The Let's Talk Hemp Podcast

PIONEERING HEMP IN AFRICA: INSIGHTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA'S HEMP LEADERS Welcome back to the Let's Talk Hemp podcast, Volume Up! I'm your host, Morris Beagle, and today we're diving into the vibrant hemp and cannabis scene in Cape Town, South Africa. After an enriching experience at the Kenya Hemp Conference, I spent nearly three weeks in Cape Town, exploring the local industry and meeting some incredible people. HIGHLIGHTS FROM CAPE TOWN HEMPORIUM AND THE HEMP HOTEL I had the pleasure of staying at the Hemp Hotel, the tallest hemp structure in the world, with my colleague Paul Benham from the Hemp Plastic Company. The hotel used over 60 tons of hemp in its construction, offering a unique and sustainable experience. Hemporium, a hemp retail shop located in the same building, has been a pioneer in the industry since 1996. Tony Budden, the founder, shared insights into the versatility of hemp and the importance of creating a sustainable market. KEY CONVERSATIONS Tony Budden, Hemporium: Tony discussed the challenges and opportunities in the hemp industry, emphasizing the need for local hemp genetics and the potential of biophilic design in creating natural living spaces. Trenton Birsch, Chiba Africa Hemp and Cannabis Training Academy: Trenton's academy is a government-approved and accredited school, providing essential training in hemp and cannabis cultivation. Natie Ferreira, Daga Pharmacy Cannabis Farms: Natty, an ornamental horticulturist and agronomist, shared his expertise in hemp and cannabis genetics, highlighting the importance of local adaptation for successful cultivation. Tanya Clarke, Invigrow: Tanya, who recently relocated from Malawi, has been a significant player in the hemp and cannabis industry. She discussed the regulatory landscape and the potential for regional markets in Africa. REGULATORY INSIGHTS South Africa is making strides with new regulations, including a proposed 2% THC limit, which is more lenient than the current 0.2-0.3% in Europe and the US. This change could significantly benefit local farmers and the industry as a whole. FUTURE PROSPECTS The conversations I had in Cape Town were enlightening and inspiring. The local industry is poised for growth, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. I look forward to spending more time in South Africa and continuing to amplify the message of hemp's potential. SPONSOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT A big thank you to our sponsor, Her Many Voices, a platform where grassroots activism meets indigenous wisdom to benefit all of Earth's inhabitants. Visit them at hermanyvoices.org [https://www.hermanyvoices.org/]   TIME STAMPS: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Sponsorship 00:00:45 - Cape Town Experience 00:01:27 - NoCo Hemp Expo Announcement 00:01:38 - Cape Town Highlights 00:02:09 - The Hemp Hotel 00:02:20 - Hemporium Store Overview 00:03:13 - Interviews with Industry Leaders 00:03:34 - Introduction to Cape Town Tapes 00:03:46 - Hemporium Store Tour 00:04:19 - Tony Budden Introduction 00:04:34 - Hemporium's Mission 00:05:16 - Industry Challenges and Opportunities 00:05:59 - Relocation to Hemp Hotel 00:06:10 - Hemp Hotel Features 00:07:03 - Biophilic Design Concept 00:07:39 - Global Hemp Industry Insights 00:08:00 - 2% THC Regulation 00:09:37 - Pioneering Hemp Regulations 00:10:39 - Paul Benham's Commentary 00:11:12 - Addressing THC Creep 00:12:05 - Local vs. Imported Varieties 00:13:08 - Building a Regional Market 00:14:01 - Sustainable Industry Goals 00:16:01 - Invitation to Cape Town 00:16:26 - Future of Hemp Regulations 00:17:08 - End Use Focus 00:18:03 - Learning from Global Experiences 00:18:13 - Interview with Tanya Clark 00:19:01 - Tanya's Background and Malawi Experience 00:19:38 - Cannabis and Essential Oils in Malawi 00:20:11 - Industrial Hemp Trials and Lobbying 00:21:17 - Cannabis Regulatory Authority in Malawi 00:22:03 - Medical and Industrial Cannabis in Malawi 00:22:49 - Cannabis Regulatory Framework 00:23:43 - Business Lines and Market Testing 00:24:38 - Regional and Global Market Expansion 00:25:11 - Relocation to Cape Town 00:26:28 - Cape Town's Appeal 00:26:43 - Operating in South Africa 00:27:04 - African Agenda on Global Stage 00:27:15 - Successful Models and Challenges 00:28:01 - Quality Standards and Regulations 00:28:22 - Regional Trade and Market Expansion 00:29:08 - Collaboration with U.S. and Africa 00:30:05 - 2% THC Regulation Impact 00:30:47 - Traditional Healing and Plant Medicine 00:31:08 - Inter-Africa Trade Potential 00:32:06 - Traditional Healing Elements 00:32:41 - Recruiting for Africa 00:33:24 - Interview with Nattie Ferreira 00:34:24 - Nattie's Background and Daga Pharmacy 00:35:09 - South Africa's Cannabis Rights 00:35:30 - Community and Grower Support 00:36:36 - Farm Tour and Land Sharing 00:38:00 - Nursery and Genetic Varieties 00:39:00 - Early CBD Genetics 00:40:06 - Chinese and Vietnamese Hemp Varieties 00:41:09 - Registration and Trials 00:42:00 - THC Compliance and Local Conditions 00:43:00 - End Use Focus for Hemp Products 00:44:01 - THC Remediation Technology 00:45:00 - Disruptive Potential of Higher THC Limits 00:46:00 - Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities 00:47:00 - Future of Hemp Industry 00:48:08 - Patriotism and Land Diversity 00:49:03 - Political Support and Activism 00:49:36 - Interview with Trenton Birch 00:50:01 - Johannesburg's Climate and Potential   Morris Beegle morris@morrisbeegle.com [morris@morrisbeegle.com] @morrisbeegle @LetsTalkHemp @NoCoHempExpo @ExperienceHemp @WAFBAofficial  And a new day will dawn for those who stand long and the forests will echo with laughter   [https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4xIHF7C1Ml08GjqwgMFhmXvc33PsCP_NBoBKV-IJJxqKz6fwDE4rR5zrH6dNsni9a_t8SgGLlk]   Produced by PodConx [https://podconx.com/]   Sound Designed by Jamie Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-humiston-91718b1b3/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-humiston-91718b1b3/]

"Hemp in Africa: Highlights from KEHE Con 2025" Welcome back to the Let's Talk Hemp podcast! I'm your host, Morris Beagle, and today we have an exciting episode as we dive into the first-ever Kenya Hemp Conference, KEHE Con 2025, held in Nairobi, Kenya. This landmark event brought together policymakers, farmers, industry leaders, and international stakeholders to discuss the future of industrial hemp in East Africa.  We start the episode by wishing everyone a happy new year and sharing our plans for more consistent podcast episodes in 2025. We also give a shoutout to our sponsor, Her Many Voices, for their continued support. The Kenya Hemp Conference, held at the prestigious Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel, was a historic event with over 100 attendees and a lineup of expert speakers. The conference covered a wide range of topics, including hemp agronomy, processing, applications in plastics, animal feed, and carbon sequestration. The goal was to lay the groundwork for developing a hemp industry in Kenya and beyond. In this episode, we feature interviews with nine key voices from the conference: Paul Kirika from the National Museums of Kenya, who shares his excitement about the endless opportunities in hemp cultivation and its potential to transform local and export economies. Lusike Ajayi, Director of Crop Systems in Kenya, who discusses the importance of underutilized fruits and the potential of industrial hemp to replace plastics and support sustainable agriculture. Dr Rizike Mwadalu from the Kenya Forest Research Institute, who highlights the potential of industrial hemp for carbon sequestration and soil management. Dennis Itumbi from the President's office, who emphasizes the need for policy changes and the importance of moving from policy discussions to practical implementation on farms. Cedric Nwafor from Roots Africa, who talks about connecting U.S. academic institutions with African farming communities and the potential of industrial hemp to transform local economies. Rusty Peterson from IND Hemp, who discusses the importance of sustainability and the potential of industrial hemp to meet UN SDG goals. Olufemi Ajayi from Alabama State University, who shares insights on integrated pest management and the importance of legalizing industrial hemp in Kenya. Kingwa Kamencu from Blackstar Media, who talks about the business and spiritual aspects of hemp and the potential of hempwood and hemp food products. Sankara Sankie member of event organizing team and eight plus year advocate and industrial hemp educator. Throughout the episode, we explore the various applications of industrial hemp, from food and animal feed to biodegradable plastics and carbon credits. The enthusiasm and optimism of the speakers highlight the potential of industrial hemp to drive economic development, sustainability, and innovation in Kenya and beyond.   SPONSOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT A big thank you to our sponsor, Her Many Voices, a platform where grassroots activism meets indigenous wisdom to benefit all of Earth's inhabitants. Visit them at hermanyvoices.org [https://www.hermanyvoices.org/]     TIMESTAMP 00:00:00 - Introduction and New Year Wishes 00:00:45 - Overview of Kenya Hemp Conference 00:02:32 - Interview with Paul Kirika: National Museums of Kenya 00:05:27 - Hemp's Role in Food and Animal Feed 00:07:04 - Legalization and Policy Challenges in Kenya 00:10:23 - Final Thoughts from Paul Kirika 00:11:22 - Interview with Lusike Wasilwa: Crop Systems Director 00:13:01 - Lusike's Experience with Industrial Crops 00:15:06 - Hemp's Potential in Replacing Plastics 00:17:03 - Hemp's Economic and Environmental Benefits 00:20:42 - Future of Hemp in Kenya: Lusike's Perspective 00:22:43 - Interview with Dr. Riziki Mudalu: Kenya Forest Research Institute 00:25:10 - Dr. Riziki on Carbon Sequestration and Soil Management 00:27:00 - Optimism for Hemp Legalization in Kenya 00:29:29 - Final Thoughts from Dr. Riziki 00:29:44 - Interview with Dennis from the President's Office 00:30:27 - Dennis on Conference Insights and Policy Issues 00:32:04 - U.S. Support for Kenya's Hemp Industry 00:33:23 - Final Thoughts from Dennis 00:33:44 - Interview with Cedric Nwafo: Roots Africa 00:33:59 - Cedric's Background and Roots Africa's Mission 00:34:49 - Farmers' Interest in Industrial Hemp 00:35:22 - Conference Insights and Applications for Smallholder Farmers 00:37:14 - Final Thoughts from Cedric 00:38:11 - Interview with Rusty Peterson: IND Hemp 00:38:45 - Rusty's Impressions of Kenya and the Conference 00:39:14 - Opportunities for IND Hemp in Kenya 00:41:01 - Rusty on Carbon Credits and Sustainability 00:42:47 - Final Thoughts from Rusty 00:44:41 - Interview with Femi from Alabama State University 00:45:07 - Femi on Integrated Pest Management and Cultivation 00:47:07 - Femi's Experience at NoCo Hemp Expo 00:47:48 - Insights on Hemp Plastics 00:49:06 - Final Thoughts from Femi 00:50:14 - Interview with Kinwa Kamenshu: Blackstar Media 00:51:01 - Kinwa's Background and Interest in Hemp 00:52:48 - Insights on Hempwood and Food Applications     Morris Beegle morris@morrisbeegle.com [morris@morrisbeegle.com] @morrisbeegle @LetsTalkHemp @NoCoHempExpo @ExperienceHemp @WAFBAofficial  And a new day will dawn for those who stand long and the forests will echo with laughter   [https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4xIHF7C1Ml08GjqwgMFhmXvc33PsCP_NBoBKV-IJJxqKz6fwDE4rR5zrH6dNsni9a_t8SgGLlk]   Produced by PodConx [https://podconx.com/]   Sound Designed by Jamie Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-humiston-91718b1b3/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-humiston-91718b1b3/]

LET'S TALK HEMP ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS AT THE ASIA INTERNATIONAL HEMP EXPO Welcome back to the Let's Talk Hemp podcast! In this special episode, we are broadcasting live from the final day of the third annual Asia International Hemp Expo. Over the past four days, we've had the pleasure of engaging with industry experts, discussing the latest updates, and exploring the future of hemp. KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY BENEFITS OF HEMP Paul Iglesia highlighted the numerous environmental benefits of growing industrial hemp, including its role in crop rotation, water usage, and soil health. He emphasized that hemp is a low-maintenance crop that can be easily integrated into existing farming practices without jeopardizing financial stability. Carbon Credits and Regenerative Agriculture: Paul also discussed how hemp can sequester carbon, making it a valuable crop for carbon credits. He explained the potential for farmers to earn additional income through carbon markets by adopting regenerative agriculture practices. HEMP IN DESIGN AND HANDICRAFTS Dr. Korakot Aromdee shared insights into how hemp is being used in design and handicrafts. His team has been creating furniture and decorative items using hemp, which not only supports local craftsmen but also promotes sustainable practices. He emphasized the health benefits for craftsmen and the economic opportunities for local communities. EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY IMPACT A significant part of the discussion focused on the importance of education and community involvement in the hemp industry. The guests and moderator agreed that educating the public about the benefits of hemp is crucial for its acceptance and growth. This includes dispelling myths and highlighting its various applications, from construction materials to nutritional products. AUDIENCE INTERACTION The episode concluded with a Q&A session where audience members asked about the relationship between hemp and bamboo, the potential for hemp in the Philippines, and the importance of education in promoting hemp. The guests provided detailed answers, emphasizing the complementary nature of hemp and bamboo in construction and the promising future of hemp in various industries. CLOSING REMARKS As we wrap up this episode and the Asia International Hemp Expo, I want to extend my gratitude to our guests, Dr. Korakot Aromdee and Paul Iglesia, for their invaluable insights. A special thanks to our moderator, Didi, and to all the organizers and participants who made this event a success. Remember, we have only one planet, and hemp offers a sustainable path forward.    TIMESTAMP 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:00:36 - Overview of the Asia International Hemp Expo 00:01:07 - Industry Networking and Updates 00:01:28 - Environmental and Sustainability Topics 00:01:51 - Show Sponsor Acknowledgment 00:02:05 - Introduction of Guests 00:02:28 - Benefits of Growing Industrial Hemp 00:03:06 - Crop Rotation and Soil Health 00:04:32 - Water Usage and Inputs for Hemp 00:05:30 - Challenges and Market Demand for Hemp 00:06:00 - Pre-Reserved Crops and Market Demand 00:06:54 - Regulations and Global Perspectives 00:07:07 - Design and Decorative Uses of Hemp 00:08:53 - Introduction to Carbon Credits 00:11:27 - Regenerative Agriculture and Carbon Markets 00:13:59 - Carbon Credit Methodologies 00:16:06 - Resources for Learning About Carbon Credits 00:19:06 - Construction Materials and Carbon Sequestration 00:22:10 - Design and Handicraft with Hemp 00:24:57 - Community and Economic Benefits 00:25:54 - Audience Q&A: Education and Awareness 00:30:55 - Commendation for Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association 00:31:22 - Audience Q&A: Bamboo vs. Hemp 00:37:29 - Audience Q&A: Hemp Policies in the Philippines 00:39:43 - Closing Remarks and Summary   Morris Beegle morris@morrisbeegle.com [morris@morrisbeegle.com] @morrisbeegle @LetsTalkHemp @NoCoHempExpo @ExperienceHemp @WAFBAofficial  And a new day will dawn for those who stand long and the forests will echo with laughter   [https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4xIHF7C1Ml08GjqwgMFhmXvc33PsCP_NBoBKV-IJJxqKz6fwDE4rR5zrH6dNsni9a_t8SgGLlk]   Produced by PodConx [https://podconx.com/]   Sound Designed by Jamie Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-humiston-91718b1b3/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-humiston-91718b1b3/]

Let's Talk Hemp Cannabinoids at the Asia International Hemp Expo In this episode of the Let's Talk Hemp podcast, it's Day 3 at the third annual Asia International Hemp Expo, organized by the Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TITA) and we are broadcasting live. We express our gratitude to all attendees and speakers who have contributed to making this event a success. Today, we delve into the topic of hemp cannabinoids, including CBD, CBG, and THC, while also touching on the innovative hemp derivatives emerging in the United States. Our guests include Eben from Maine, who has a decade of experience in the cannabis industry, and Mr. Kattanyu Kamnoi, a pharmacist from Salad Bioceutical Thailand, who is pioneering the cannabis industry in Thailand. A significant focus of our discussion revolves around the importance of lab testing for cannabinoids. Eben highlights the challenges faced in the U.S. regarding inconsistent lab results due to varying standards across different states. He emphasizes the need for standardized testing methodologies to ensure accurate and reliable results, especially for international trade. Mr. Kattanyu shares his experiences in Thailand, where the current lab testing capabilities are limited, often resulting in discrepancies in cannabinoid profiles from different labs. This inconsistency poses challenges for producers seeking to comply with regulations and accurately label their products. We explore the potential solutions to these issues, including the importance of establishing harmonized standards and utilizing reputable labs with a global presence, such as Eurofins and Columbia. The conversation also touches on the role of genetics in cannabinoid production and the emerging market for various cannabinoids beyond CBD. As we wrap up the episode, we open the floor for questions from the audience, addressing concerns about lab trustworthiness and the need for regulatory frameworks to ensure public health and safety. We conclude by inviting listeners to join us for our next session, where we will discuss the environmental benefits of hemp. Thank you for tuning in, and we look forward to continuing the conversation about the future of hemp and cannabinoids!   Morris Beegle morris@morrisbeegle.com [morris@morrisbeegle.com] @morrisbeegle @LetsTalkHemp @NoCoHempExpo @ExperienceHemp @WAFBAofficial  And a new day will dawn for those who stand long and the forests will echo with laughter   [https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4xIHF7C1Ml08GjqwgMFhmXvc33PsCP_NBoBKV-IJJxqKz6fwDE4rR5zrH6dNsni9a_t8SgGLlk]   Produced by PodConx [https://podconx.com/]   Sound Designed by Jamie Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-humiston-91718b1b3/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-humiston-91718b1b3/]

Let's Talk Hemp Grain at the Asia International Hemp Expo In this episode of the Let's Talk Hemp podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting a second live session from the third annual Asia International Hemp Expo. We delved into the fascinating world of hemp grain and its myriad applications, from human food and animal feed to cosmetics and biofuels. I kicked off the discussion by highlighting the nutritional benefits of hemp seeds, which have been consumed for thousands of years and are rich in protein, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. Our guest, Joe Hickey from the United States, shared insights into the current challenges surrounding hemp in the animal feed sector, particularly the stringent regulations regarding THC levels. He emphasized the absurdity of the two parts per million (PPM) limit set by the FDA, which is not based on scientific evidence and creates significant barriers for the industry. We also welcomed Waris Salah from Thailand, who discussed the burgeoning hemp cosmetics industry in the country. She shared her experiences in developing hemp seed oil products that have already received FDA approval in Thailand, highlighting the potential for hemp in both the cosmetic and food sectors. Throughout the episode, we explored the opportunities for hemp as a superfood and the importance of building a sustainable industry. We discussed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to overcome regulatory hurdles and expand the market for hemp products. As we wrapped up, I encouraged listeners to consider the benefits of hemp and the importance of supporting this emerging industry. We concluded with a call to action for everyone involved to work together to create a thriving hemp market that can positively impact health and the environment. Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to our next episode where we will discuss hemp-derived cannabinoids!   Morris Beegle morris@morrisbeegle.com [morris@morrisbeegle.com] @morrisbeegle @LetsTalkHemp @NoCoHempExpo @ExperienceHemp @WAFBAofficial  And a new day will dawn for those who stand long and the forests will echo with laughter   [https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4xIHF7C1Ml08GjqwgMFhmXvc33PsCP_NBoBKV-IJJxqKz6fwDE4rR5zrH6dNsni9a_t8SgGLlk]   Produced by PodConx [https://podconx.com/]   Sound Designed by Jamie Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-humiston-91718b1b3/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-humiston-91718b1b3/]