By Jordan Gesko
IG: @jordangesko
Jordan Gesko: How long you been doing Hemp Heals and what is your mission?
Riley Cote: The Hemp Heals was founded in 2011 as an educational platform to promote hemp as a viable agricultural crop. Helping people reconnect to the natural world through one amazing sustainable plant.
JG: What is the Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council and who is in it?
RC: The Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council seeks to accelerate the return of the Industrial Hemp Crop to the Pennsylvania agricultural landscape. To achieve our aim of broad adoption of Industrial Hemp as a rotational crop by farmers, we will build a vital and effective collaboration of agencies, individuals, and the general public. PAHIC is made open to anyone that is or wants to be in the industrial hemp space. From farmers, processors, product manufacturers to small hemp startups. It is a platform to help facilitate creating a Pennsylvania hemp industry.
JG: What are you most excited about now that hemp is being grown in Pennsylvania again?
RC: I am excited that we have finally taken a big step in changing our agricultural practices here in PA. Is it where we want to be? No, but it’s certainly a start and after being outlawed for 80 plus years, reintroducing this age-old crop will be a process. While pilot programs serve their purpose, building an actual Pennsylvania hemp industry will require a supply chain, processing and decortication facilities, and time. I am hopeful that in the next two years, you will see a ton of positive change.
JG: What would you suggest to people who want hemp farming legal in their state?
RC: If you are looking to get into legal hemp farming in your state I would seek that state’s version of the PAHIC, Hemp Industries Associations (HIA), or The Farmers Union for more information on the laws and regulations within that state specifically.
JG: Are you doing more events this year?
RC: Our next big event is August 4th which is the 6th annual Hemp Heals Festival ft Rebelution, Nahko & Medicine for The People, Collie Budz, Irie and DJ Mackle. Great music, hemp vendors, speakers and much more.
JG: Can you share all the vendors and people you’d like to thank for being part of the celebration?
RC: Yes. Many to thank for sure. PA Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Hemp Company, Cannabates, Hempzels, Suburban Sensi, Secretary Russell Redding, Senator Judy Schwank, and Senator Mike Folmer.
