iHemp Hour Shows
The iHemp Hour was our way to collaborate and learn as we began to develop the industrial hemp industry in Michigan. With well over 100 conversations over the years, we have covered every aspect from seed to sale. Use this resource as a tool to dive deep into hemp. Rough transcripts have been generated for each show, allowing you to search for the content you need.
While we are off our regular schedule of hosting shows, from time to time we will tackle an important topic. The newest episodes will be at the top. Let us know if there is a topic we should cover.
2022 Hemp Variety Trials Results with James DeDecker
University researchers have secured $700,000 in federal funding for a three-year hemp grain and fiber study—and they’re actively seeking experienced Michigan growers to participate as research cooperators. With stipends available, seed provided, and the chance to help build the performance-based testing database that could eventually eliminate compliance testing for proven varieties, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of Midwest hemp agriculture.
What’s New in Hemp Construction
Cody Ley of Hemp for Humanity is planning to build 20 hemp-based homes in Detroit using locally-sourced materials from underserved Michigan farmers—and he’s solving technical challenges like thermal bridging along the way. In this episode of the iHemp Hour, Lay shares his journey from plastics research to hemp farming, explains why CBG might be the cannabinoid you’re missing, and reveals how 100 acres of hemp could transform a Detroit neighborhood.
Heavy-Handed Hemp Regulation with Michael Thue
When SWAT teams raided award-winning CBD producer Michael Tui’s farm and medical office, they found $400 and a tractor—but no charges have been filed. His story exposes troubling questions about Michigan’s hemp enforcement and the regulatory maze facing legitimate operators. Learn how you can help and what this means for the industry.
US Hemp Builders Association Updates with Henry Gage Jr
iHemp Michigan has been a major proponent of hemp for fiber and grain. While grain is taking longer with the research required, we just received great news on the fiber side! Join us as we learn about the ICC decision from the president of the USHBA, Henry Gage, Jr....
CBD with Dennis Dean of Lakeland Hemp
Fifth-generation Michigan farmers Dennis and Eric Dean have cracked the code on profitable hemp farming—and they’re sharing their secrets. From their award-winning bucking machine that replaces 12 workers to their direct-to-consumer model that’s driven 50% annual growth, Lakeland Hemp offers a blueprint for surviving (and thriving) in an industry that’s seen a 90% grower dropout rate. Plus: seedless hemp varieties that could change everything for CBD flower producers.
Global Hemp Fiber with Melissa Peterson
Colorado’s Global Fiber Processing proves regional hemp decorticating can work—if you’re willing to rebuild farmer trust one handshake at a time. Founder Melissa Peterson shares the real numbers: $2.5M startup costs, $300/ton farmer payments, and seven distinct revenue streams from a single stalk. Her message to Michigan? The infrastructure opportunity is real, but proximity to farms is everything.
Hemp Grain as Animal Feed – Andrew Bish
Special guest Andrew Bish, of Bish Enterprises, joins us as we discuss hemp feed regulation. Andrew is working with the Hemp Feed Coalition to bring about fair regulation for the use of hemp grain in animal feed. Learn more about the Hemp Feed Coalition and help their cause by joining https://hempfeedcoalition.org.
Episode 109: Building with Hemp
Kim Croes started her hempcrete company, FiberFort, in Detroit, Michigan with the hopes of making a positive impact on the earth. Currently a painter, she is making her transition into natural building practices. Kim started her training and education of hempcrete in...
Episode 108: Regenerative Hemp Farming
What if weeds simply refused to grow in your fields? Regenerative agriculture expert Robin Pott of Pot Farms L3C reveals how cultivating the soil food web—the microscopic universe of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa beneath your feet—can eliminate the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides while dramatically increasing hemp yields. Her largest 2021 plant topped 20 pounds with almost no intervention.
European Hemp Fiber and Grain Seeds
European hemp genetics are coming to America—and they’re bringing 60 years of proven stability with them. Konopi US founders Robin Destiche and Hannah Gabrilova explain why certified seed, advance planning, and hammer-mill insulation may be the fastest path to building Michigan’s fiber hemp industry. Don’t miss their insights on decorticator development, banking challenges (yes, even for frisbees), and why your 2023 seed order needs to happen this fall.
Canadian Hemp Fiber and Grain Seeds
Canadian hemp seed company UniSeeds is bringing proven grain and fiber genetics to Michigan growers. General Manager Mark Lawty shared insights on $350 million in Alberta processing investments, dual-purpose varieties yielding 7,500 lbs/acre of straw, and why putting farmers in control of multiple market options is key to profitability. Meet Mark at the Midwest iHemp Expo, May 20-21 in Lansing, or contact UniSeeds at uniseeds.ca.
Alternative options of homeopathic and holistic means of healing and enhancing the quality of life.
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.