HempTalk - Business Blogs and Press Releases

Hemp: A 10,000-Year History Ancient Roots Hemp has been cultivated for over 10,000 years, making it one of humanity's first domesticated crops. Archaeologists have found hemp fabric in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) dating back to 8000 BCE. Ancient Chinese texts describe using hemp for textiles, paper, and medicine as early as 2700 BCE. Glob...

Wade Laughter passed away last week after a long battle with cancer. Beloved within the cannabis community as the modest, softspoken horticulturist with a big heart and a great last name, Wade is one of the unsung heroes of botanical CBD that took root in northern California in the early 2010s. At that time, hardly anyone knew about nonintoxicating cannabidiol and its remarkable therapeutic potential outside of a small group of scientists who were studying the endocannabinoid system. Word about CBD started to spread within medical marijuana circles when a handful of CBD-rich cannabis cultivars were identified by newly established analytical labs servicing the nascent cannabis industry. 

One of these CBD-rich varietals was “Harlequin,” so named by Wade Laughter, who didn’t take credit for breeding it. He said he merely discovered it. And we were very fortunate that he did. With CBD emerging as the exciting new kid on the cannabinoid block, several early adopters who had access to rare CBD-rich genetics were initially skittish about releasing their proprietary property. Not so with Wade Laughter.

Wade didn’t feel like he was the rightful owner of Harlequin. Nor was anyone else. He had been gifted this plant serendipitously, and he would gift it back to the community. He opted to make Harlequin available to anyone who was interested in growing it and exploring its healing attributes. Harlequin clones began to “seed” the California cannabis landscape, and soon Wade’s gift popped up in other states, as well. Thus began an unsupervised, mass-based medical experiment, a grassroots laboratory experiment in democracy, enabled by Laughter’s decision to share Harlequin with the world. 

What would happen when a lot of people consumed CBD-rich cannabis?  The preclinical science — attesting to the compound’s anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti-tumoral, neuroprotective, and analgesic properties — was nothing short of jaw-dropping. Thus far, however, most of the scientific studies involved single-molecule CBD tested on mice, rather than whole-plant CBD-rich cannabis flower and oil extract, which is what Wade was providing in California. 

I grew some Harlequin in my backyard in 2011 and 2012. It was a squat, indica-looking plant, three-and-a-half-feet tall, very bushy with huge odiferous purple-pinkish colas oozing medicated goo that contained a significant amount of both CBD and THC. This gorgeous botanical tested at close to a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio. The CBD:THC ratio, which fluctuated from garden to garden, was influenced by how long these plants stayed in the ground. (A somewhat earlier harvest might register 3:2 CBD:THC, while a later harvest might shift it to 2:3 CBD:THC.) 

Hemp is one of the most versatile crops on the planet, capable of being transformed into thousands of everyday products across multiple industries. Its fibers, seeds, and oils each serve unique functions, making it a valuable resource in food, construction, textiles, health, and beyond. Here's a Look at What Hemp Can Do: 1. Textiles and Fabric...

Here's what makes a plant or crop fast-growing, and why it matters in agriculture, gardening, and sustainability: 1. Short Time to Maturity Fast-growing plants reach harvest or bloom in a relatively short time—often within 30 to 120 days. This allows for multiple harvests per year in the right climate. Examples: Radishes (20–30 days), lettuce (30–4...

Hemp is gaining popularity as a natural way to support overall well-being. Here's how it can contribute to a healthier lifestyle: 1. Nutrient-Rich Hemp Seeds High in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Packed with magnesium, zinc, and iron. Use them in smoothies, salads, or yogurt for a nutrition b...

Hemp is emerging as one of the most sustainable and efficient building materials available today. Here's why builders, architects, and eco-conscious homeowners are turning to hemp for construction: 1. Rapid Growth & Renewable Supply Hemp grows incredibly fast—reaching maturity in just 3 to 4 months—making it a highly renewable resource. Unlike ...

Hemp energy drinks are beverages that combine natural energy-boosting ingredients with hemp-derived compounds like hemp seed oil, hemp extract, or sometimes CBD (cannabidiol). They aim to offer a more balanced, plant-based alternative to traditional energy drinks. Key Characteristics Natural Energy Sources Typically contain caffeine from green tea,...

Regulatory Shifts Across States Alabama Enacts Strict Hemp Regulations Governor Kay Ivey has signed HB 445 into law, introducing stringent controls on hemp-derived THC products. The legislation bans smokable hemp items, limits edibles to 10mg of THC per serving (40mg per package), and mandates licensing through the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board....

Hemp is hardy and sustainable, making it one of the most eco-friendly crops available today. Here's why it stands out: 1. Grows in Diverse Climates Hemp thrives in a wide range of environments—from temperate to subtropical regions. It grows well in both low and high altitudes, making it adaptable across continents. 2. Low Input Requirements Require...

Plant density matters a lot when growing hemp, and it varies significantly depending on what you're cultivating it for: fiber, grain, or CBD/flower. Here's a breakdown: 1. Hemp for Fiber High-density planting: 400,000–1,000,000 plants per acre (about 40–60 seeds per square foot). Why? Promotes tall, straight stalks with minimal branching. Reduces w...

The breathable and moisture-wicking properties of hemp are some of the main reasons it's gaining popularity in clothing, textiles, and home goods. Here's a deeper look into these characteristics: Breathable Porous Fiber Structure: Hemp fibers have a natural porous structure, which allows air to circulate easily. This helps keep the material cool an...

Consider it a testament to the ubiquity and flexibility of the endocannabinoid system: we can inhale medicinal cannabinoids via combustion or vaporization; ingest them via food or drink; and absorb them directly through the skin, the body’s largest organ.

This latter category is broader and more complex than many of us give it credit for. Inside the mouth, it includes both buccal (between the gums and cheek, as with a lozenge) and sublingual (under the tongue, as with a tincture) modes of absorption.

Everywhere else, it includes two additional routes that work in very different ways: topically, via cannabinoid receptors and secondary targets including TRP (“trip”) channels, PPARs (nuclear receptors), and serotonin receptors that are expressed widely in skin cells and superficial tissues; and transdermally, by entering the bloodstream through the skin.

Advantages and disadvantages

Traditional topicals – including water-based lotions and creams and oil-based balms and salves – offer a quick onset time, no psychoactivity, and the potential to treat not only aches, pains, and inflammation, but also skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. On the other hand, they’re short-acting, relatively low in bioavailability, and limited to the area to which they’re applied.

Transdermal or “skin-crossing” formulations, meanwhile, are systemic. They act on the entire body (and thus may produce mild psychoactivity if THC is involved); they also last longer, and take effect more slowly. Such products rely on chemical enhancers (called “excipients”) like ethanol, propylene glycol, oleic acid, and even terpenes to help cannabinoids sneak past the skin barrier and into the bloodstream. They also employ special delivery systems like adhesive patches, hydrogels, and nano-emulsions. 

Here's a breakdown of hemp properties, focusing on its material, nutritional, and industrial value. Hemp is incredibly versatile—used in everything from food to textiles to construction. 1. Botanical Overview Plant Name: Cannabis sativa (hemp variety) THC Content: Less than 0.3% (non-psychoactive) Grows Quickly: ~90–120 days to harvest Minimal Inpu...

Hemp & CBD Legal & Compliance Consulting Key Differences from Cannabis Consulting Hemp is federally legal (as of the 2018 Farm Bill), but still heavily regulated at the state level. THC limits (0.3% delta-9 THC) are critical—testing and compliance protocols vary by state. More freedom for online sales, interstate commerce, and product shipp...

The hemp industry spans everything from wellness to textiles to construction — and many entrepreneurs are jumping in without a roadmap. As a hemp business consultant, you help them build one. What Hemp Consultants Do 1. Startup Guidance Help clients choose their niche: CBD, fiber, grain, bioplastics, textiles, etc. Advise on entity setup, business ...

Hemp-based food products are a booming niche in the health, wellness, and sustainable living space. Hemp seeds are rich in protein, fiber, omega-3s, and essential fatty acids, making them ideal for clean-label, plant-based diets. Here's a deep dive into this business idea: Types of Hemp-Based Food Products to Consider 1. Hemp Seeds Sold hulled (hem...

Hemp digital marketing is an exciting but challenging field, as it operates within a regulated environment, especially when it comes to products like CBD and other hemp derivatives. However, with the right strategies, you can reach your target audience and grow your brand effectively. Here's an in-depth approach to hemp digital marketing: 1. Compli...

Minnesota's hemp industry has expanded significantly since the federal legalization of hemp in 2018. The state is fostering a regulated market for industrial hemp, CBD products, and hemp-derived cannabinoids, creating opportunities for farmers, manufacturers, and retailers. 1. Industrial Hemp Production Minnesota farmers are growing hemp for fiber,...

The hemp industry continues to expand with new innovations, regulatory developments, and increased consumer demand.  1. Growth of Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids Alternative cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, HHC, and THC-O remain popular, especially in states with strict cannabis regulations. CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol) are ga...

New Mexico has embraced the industrial hemp industry, creating opportunities for farmers, processors, and businesses involved in CBD, textiles, and other hemp-derived products. With a favorable climate for cultivation and evolving regulations, the state continues to expand its presence in the hemp sector. Legal Status of Hemp in New Mexico Industri...