"Wait, you can sell that here?"
We hear it all the time. Customers will drive past our store on their way to work, to the grocery and think "Oh, well it's just CBD. I want products that have THC in them."
But you don't have to cross borders and pay crazy taxes in order to enjoy your favorite infused drinks, edibles...we even have the flower that they have across the border! How is that possible if Wisconsin has not legalized cannabis?
The 2018 Farm Bill completely changed the scene for the people looking for support from the hemp plant, and the farmers that were willing to grow it. Hemp has a long and storied history, particularly in the realm of medicine. Once banned and nearly forgotten, hemp has slowly been reintroduced into the modern wellness landscape, offering a natural alternative for everything from pain relief to anxiety management and even skincare. But this revival didn’t happen overnight. It took years of persistence and activism, particularly through landmark shifts in U.S. policy.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the rich history of hemp in medicine, explore the evolution of the Farm Bill, and discuss its current status. We’ll also highlight how you can play a role in helping protect and support the hemp industry moving forward—starting with supporting small, family-owned farms like ours.
A Brief History of Hemp in Medicine
Hemp’s medicinal use dates back thousands of years. Cultures across the world have recognized its value as a healing plant, using it for everything from pain relief to anti-inflammatory properties.
Ancient Use: The earliest records of hemp used for medicinal purposes come from ancient China, where it was used as far back as 2800 BCE. Emperor Shen Nung, considered the father of Chinese medicine, is said to have included hemp in his pharmacopoeia. Ancient cultures throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Europe followed suit, utilizing hemp for a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, insomnia, and even malaria.
Western Use: In the United States, hemp was a staple crop for much of the country’s early history. The Founding Fathers, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, grew hemp on their plantations for its versatility. Hemp fibers were used for textiles, ropes, and sails, while its seeds were used for food and oil. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the plant began to be seriously considered for its medicinal properties. By the late 1800s, cannabis tinctures and hemp extracts were widely used in medicine to treat ailments such as pain, muscle spasms, and even conditions like epilepsy and anxiety.
Early 20th Century Decline: The 1900s brought with it a crackdown on hemp and cannabis, largely due to political and social factors, including the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which effectively banned hemp farming in the U.S. Hemp’s medicinal use diminished during this period, as the plant was swept up in the growing war on drugs and the stigmatization of cannabis in general.
The 2014 Farm Bill: A Glimmer of Hope for Hemp
In 2014, there was a major turning point. With bipartisan support, the Agricultural Act of 2014—better known as the Farm Bill of 2014—was passed, providing the framework for the legal cultivation of industrial hemp in the U.S. for research purposes. This bill allowed state departments of agriculture and universities to cultivate hemp, but only for research into its agricultural and medicinal uses. It was a small victory for the hemp community, but it laid the groundwork for future legislation that would expand hemp farming beyond research.
The 2018 Farm Bill: Legalization of Hemp
The real breakthrough came in 2018 with the passage of the Farm Bill of 2018, which removed hemp from the list of controlled substances and made it legal to cultivate hemp on a national level. This historic legislation legalized industrial hemp (defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC) and allowed farmers to grow it for a variety of purposes, including for the production of CBD products. The bill also provided more clarity and regulation on hemp production, creating an agriculture-friendly framework for the industry to grow.
In essence, the 2018 Farm Bill marked the reintroduction of hemp as a legal and viable crop in the U.S., ushering in a new era for hemp farming, hemp-derived CBD products, and the medicinal hemp industry as a whole.
The Current Status of the Farm Bill and Hemp Farming
While the 2018 Farm Bill was a significant victory for the hemp industry, there are still challenges ahead. Hemp farming is not without its hurdles. Issues like state-level regulation, lack of processing infrastructure, and confusion over federal and state laws still persist. For example, CBD products—while legal at the federal level—are still subject to state-by-state regulation, making it challenging for producers to navigate the legal landscape.
Efforts to Protect Hemp Farming
As hemp continues to regain its place in both agriculture and medicine, it’s essential for individuals to be aware of legislative changes and support efforts to protect and strengthen the hemp industry.
Advocacy and Legislation: Groups like the Hemp Industries Association (HIA) and the National Hemp Association are working hard to lobby for better support for hemp farmers and producers. These organizations advocate for legislation that can create a stable market for hemp, protect hemp’s status as a legitimate agricultural commodity, and streamline state-level regulatory processes.
Regulatory Clarity: One of the biggest challenges facing hemp farmers today is uncertainty in regulatory policy. While the Farm Bill of 2018 legalized hemp, questions around how state regulations align with federal rules persist. Ongoing advocacy efforts are focused on clearer regulations and consistent standards across the country.
How You Can Help Protect the Hemp Industry
As consumers, you play a critical role in supporting the hemp industry. Here’s how you can help protect hemp farming, support the movement, and ensure its future success:
Patronize Family-Owned Hemp Farms: By purchasing hemp-derived products from small, family-owned farms like ours, you’re directly supporting the hemp industry. These farms put care and attention into the quality of their products and are at the heart of the hemp renaissance.
Advocate for Hemp: Stay informed about hemp-related legislation. Contact your local representatives to show your support for policies that promote hemp farming, research, and production. Joining advocacy groups or writing to your lawmakers can help ensure that the hemp industry continues to thrive.
Buy from Reputable Sources: Whether you’re purchasing CBD products, THCa flower, or hemp-based wellness items, always choose trusted, transparent sources. Supporting farms that operate with integrity helps protect the reputation and growth of the hemp industry.
Spread the Word: Talk to your friends and family about the benefits of hemp and the ongoing legal battles. The more people understand the potential of hemp, the stronger the push for its future in both medicine and agriculture.
Why It Matters for You—and for Us
At Midwest CBD, we’ve seen firsthand the potential of hemp to provide natural, effective alternatives for health and wellness. From pain relief to anxiety management, hemp can play a role in so many aspects of life. But to ensure that hemp farming remains a viable option for future generations, we need your support.
So, how can you help us? Patronize our farm—whether you’re purchasing CBD products, THCa flower, or simply learning about hemp, your support directly impacts our ability to continue growing, researching, and sharing the benefits of this incredible plant.
We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re committed to providing you with the highest-quality, naturally grown hemp products. Together, we can ensure that the hemp industry continues to grow and thrive for years to come.
