S. hemp industry—from collapsing CBD prices to the massive long-term opportunities in fiber, grain, construction materials, plastics, and textiles. Despite regulatory confusion and struggling farmers, Whitney forecasts up to 10 million acres of hemp by 2030 and explains what must happen for the U.S. to stay competitive in the global hemp economy.
Ways to Brand your Product and Market in the Hemp Industry
by Dave Crabill
/ September 23, 2021
“Unless you’re replacing something unsustainable, you’re just chasing a buzz.” Jeff Cole of US Hemp Brokerage returns to the iHemp Hour to reveal why he is shifting focus from cannabinoids to consumables. From “stab city” anecdotes to the “Hemp Replacement Index,” this episode is a masterclass in reading the market’s tea leaves. Plus, get the details on our “Growlers in the Grow” event in Traverse City!