The Peru Tapes: Exploring Hemp and Cannabis Opportunities in Latin America

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11/05/24 • 99 min

Pioneering Hemp in Peru: A Deep Dive into the Andean Trade Forum

In this episode of the *Let's Talk Hemp Volume Up* podcast, host Morris Beagle recaps his experience at the Andean Hemp and Cannabis Trade Forum in Lima, Peru, and discusses the event's key highlights and discussions with various industry experts. The forum, organized by GCNC with assistance from Futura Farms, gathered stakeholders, government officials, and industry leaders from Peru and beyond to explore the burgeoning hemp market in Latin America.

Morris speaks with Beau Whitney, Jill Reddish, Patrick Atagi, and other key players who delve into the potential of Peru as a strategic player in hemp production. Key topics include Peru’s emerging hemp laws, which set a THC threshold of 1% for hemp products, opportunities for exports, and the importance of a supportive regulatory framework. Experts also discussed the role of international cooperation, with shared insights on genetic research, regulatory lessons from the U.S. and Europe, and the need for accessible technology to drive the industry forward.

There was consensus that Peru and other South American countries could benefit from lessons learned in North America and Europe to avoid regulatory hurdles and market limitations. The podcast closes with an optimistic outlook for the hemp industry's potential growth in Latin America and upcoming events focused on hemp policy and global market expansion.

Show Sponsor - Her Many Voices - hermanyvoices.org

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
00:00:38 - Overview of the Peru Tapes
00:01:00 - Event Background and Organizers
00:01:42 - Global Hemp Supply Chain Panel
00:02:15 - Her Many Voices Sponsorship
00:02:29 - Interview with Event Facilitator
00:03:09 - Challenges in the Peruvian Market
00:03:25 - Focus on Medical Cannabis
00:04:17 - Regulatory Landscape in Peru
00:05:02 - CBD and THC Regulations
00:05:30 - Event Collaboration with GCNC
00:06:04 - Event Planning and Execution
00:07:09 - Support from Peruvian Government
00:08:03 - Congressional Support for Hemp Regulation
00:09:03 - Regulatory and Law Enforcement Cooperation
00:10:02 - Importance of Stakeholder Conversations
00:10:49 - Future Plans for the Event
00:11:00 - Market Development and Investment
00:12:27 - Closing Remarks from Event Facilitator
00:12:57 - Interview with Jill Redish from GCNC
00:13:24 - GCNC's Role in the Event
00:14:07 - Event Agenda and Focus
00:15:09 - Feedback and Outcomes
00:15:53 - Meetings with U.S. Embassy
00:16:36 - Regulatory Comparisons and Suggestions
00:17:19 - Pollination Role in Marketplaces
00:18:08 - Future Event Plans
00:18:41 - Networking and Cuisine in Lima
00:19:06 - Peruvian Cuisine Highlights
00:20:04 - Interview with Rob Perro from ICIA
00:20:35 - ICIA's Role and Goals
00:21:00 - Event Impressions and Networking
00:21:23 - Future Collaboration and Integration
00:22:02 - Upcoming ICIA Event in Washington, DC
00:22:43 - Cannabis Industry Challenges and Solutions
00:23:53 - Interview with Patrick Otagi from NIHC
00:24:08 - Business and Personal Insights from the Trip
00:24:31 - Regulatory Landscape in South America
00:25:10 - U.S. Government Agency Challenges
00:25:38 - Support from USDA and Other Agencies
00:26:13 - Peruvian Market Potential
00:27:01 - Event Success and Future Plans
00:27:23 - Small World Connections
00:28:33 - Interview with Vito Cechak from Poland
00:28:56 - Support for New Markets
00:29:33 - Panel Discussion on Hemp Supply Chain
00:30:31 - Challenges in Industrial Hemp Development
00:31:08 - Government and Industry Cooperation
00:32:44 - Argentina's Hemp Market Development
00:33:14 - Genetics and Market Research in Argentina
00:34:00 - Cooperation with Local Companies
00:35:15 - Study Tour from Argentina
00:36:00 - Potential...

Pioneering Hemp in Peru: A Deep Dive into the Andean Trade Forum

Show Sponsor - Her Many Voices - hermanyvoices.org

TIMESTAMPS:

Previous Episode

The Japan Tapes: U.S. Delegates at the Tokyo International Hemp Conference

From Seed to Fiber: U.S. Hemp Industry's Trade Mission to Japan

Episode Description:
Welcome back to the Let's Talk Hemp Volume Up Podcast! I'm your host, Morris Beagle, and today we have a special episode for you: The Japan Tapes. This episode features a series of short, on-the-ground interviews recorded at the inaugural Tokyo International Hemp Conference. This event marked a significant milestone for the U.S. hemp industry, with 26 delegates from various companies and organizations coming together for a groundbreaking trade mission to Japan.

Episode Highlights:

Introduction:

The Tokyo International Hemp Conference was a major event for the U.S. hemp industry, featuring 26 delegates from various companies and organizations.

The trade mission included attending the conference, a high-profile meeting at the Royal Thai Embassy, and participation in the Asia Hemp Entrepreneur Program.

A highlight of the trip was visiting an eighth-generation farm known for producing golden hemp, a fiber traditionally used in Shinto temples and sumo wrestling rituals.

The mission was spearheaded by the National Industrial Hemp Council of America (NIHC) with support from a $750,000 USDA grant.

Interviews:

Clyde Carpenter (New York Fashion Innovation Center):

Discusses his role as a lab manager focused on natural fibers like wool, hemp, and flax.

Shares insights on the importance of international collaboration and his takeaways from the event.

Gary Sykes (North Carolina):

Talks about his involvement in the textile industry and the importance of protecting farmers.

Emphasizes the significance of regenerative agriculture and his learnings from the trip.

Guy Carpenter (Bear Fiber):

Highlights the importance of raising awareness about hemp fiber and the potential for U.S. hemp in the Japanese market.

Shares his excitement about the demand for American de-gummed refined fiber in Japan.

Jacob Waddell (Hemp Building Institute):

Focuses on the development of hemp building materials and the importance of accurate carbon calculations.

Discusses his meeting with a Japanese official working on building codes for hempcrete.

Jean Lotus (U.S. Hemp Building Association):

Talks about her work as a journalist and publisher focused on hemp building materials.

Shares insights on the potential for hempcrete in Japan, especially for rehabbing vacant properties.

Joe Hickey (Kentucky Farmers Co-op):

Reflects on his long history in the hemp industry and the importance of international collaboration.

Expresses gratitude for the opportunity to learn and share ideas at the conference.

Mike Klump (AgMarvels):

Describes his seed-to-sale business in Michigan and the importance of face-to-face interactions.

Shares his interest in expanding into grain and fiber applications.

Patrick Atagi (NIHC):

Discusses the success of the event and the importance of working together to promote U.S. hemp internationally.

Highlights upcoming events and initiatives by the NIHC.

Paul Benham (Hemp Plastic Company):

Talks about his work in hemp bioplastics and the potential for collaboration with Japanese companies.

Reflects on the growth of the hemp industry in Japan and the importance of international partnerships.

Ray Kaderli (U.S. Hemp Building Association):

Emphasizes the significance of building and construction using industrial hemp.

Shares his takeaways from the trip and the importance of human connections in the industry.

Robin Destiche (Konopi U.S.):

Discusses his work in seed distribution and agronomy and the potential for U.S. hemp in Japan.

Shares his excitement about the opportunities for collaboration and trade.

Additional Guest interviews include:

Saddam Hussein
Tim McCarthy
Todd Hughes
Veronica Frantz
William Sale
Wu Zhaohui

Upcoming Events:

Andean Hemp and Cannabis Trade Forum in Peru: October 17th-19th.

Asia International Hemp Expo in Bangkok, Thailand: November 27th-30th.

11th Annual NOCO Hemp Expo in Estes Park, Colorado: April 10th-12th.

22nd EIHA Conference and Experience Hemp Berlin: June 11th-13th.

Stay tuned for the second half of our exclusive interviews from the Tokyo International Hemp Conference. Thank you for listening, and...

Next Episode

Indigenous Washington DC Policy Tapes

"Empowering Indigenous Voices: Highlights from the National Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit"

In this episode of the Let's Talk Hemp podcast, I had the pleasure of attending the National Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. This remarkable event, organized by Mary Jane Oatman, Rob Pero, and the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), brought together tribal leaders, industry professionals, healthcare experts, and policymakers to discuss critical cannabis and hemp policy issues affecting indigenous communities.

Throughout the summit, we engaged in three days of insightful keynotes, roundtables, and panel discussions that covered a wide range of topics, including cannabis economic development, the legal landscape of hemp derivatives, sustainable cultivation, and the role of cannabis in addressing health concerns like PTSD. A key focus was on tribal sovereignty and the need for cannabis policies that reflect the unique needs of indigenous communities.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Rob Pero from ICIA, who shared his thoughts on the event's success and the importance of collaboration among diverse voices in the cannabis industry. We discussed how the summit fostered an intimate environment for meaningful conversations and emotional connections, which is often lacking in larger industry events.

Mary Jane Oatman also joined me to discuss the history of the ICIA and the significance of this year's summit. She emphasized the importance of partnerships and the need for indigenous communities to have a seat at the table in the broader cannabis conversation.

Additionally, I spoke with various attendees, including Eben Sumner, Mike Lamuto, Hunter Buffington, Alicia Fall from Her Many Voices and Ross Sloan, who highlighted the collaborative spirit of the event and the potential for indigenous communities to lead in the cannabis space. The discussions underscored the importance of unity and shared goals in advancing cannabis policy and creating opportunities for underserved communities.

Overall, this episode captures the essence of the summit and the exciting developments in the cannabis industry as indigenous voices continue to rise and make an impact. I look forward to seeing how these conversations evolve and the progress we can achieve together in the future.

Her Many Voices

00:00:00 - Welcome to the Let's Talk Hemp Podcast
Introduction to the podcast and the host, Morris Beagle, along with the event details.

00:01:00 - National Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit Overview
Discussion of the summit's purpose, key topics, and the importance of tribal sovereignty.

00:02:00 - Networking and Community Building
Emphasis on the networking opportunities and the collaborative spirit of the event.

00:03:00 - Event Structure and Participation
Recap of the event's format, including keynotes, panels, and the diversity of participants.

00:05:00 - Indigenous Voices in Cannabis
Highlighting the shift towards more indigenous leadership and representation in the cannabis industry.

00:06:00 - Emotional Impact of the Summit
Discussion on the emotional resonance of the event and the importance of shared experiences.

00:08:00 - Comparing Conferences
Comparison of the intimacy and engagement at this summit versus larger industry events.

00:10:00 - Global Connections and Indigenous Leadership
Exploration of the potential for indigenous communities to lead in the global hemp and cannabis industries.

00:12:00 - International Trade and Sovereignty
Discussion on the advantages of tribal sovereignty in international trade and cannabis.

00:14:00 - Collaboration Across Organizations
The importance of collaboration among various organizations to advance cannabis policy.

00:16:00 - Building a Supportive Community
Recognition of the need for a supportive community to foster progress in the cannabis industry.

00:18:00 - Future of Cannabis and Hemp
Looking ahead to the future of cannabis and hemp industries and the role of indigenous communities.

00:19:00 - Mary Jane Oatman Interview
Introduction to Mary Jane Oatman and her reflections on the summit's success.

00:21:00 - History of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Overview of the formation and goals of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association.

00:23:00 - Future Events and Dates
Announcement of the next Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit dates.

00:25:00 - Inclusivity and Diverse Voices
Discussion on the importance of inc...