Hemp's Unintended High: Regulation Gaps and Indigenous Ethical Growth

Eric Steenstra discussed the complex federal journey of hemp legalization, highlighting the shift from the 2014 Farm Bill's original non-intoxicating intent to the unintended conversion of CBD into intoxicating cannabinoids like Delta 8 and Delta 9 following the 2018 Farm Bill. Steenstra expressed concern over the FDA's failure to establish clear regulations for hemp products, which could result in unsafe, high-potency items entering the market. In contrast to the regulatory uncertainty, he emphasized the guiding principles of his company, Skyworld, which is rooted in an indigenous philosophy of ethical growth, community empowerment, and a commitment to supporting Native American sovereignty and economic development through cannabis.