Cream City Wellness, a recently opened shop in Milwaukee’s Third Ward, processes and sells hemp the owners grew themselves. Operated by the Gengembre family—two brothers and a wife—and a few friends passionate about CBD, the business opened the doors to one of its greenhouses for the Shepherd Express. Within, rows upon rows of vigorous cannabis plants, surrounded in the characteristic, heady scent of cannabis, bathed in the light and warmth—a sight that seemed to be a pipe dream just a few years ago.
“When the hemp pilot program was started, we grew a few acres in the field to test different varieties,” said Cream City Wellness’ co-owner and head grower, Alex Gengembre. “We bought 11 different kinds to see how they would grow, and that was how we started the process. We were very fortunate because everything that we grew passed the state tests and also produced adequate-to-high levels of CBD.”
Their crops are divided between greenhouses and a field, although all of the products currently sold in their store are greenhouse-grown. Growing hemp in a greenhouse allows more control over the plants’ quality and development, which is one of Cream City Wellness’ most important principles—small batches and attentive care to grow the best hemp possible. They do not use pesticides, and they mix their own soil to ensure control over every step of the growing process.
“Greenhouses definitely eliminate a lot of variables. When you’re out in the field, you’re battling elements: you’re battling wind, you’re battling rain, you’re battling pests that you cannot keep under control. In a greenhouse, you’re dealing with a more controlled environment and, in return, you’re able to produce a higher-quality product,” Alex Gengembre explained.
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