Minny Grown's hibernate gummies for sleep work great for jet lag.
As a veteran travel journalist regularly crossing time zones, I discovered road warrior weariness wasn’t enough to overcome sleep deprivation. Jet lag kept me awake in new destinations. Jet lag kept me awake at home. Eventually, worry over falling and staying asleep triggered sleep anxiety which developed into full-blown insomnia.
Armed with workbooks, textbooks, and podcasts, I studied the condition, experimenting with a variety of treatments, from improved sleep hygiene, additional exercise, short bouts of Ambien, and finally two rounds of cognitive behavioral therapy. Nothing worked until a friend, also a woman in her 40s dealing with sleep debt, recommended hemp-derived cannabinoid gummies. Products labeled delta-8 or delta-9 had flooded the market, a growing industry thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. I ordered a packet of 10 specifically formulated for sleep from a company called Minny Grown in Minnesota and experienced my first full 8 hours in almost a year.
I contacted the founder of the company, Zazh Rohr, for clarity on what exactly I was ingesting. I wanted to understand the intent and implications of the 2018 Farm Bill and the meaning of the various terms associated with new hemp-derived products. As a fan of his low-key gummies, I also wanted to know if the government had plans to dismantle the industry as legislators became aware of the burgeoning hemp and CBD landscape. Notably, could I travel with Delta-9 gummies and enjoy the benefits of sleep on the road?
When did you have the idea to start Minny Grown?
My journey with Minny Grown traces back to a profound moment during my law school years, a time met with health challenges that shook the very core of my being. Amidst the relentless pain and sleepless nights, I grappled with the daunting question of my life's purpose. However, amidst this tumultuous period, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of cannabis/CBD.
It was a revelation sparked by the remarkable journey of my two younger cousins battling Angelman Syndrome. Witnessing their struggle against a torrent of seizures, each day a battle against the odds was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Yet, amidst this adversity, CBD emerged as a lifeline, offering them respite and a newfound sense of well-being.
As I embraced CBD in my own wellness regimen, its transformative power became undeniable. The positive impact it had on my health ignited a fire within me—a deep-seated conviction to harness this natural remedy for the betterment of others. Thus, Minny Grown was born.
Through Minny Grown, I seek to not only provide access to high-quality CBD and cannabis products, but also to cultivate a culture of holistic wellness and empowerment. It's not just about selling a product; it's about fostering a movement—one that champions health, resilience, and the potential of natural remedies.
Minny Grown founder Zach Rohr
Did you see the Farm Bill as an opportunity to start a business in a new niche market?
While my personal journey with cannabis certainly played a role, it was the seismic shift brought about by the 2018 Farm Bill that ignited my entrepreneurial spirit.
As a student of food and drug law, I immersed myself in a comprehensive legal review, dissecting the intricacies of the FDA, FD&C Act, and the burgeoning hemp and CBD landscape. The more I delved into this realm, the more captivated I became by the boundless potential it held. The decision to embark on this journey was not without its challenges. Balancing the demands of law school and bar exam preparation with the birth of Minny Grown was no small feat.
Central to Minny Grown's ethos is the commitment to manufacturing excellence and local empowerment. Recognizing Minnesota's rich agricultural heritage, I saw an opportunity to pioneer change by establishing the state's first hemp manufacturing facility. It was a bold step, but one that resonated with our mission to not only provide premium CBD products but also to champion local industry and innovation.
Our product range encompasses a diverse array of offerings, from THC to CBD gummies, drinks, tinctures, topicals and edibles.
What do you think was the original intention behind the Farm Bill? And how have those intentions played out across the U.S.?
I believe the original intention behind the Farm Bill was rooted in a desire to harness the versatile potential of hemp as a sustainable resource for various industries, ranging from textiles and paper to biofuels. The legislation sought to unlock the economic and environmental benefits of hemp cultivation, paving the way for innovation and diversification in agriculture.
However, the language employed in the bill, particularly the broad definition of hemp and its derivatives, proved to be a double-edged sword. While intended to provide clarity and guidance, it inadvertently opened the floodgates to a burgeoning cannabis market, characterized by a lack of regulation and oversight.
The authors likely never anticipated the far-reaching implications of their language, which has effectively ushered in an era of unprecedented growth and innovation in the cannabis industry. Yet, it has also underscored the need for comprehensive regulation to ensure consumer safety and market integrity.
Ultimately, while the Farm Bill succeeded in catalyzing progress and opportunity, it also highlighted the importance of thoughtful regulation and continued dialogue to navigate the evolving landscape of cannabis legalization.
Zach Rohr in the field with hemp product.
Can you explain to readers how the farm bill works and what it allows and doesn't allow.
The Farm Bill serves as a cornerstone for the burgeoning hemp industry, offering states the latitude to establish USDA hemp programs and paving the way for farmers to cultivate cannabis varieties with THC levels below 0.3%, thereby classified as hemp.
However, the bill's language leaves much to interpretation, resulting in a regulatory landscape rife with ambiguity. This ambiguity has effectively allowed companies to explore a vast array of hemp derivatives, provided they maintain THC concentrations within the prescribed limit.
This latitude extends beyond traditional applications such as textiles and paper, encompassing a wide spectrum of products, including vape cartridges containing delta-8, delta-10, THCV, THCO, and THCP—compounds that, while derived from hemp, exhibit intoxicating properties akin to Delta-9 THC.
Moreover, the Farm Bill has catalyzed the explosive growth of the edibles market, with products like gummies and beverages emerging as dominant sectors within the hemp industry. In Minnesota alone, this market has flourished, surpassing $100 million annually and continuing to expand rapidly.
You'll find these products not only in specialized CBD shops, but also in mainstream retail outlets like grocery chains and liquor stores, reflecting the widespread acceptance and integration of hemp-derived goods into everyday consumer culture.
I've noticed that states are catching on to Delta products and are making moves, from New York to South Carolina, to regulate, or in some cases, throttle growth. Restrictions, however, don’t always serve the consumer. In New York, for example, new rules about delta seltzers in liquor stores were supposedly urged by the alcohol industry in a bid to stifle competition.
You're absolutely right. States across the country are beginning to grapple with the complexities of hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 and delta-9, prompting a spectrum of regulatory responses from stringent oversight to outright bans.
This dynamic landscape has been aptly dubbed the 'cannabis civil war,' reflecting the divergent paths taken by different states in regulating these products. Some, like South Carolina, are tightening regulations by restricting language on packaging, while others are contemplating outright bans.
However, amidst this regulatory patchwork, there's a pressing need for federal intervention to provide clarity and consistency. By establishing robust regulations, the federal government can ensure consumer access to safe and standardized hemp-derived THC and CBD products.
Indeed, this presents an extraordinary opportunity for regulatory alignment that transcends state boundaries. States should not be left to navigate this complex terrain in isolation; rather, federal oversight is crucial to fostering a regulatory framework that promotes consumer safety while preserving access to beneficial hemp-derived products.
What do you think is the future of the hemp and cannabis/THC based products?
At present, we're witnessing a fascinating interplay between these two realms. Newcomers to the cannabis space are gravitating towards hemp-derived products like low-dose THC beverages and gummies, drawn to their accessibility and wellness benefits. Meanwhile, the traditional marijuana market retains a loyal following, particularly among consumers who prefer smokable products such as flower, pre-rolls, and vapes.
In response to this dynamic landscape, companies in the cannabis sphere are strategically diversifying their operations, straddling both the hemp and marijuana sectors. This approach allows us to 'hedge' our bets and capitalize on the myriad opportunities unfolding in this nascent industry.
Minny Grown artist series
I saw your "artists" series with some new flavors. What a fun concept. What's next in innovating gummies and drinks?
First off - thank you for calling it FUN - that is what it’s all about for us! Innovation lies at the heart of the cannabis industry, and at Minny Grown, we're committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity with every product we offer.
Why an artist series? Because for us, cannabis is more than just a product—it's a cultural movement, and we believe in connecting with our customers on a deeper level, tapping into the essence of creativity and self-expression.
When it comes to innovating gummies and drinks, the sky's the limit. We're constantly exploring new flavor profiles and concepts to delight our customers. From classic favorites to bold, adventurous blends, we're dedicated to dropping 1-2 new gummy flavors every 60-90 days, keeping our offerings fresh and exciting.
But we don't stop there. Innovation extends to our hemp-derived THC cannabis cocktails, where we're expanding our lineup to include an enticing summer variety pack. This seasonal selection will feature tantalizing options like bluebeary mojito, pina colada, mimosa, and sunshine TeaHC, offering a taste of summer in every sip.
Which states can you currently ship to?
The legality of shipping hemp products varies by state due to differences in regulations and interpretations of federal law. Generally, hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC are legal under federal law, but individual states may have their own restrictions or requirements. At this point in the game, it is essentially legal to ship hemp products to all 50 states.
What’s the bottom line on traveling with delta-based gummies?*
We have customers that travel frequently with our gummies but definitely not something we “advise.”
*For further understanding of the current TSA guidance, see the following language issued by the the Transportation Security Administration on medical marijuana. “Marijuana and certain cannabis infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA. (See the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-334.)”
Reading through the lines, hemp-derived products with no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis are not federally illegal – the Farm Bill removed hemp from the DEA's schedule of controlled substances.
Answer? We’re not here to give advice, so research your products before packing and flying.
