While the majority of Wisconsin was gearing up for the Packer game, E and I decided to learn about another Wisco tradition. Cannabis. Specifically, hemp. I’ve been researching cannabis and it’s many properties for a number of months now as part of an initiative for work.
Wisconsin was the largest manufacturer of hemp prior to WWII, with the last hemp manufacturer in the nation shuttering their doors in the 1950s in Barron, WI. Wisconsin’s soil and weather is prime for cannabis and as a “rotating” crop, it’s beneficial to the soil.
The Controlled Substance Act of 1970, made the entire cannabis plant illegal. This included hemp and hemp derived cbd. Both are not drugs. They are a crop and are not marijuana. Why were they included?Well you could take the red pill and we’d discuss DuPont, Big Pharma and the petroleum industry or you could take the blue pill and turn on the latest reality show.
But I digress…The Farm Bill of 2018 removed hemp and hemp derived cbd from the controlled substance act nationally and earlier in 2017 our former Governor Scott Walker made it legal to cultivate in Wisconsin. As I said I’ve been educating myself on all things hemp for work reasons and due to that Chris and E have been learning. So when I asked E if he wanted to check out a hemp maze in Baraboo he jumped at the idea.
I heard about Leatherberry Acres from one of my employees and then read about them in High Times. Leatherberry Acres is your typical Wisco farm that is open to the public. They have sunflower, corn and hemp mazes. There was a petting zoo where we spent the majority of our time with the goats. (Please Chris….just a few???) They had hay bales to climb on, a pumpkin cannon, zip lines and tractor rides. Basically a kids outdoor wonderland. Located in Baraboo, WI it’s surrounded by hills and farm land. The drive was beautiful. The staff was educated, super nice and seemed so happy to work there.
I had the opportunity to talk to the owner and he stated that they don’t work with a bank at all due to the prejudice and lack of education regarding hemp. This is something I hope to change in the banking industry. We have two amazing leaders in Wisconsin, Rep Scott Krug and Senator Testin, that are major advocates for our growers, producers and retailers. Wisconsin voters, farmers and retailers are lucky to have them. I currently use both cbd and hemp products and have noticed beneficial results. Cancer of the bones is painful and cancer in general can cause anxiety and depression. I rest easier at night using this natural remedy in a variety of forms. The health benefits of the cannabis plant as a whole is something we as consumers shouldn’t overlook. I should note that I’m not making a statement that either cure anything. You need to decide that personally and speak with your physician. Educate yourself.
Establishments like Leatherberry Acres, are needed to assist in the education of the general public and our youth. Remember that hemp is legal nationwide. Support your local growers and producers by visiting their farms. And remember hemp is a crop…not a drug!
Take Three 