The 9th annual NoCo Hemp Expo featured speakers from all over the hemp business world who came together to move the industry forward with examinations of policy, processing, supply chain, and opportunity. Over three days of programming, speakers, and workshops focused on the need for a united voice if the industry is to achieve its potential.
In his opening remarks, show producer Morris Beegle noted that industry leaders agree on 95% of what needs to be done to advance the hemp supply chain. "We need to leave the 5% behind and join hands to march with one voice to make this hemp industry what we know it can be," he said.
Cannabis legal expert Bob Hoban echoed the message, urging hemp industry participants to look at their competition as "co-opetition" and reminding the audience that the hemp supply chain is complex. "Everyone is under the misconception that they can do things on their own," he said.
Unprecedented partnership and collaboration
Jared Stanley, chief operating officer of CBD company Charlotte's Web, said partnerships like the one his firm has with Major League Baseball will propel the hemp industry's success. "Education is the foundation of our partnership," he said. Stanley also noted that the company's mission and vision "aligned" with the MLB's, with both organizations dedicated to player wellness. It is the first such partnership between a CBD brand and a national athletic league.
In an unprecedented meeting, over 50 participants from more than 10 hemp advocacy and policy organizations gathered to emphasize the points where they agreed on moving federal policy ahead. U.S. Hemp Roundtable General Counsel Jonathan Miller opened the meeting by saying that he hoped participants would stay positive and work together to gain more policy advantages for the industry.
Expo producer Morris Beegle was upbeat. "I have always focused on optimism, positivity and bringing industry stakeholders together," Beegle said. "I'm pleased with the energy and outcome of this year's three-day show."
NoCo Hemp Expo will take place again next year at The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs from March 20-22, 2024.
For more information:
NoCo Hemp Expo 
www.nocohempexo.com