More women are entering the cannabis industry every day. From farmers to dispensary owners, we’re seeing the female presence more and more.
It’s crucial to remember that the cannabis industry stretches far and wide, well beyond farming operations and smokable products.
Today, we’d like to introduce you to Natasha and Ana Redwood, co-founders of the company, USA Hemp Co.
In this exclusive interview, we ask them how they got into the industry, what it’s like being females in a male-dominated community, and how they plan to grow their business.
Miss Marijuana: How did you make the jump from your past careers to the CBD/hemp industry?
Natasha & Ana: We are a small family business. One entire generation of our family actually started USA Hemp right out of college.
We are made up of two brothers, one sister, and one sister- in law. We saw how popular hemp was becoming in the United States, and knew we had to take a leap of faith as a family.
In the end, it all worked out, and we couldn’t be happier to have made the choice we did.
MM: How did you meet and why did you decide to partner together?
N&A: We are a family-run business. We saw the need to bring natural wellness to those who could benefit from hemp and decided we could serve effectively that mission together as a group.
MM: Can you describe the moment when you came up with the idea to start USA Hemp?
N&A: Rather than one single moment, we slowly realized that we each had applicable skills for this business, and that it was something we could do as a family.
Each of us brings a unique perspective and skillset for different parts of operating a hemp farm and CBD business.
MM: What was the first step you took when you decided to move forward with your business?
N&A: Once we realized this was our collective dream as a family, we decided to move to Oregon from the Carolinas.
We purchased a farm, started growing hemp, and began rescuing farm animals all in our very first year. It was a big transition for us all!
MM: What was the biggest move you made to take your business to the next level?
N&A: We originally just planned on growing hemp to sell to other CBD companies.
But when we began to see how big of an impact CBD has made on others, we decided to be the champions of our CBD ourselves.
Farm-to-table CBD products offer something special to the consumer and gives us full control over the production process.
We wanted to create a public brand that was 100% sustainable, organic, and trustworthy. So we did so.
MM: What has been the most difficult part about getting into and growing your CBD/hemp business?
N&A: There are always lots of ups and downs that any company may face. There are so many small hurdles in so many different aspects of our business.
We were one of the first 50 companies in the state of Oregon to obtain a license to produce hemp.
We have become one of the productive growers in the state, and at five years old, we are one of the pioneers in the US market.
We have even recently expanded our mission to partner with doctors in Brazil prescribing medicinal CBD.
But first and foremost, as farmers, our biggest challenge is during harvest. When it comes to hemp you need to be very tedious and caring with your crop to make sure you produce the highest quality product on the market.
Harvest is the most important time for any hemp farmer. We think our obsession with our fields makes our CBD some of the most effective and purest hemp available.
MM: Have you noticed any disadvantages of being a woman in the industry? Any benefits?
N&A: We are a small family business with multiple female owners and employees.
Our collaborative spirit has made it an equal working environment for us all. We are fortunate to never have experienced any disadvantages of being a woman in the hemp industry.
We’ve been treated fairly by everyone we have worked with since the beginning of this experience.
MM: What would you tell other women who were thinking about getting into the CBD/hemp industry?
N&A: To follow your heart, and don’t let anyone stop you. Doing something new is always challenging, but the sweetest rewards never come without hard work and dedication, even in the face of obstacles.
MM: What’s next for USA Hemp?
N&A: We have big goals for 2021. We constantly strive to grow and learn as a company.
We’re constantly working on improving our growing methods and product quality, even when we don’t think they could possibly improve any more!
We’re working on some new products and educational programs in 2021, so stay tuned for big things from us!
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Shannon U. is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.