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Author: Grace Gonzales

Cultivating Wellness: The Journey of Endozondo Farm

Written by Grace Gonzales on . Posted in Cultivation.

Endozondo Farm, a Texas-based hemp operation, was born from a passion for natural wellness and a desire to offer affordable alternatives to traditional medicine. Founded by Arturo Elizondo and his family, the farm’s mission goes beyond cultivation—they are committed to sustainable farming, community education, and elevating Texas as a leader in the hemp industry. In this interview, Elizondo shares the inspiration behind Endozondo Farm, the sustainable practices that drive their work, and his vision for a future where Texas-grown hemp is recognized and celebrated nationwide.

What inspired the founding of Endozondo Farm, and how did it evolve into a hemp-focused operation?

  • We were inspired by seeing friends and family face legal consequences for using a natural plant to find relief from various ailments. This fueled our passion to offer people an affordable, natural alternative to pharmaceuticals.

Can you describe the specific types of hemp you cultivate and the primary products you produce?

  • We focus on cultivating unique hemp genetics tailored to our customers’ needs. Potency and purity are our top priorities, which drive our selection and pheno-hunting processes.

What sustainable farming practices does Endozondo Farm implement to ensure environmental responsibility?

  • We use coco coir as a growing medium, which we recycle multiple times for both veg and flower stages. Our targeted watering cycles allow us to conserve water throughout the day.

How does Endozondo Farm contribute to the local community and the hemp industry in Texas?

  • We actively participate in local farmers’ markets and sponsor community events. Education on health and wellness is a big part of our mission, as well as supporting The Elizondo Foundation, our family’s nonprofit organization.

What challenges have you faced in the hemp farming industry, and how have you overcome them?

  • Texas lawmakers often seem more supportive of out-of-state interests, allowing them to sell products statewide while Texas farmers face restrictive regulations. We hope to see lawmakers prioritize Texas-grown products, giving local farmers a fair chance to thrive.

Can you share the story behind the name “Endozondo” and its significance to your mission?

  • The name combines “Endo,” for the endocannabinoid system, and “Zondo” from our family name, Elizondo. It reflects our commitment to harnessing natural plant properties

What role does innovation play in your farming techniques and product development?

  • We keep our processes straightforward, using automated watering systems and climate control to monitor grow conditions. For the most part, we let the plants thrive naturally, intervening only to optimize their health.

How do you ensure the quality and safety of your hemp products from cultivation to market?

  • Quality starts with maintaining controlled environments and a strict integrated pest management (IPM) protocol. We prioritize cleanliness, advance planning, and state-approved testing to ensure our products are safe and reliable.

What advice would you give to new farmers interested in starting their own hemp operations in Texas?

  • Educate yourself thoroughly and be prepared for long hours. Stay committed, and just go for it.

What are your future goals for Endozondo Farm, and how do you envision the growth of the hemp industry in Texas?

  • Our goal is to keep producing high-quality hemp with our customers’ wellness in mind, while continuing to educate the community on health. We see Texas becoming a hemp powerhouse, with a thriving local industry that supports our state’s farmers.

For more information, please go to: www.EndoZondo.com.

 

 

Illinois – Calls for Sensible Hemp Industry Regulation

Written by Grace Gonzales on . Posted in Legislative.

Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association Calls for Sensible Hemp Industry Regulation

 

Governor Pritzker is scheduled to hold a press conference on Friday to address issues in the hemp industry. The Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association, comprising retailers, growers, manufacturers, and distributors, advocates for smart regulation to protect public safety, ensure consumer access to high-quality wellness products, promote small businesses, and generate tax revenue for the state. The Association urges the Governor and legislators to collaborate with industry stakeholders to safeguard children, consumers, and workers.
The Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association calls on the Governor and the Illinois Legislature to implement sensible regulations, including age-gating and safety measures, to allow the sale of federally compliant products in local businesses rather than unregulated markets.
In the 2024 legislative session, the Senate proposed a bill to regulate the hemp industry that inadvertently favors the billion-dollar Big Marijuana industry over small businesses. This bill has been sent to the House for a concurrence vote. If it passes the House, this legislation will ban federally compliant, non-intoxicating full-spectrum CBD sold at local businesses, which contribute to local economies and provide relief to veterans and seniors. The bill would still permit online, out-of-state, or non-Illinois businesses to sell without restrictions, contributing nothing to local communities.
Key Issues with the Legislation:
  • Failure to Protect Children: The bill does not adequately prevent children from accessing intoxicating products. A JAMA study found that 11% of teens used delta-8, compared to 30% who used marijuana. The bill focuses on hemp-derived cannabinoids rather than addressing marijuana accessibility.
  • Illicit Market Growth: The bill’s failure to regulate online and out-of-state sales could drive the growth of an illicit market, as acknowledged during Senate debates.
  • Excessive Penalties: HB 4293 imposes harsh penalties for accidental violations, including $10,000/day fines, loss of licensure, property seizures, and Consumer Fraud Act violations, with no grace period for compliance.
  • Flawed Licensing Scheme: The bill’s licensing system, based on the problematic cannabis model, disenfranchises minority and low-income communities.
  • Technical and Scientific Flaws: The bill’s errors and unscientific definitions would ban all non-intoxicating CBD products, including those for pets and cosmetics, and prohibit standard CBD processing practices.
  • Unworkable Standards: Imposing a 0.3% THC limit on interim products would halt extraction processes in Illinois. The bill’s product standards, limiting THC content to less than 0.5mg per serving or 2mg per package, would outlaw most current hemp products, including non-intoxicating full-spectrum CBD.
Background: The Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association fosters a thriving, sustainable, and equitable hemp industry in Illinois through outreach, education, legislative advocacy, quality standards, compliance efforts, market resources, and economic opportunities. The Association encourages the Governor and the Legislature to work with industry stakeholders to gather all the facts and consider the consequences of proposed regulations before negatively impacting workers, consumers, and the Illinois economy. The goal is to get it right, not just act quickly.
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Upcoming Events

Written by Grace Gonzales on . Posted in News.

With the rapid growth of the hemp industry in Texas, upcoming events and workshops offer invaluable opportunities to connect with industry leaders, acquire practical insights, and engage in meaningful advocacy. These events highlight sustainable practices, provide updates on regulatory developments, and showcase innovative applications of hemp.

Upcoming Hemp Events in Texas

3rd Annual Texas Hemp Summit – Nov 1-2, 2024, Texas A&M AgriLife Center, College Station

Organized by the Texas Hemp Coalition, this two-day summit will explore hemp market trends, sustainable farming, and regulatory developments. Attendees can participate in networking sessions, workshops, and policy discussions, focusing on hemp’s environmental and economic impact.

Hemp-Ology – November 30, 1-2pm, Online

Discover the World of Hemp with Expert Dora Wilson-Jefferson. Join renowned hemp grower and author Dora Wilson-Jefferson for an engaging two-hour training session to empower beginners and experienced enthusiasts. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to expand your expertise, this event offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the hemp industry and its many applications. This session covers topics such as: exploring hemp’s versatility and discovering the wide range of uses and benefits of hemp, from wellness products to sustainable materials. Learning to stay ahead of trends: Gain insights into the latest industry trends and uncover emerging business opportunities to master best practices including understanding proven strategies and techniques for cultivating hemp successfully and maximizing your yields

Texas Hemp Building Summit – Dec 5, 2024, Austin

This summit brings together builders, architects, and environmental advocates to explore innovative uses of hemp in construction. Sessions will cover topics such as hempcrete applications, sustainable design, and eco-friendly building materials. Attendees will also take a guided tour of local projects using hemp-based materials, offering real-world insights into sustainable architecture.

National CBD Month – January

National CBD Month is celebrated every January, raising awareness about CBD’s potential wellness effects. CbdMD was officially founded to combat health challenges associated with the misperceptions of CBD. Throughout January, we aim to shine a spotlight on the hemp-derived substance, clear up misunderstandings, change perceptions, and set standards for superior CBD products.

Advocacy Training by the Texas Hemp Federation – Ongoing

These advocacy sessions empower participants to engage with lawmakers at the state and federal levels. Attendees will learn how to advocate effectively, understand current hemp regulations, and develop strategies to communicate the benefits of hemp to policymakers, contributing to legislative changes that support the industry.

Stay Engaged with Hemp Events

AllEvents: Search for “hemp” to discover additional workshops, summits, and networking opportunities across Texas and beyond.

Texas Hemp Coalition: Stay updated on events and advocacy efforts by visiting their website and following their social media channels.

Education and advocacy remain key drivers of the hemp industry’s growth in Texas. Participating in events like the Texas Hemp Summit, Hemp Building Summit, and Hemp for Health Workshop helps Texans stay informed and shape the future of this growing sector. Engaging in these initiatives ensures hemp becomes a vital part of the state’s agricultural, health, and economic development landscape, paving the way for sustainable and innovative solutions.

 

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