The American Healthy Alternatives Association teamed up with the CHAMPS Trade Shows to offer three seminars on “Safeguarding Hemp: Navigating Policies and Cultivating Sustainability in the Industry.” Considering the swift expansion of the hemp industry and the ever-changing legal landscape, it was imperative to provide attendees with reliable perspectives from prominent figures within the field. Below you will find replays of each panel!Â
What is the American Healthy Alternatives Association?
Fueled by an unwavering commitment to safeguarding every American’s entitlement to pursue a healthier lifestyle, liberated from the constraints of Big Pharma’s dominion, stands the American Healthy Alternatives Association Better known as AHAA. With a mission to tirelessly champion and advocate for individuals to make enlightened choices regarding their well-being, untouched by governmental or corporate influence. They defeat draconian legislative bills and restrictions. With an emphasis to share vital information and make voter contacts. Most importantly, to protect America’s right to healthy alternative medicine.
For more information head to https://myhealthyusa.org/Â
Lineup Of SpeakersÂ
Bret Worley
Seminar: 1, 2 and 3
Title: CEO
Company: MC Nutraceuticals
Bio: CEO and President of MC Nutraceuticals, Bret Worley, is a leading figure in the hemp-derived cannabinoids industry, driven by his passion for sharing expertise on various hemp-related topics. His focus spans from educating on hemp-derived cannabinoids and consumer safety to discussing the economics of the industry, the Farm Bill, regulatory affairs, and the future of hemp. He also advocates for collaboration between the hemp and cannabis sectors.
JD McCormick
Seminar: 2 and 3
Title: President
Company: American Healthy Alternatives Association and Florida Healthy Alternatives Association
Bio: Starting his first small vape company in 2016, JD has gone on to open several retail stores, wholesale brands, and has nearly 8 years of experience in political advocacy including being President of two associations in the alternative products space. JD founded the AHAA and has since gone on to fight legislation on behalf of small business owners all across the country and has helped to pass legislation in several states that shift the paradigm in the cannabis space. Drawing from a deeply personal connection to the cause, JD has been outspoken about the potential of hemp-based products as healthier alternatives to substances like alcohol and opioids. His advocacy is fueled by the story of his late father, who tragically became dependent on opioids and alcohol eventually costing him his life. This experience has not only shaped JD’s perspective but also intensified his dedication to promoting healthier lifestyle choices through hemp.Â
Philip Snow
Seminar: 2 and 3Â
Title: General Counsel
Company: MC Nutraceuticals
Bio: As an attorney in the cannabis space since 2011, Philip dedicates most of his time utilizing his broad experience to help inform and drive sensible regulations and policy movement within the industry. Since starting with the nation’s first marijuana only law firm and taking part in the passage of Colorado’s historic Amendment 64, Philip has focused his efforts helping small businesses succeed amid rapidly evolving regulatory landscapes in the cannabis industry. More recently, Philip has focused his practice on the nascent hemp and cannabinoid industry. As a solutions-oriented attorney, he works with clients to comply with rules and regulations governing all aspects of the hemp supply chain.Â
Joshua Mynatt
Seminar: 3Â
Title: Owner/president
Company: TerpFusion and South Carolina Healthy Alternatives Association.Â
Bio: I Joshua started TerpFusion to help business owners grow their company with quality and scalable hemp-derived products. With our manufacturing facility in South Carolina, we offer impeccable high standards that foster quality, a team of business professionals, and utmost focus on customer service. I also serve as president of the South Carolina Healthy Alternatives Association and am committed to leading the efforts to protect sensible regulation in South Carolina.
Nicholas Patrick
Seminar: 2 and 3Â
Title: Owner/Co-Founder
Company: Embrace CBD/Maryland Healthy Alternatives President
Bio: Based in Maryland, Nicholas Patrick is a dynamic leader and passionate advocate in the hemp and cannabis industry. As the founder of Embrace CBD and the Maryland Healthy Alternatives Association as well as a member of The Maryland Hemp Coalition, Nicholas has been at the forefront of pivotal legal and legislative battles, championing the rights of small businesses and pushing for equitable cannabis policies.
JJ Coombs
Seminar: 1
Title: CEO
Company: Mellow Fellow
Bio: With an extensive background in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, I’ve successfully fostered worldwide relationships that span the entirety of the product vertical. My entrepreneurial journey began when I founded an innovative vape company, which provided me with deep insights into supply chain management, quality control, and cutting-edge manufacturing practices.
John Bell
Seminar: 2
Title: House Leader of North Carolina
Bio: An Eagle Scout, John R. Bell, IV started his professional career as a District Executive with the Boy Scouts of America, in Clinton, NC then to Panama City, FL. In 2006, he returned to Eastern North Carolina where he spent the next fourteen years supporting business development efforts in the world of banking and commercial insurance. John assisted small and middle market enterprises navigate their risk portfolio to capitalize on smart, strategic insurance and investment opportunities. In 2020, John joined The Rise Companies as a Board Member. The Rise Companies work to build scalable, durable companies for the long haul. Our portfolio is composed of solid performers in stable industries with great managers. In November 2023, John stepped off The Rise Companies Board to serve as President of Asterra Labs. Asterra Labs is the manufacturer of choice for high-quality, over-the-counter CBD/Hemp products. Asterra Labs applies decades’ worth of pharmaceutical experience into developing new and innovative CBD/Hemp products that meet the high quality, purity, and safety needs of customers.
Leo VanTine
Seminar: 1 and 3
Title: CEO/Founder
Company: CannaAid/North Carolina Healthy Alternatives
Bio: Leo, the founder of CannaAid, leads a thriving enterprise headquartered just outside Charlotte, NC, boasting a workforce of over 70 employees. What began as a modest venture in his garage, peddling a few items, has blossomed into a formidable entity featuring a catalog of more than 500 products across various brands, distributed in 8 nations worldwide. In 2021, Leo spearheaded the establishment of NCHAA, a state chapter formed in collaboration with AHAA. Leo is a passionate advocate for people’s rights and safe access to cannabis products.
The Current Landscape and Future Trajectory of the Hemp IndustryÂ
Seminar: 1
Join us for an enlightening discussion that will unveil the present state of affairs within the hemp sector. Our participants can expect to gain valuable insights into the various dimensions of the hemp industry, ranging from its economic significance to its future market impact. This panel features Moderator Bret Worley from MC Nutraceuticals, alongside esteemed guests Leo VanTine from Canna Aid, JJ Coombs from Mellow Fellow, and Shiky from Torch.
What is the impact of policy on hemp business operations?
Seminar: 2
Participants can anticipate gaining insights into the interpretation of the federal definition of hemp and its significance, understanding the intricate relationship between policy and state regulations affecting hemp businesses, identifying key decision-makers in state policy-making processes, and acquiring strategies to effectively influence policies governing their businesses. Our esteemed panel includes Moderator Bret Worley from MC Nutraceuticals, JD McCormick, President of American Healthy Alternatives and Florida Healthy Alternatives, Philip Snow from MC Nutraceuticals, John Bell, House Leader of North Carolina, and Nick Patrick from Embrace CBD, also President of Maryland Healthy Alternatives. Get ready to delve into the complexities of hemp policy and strategy with our expert panel!
Q&A with AHAA & State Chapters
Seminar: 3
Participants will get the opportunity to ask questions with the American Healthy Alternatives members as well as the State Chapters. Our panel, moderated by Bret Worley from MC Nutraceuticals, includes Nick Patrick from Embrace CBD, also the President of Maryland Healthy Alternatives, JD McCormick, President of American Healthy Alternatives and Florida Healthy Alternatives, Philip Snow from MC Nutraceuticals, Leo VanTine from Canna Aid, and Joshua Mynatt from TerpFusion. Get ready to engage with industry leaders and explore the diverse perspectives on hemp-related issues!
Looking to become a member of AHAA?
Discover the membership page, where you can explore opportunities to join and contribute through donations.Â
https://myhealthyusa.org/collections/ahaa-membership
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Questions?
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns about anything that we didn’t cover in this article. We are ready to help. Call 1.800.685.8084 or email us at sales@mcnutraceuticals.com.
