Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Justice.
Hi Allison, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Our journey at The Hemp Mine, a family-owned and operated business based in South Carolina, began with a deep interest in understanding the versatile hemp plant.
Led by Dr. Allison Justice, a well-recognized cannabis industry researcher, we leveraged our collective horticultural expertise to impact the hemp industry significantly.
Recognizing the need for reliable genetics and robust hemp products, we established a 30-acre field for hemp cultivation and a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Our vertically integrated business model allows us hands-on oversight of the entire supply chain. This deep involvement ensures we can promptly identify and rectify any bottlenecks, thus maintaining our products’ quality and efficiency. These are produced under The Hemp Mine brand or for our white-label partners.
Beyond being breeders, farmers, and manufacturers, we are also dedicated researchers. We oversee the Cannabis Research Coalition, an organization that collaboratively works with academia and stakeholders in the cannabis industry. Our mission is to advance the exploration of the cannabis plant through science-based research. The objective is to develop innovative and sustainable cultivation techniques that boost efficiency and profitability. This endeavor further positions us at the cutting edge of the industry, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Today, under Dr. Justice’s leadership, we are proud to play a pivotal role in the hemp industry. The journey has been challenging and rewarding, and we eagerly anticipate future growth and opportunities. Our commitment to research and advancement ensures we remain at the forefront of this dynamic and promising sector.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any journey, ours has had its share of both smooth sailing and rough patches. The hemp industry is a rapidly evolving, and keeping pace with its changes is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. One of the initial struggles we faced was navigating the complex and ever-changing regulatory landscape. Compliance with state and federal laws is vital in our industry, and staying abreast of the constant revisions requires a concerted effort. Also, as a vertically integrated company, we faced the challenge of managing different business segments — from cultivation to manufacturing and sales. Each step involves unique hurdles, from ensuring the quality and yield of our crops to maintaining the efficiency of our manufacturing processes and marketing and selling our products in a competitive market. We’ve also encountered challenges specific to the hemp industry, like the stigma surrounding cannabis and difficulty securing banking and insurance services. Additionally, as we conduct extensive research and trial new techniques, there’s always the risk of unsuccessful experiments. However, each struggle has served as a stepping stone toward our growth. We’ve learned to adapt quickly, make informed decisions, and to leverage our failures as valuable learning experiences. Led by Dr. Allison Justice, our team has remained resilient, resourceful, and committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the hemp industry.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is well-known throughout the cannabis industry for my research-based approach to optimizing cultivation practices and my willingness to share the results and help other cultivators dealing with similar challenges leading them to profitability & sustainability. The pinnacle of my pride is rooted in the arduous journey of my education and its application to the seldom-explored domain of cultivation research. This field, which I approach with the scalpel-like precision of a scientist and the intricate techniques of an artisan, is critical to the cultivation of cannabis. I stand out not just because of my tireless work ethic but also due to my genuine belief in the power of academic education. Our industry’s torchbearers are today’s scholars, and failing to educate them is tantamount to jeopardizing future generations. My commitment to the endurance of our family’s 3rd generation farm also sets me apart. This dedication is not solely for the fulfillment of those who appreciate our products but equally in honor of my family, who have devoted several decades of effort to establishing our current standing. Through these efforts, I strive to leave a lasting legacy for generations.
Any big plans?
My plans for the future are abundant, rooted in the ambition to propel scientific discovery within the realm of cannabis cultivation. As time is a precious commodity, I intend to strategize my efforts toward advocating more academic research in this domain, stirring the industry to back research initiatives that directly influence their operations. The Cannabis Research Coalition remains a key vehicle to realize these ambitions. Our mission – a partnership between academia and industry stakeholders – aims to elevate the understanding of the cannabis plant, employ evidence-based research in cultivating effective techniques, and thereby foster a sustainable, efficient, and lucrative industry. Simultaneously, we are gearing towards a significant shift in our consumer goods venture. We are launching innovative herbal supplements designed to enrich consumers’ lives with essential vitamins and herbs such as Rosehips, Passionflower, Vitamin D, Ashwagandha, L-theanine, Reishi Mushrooms, Lions Maine, Cordyceps, Ginkgo, and Spilanthes. We aim to inspire consumers to take control of their health, veer away from heavy pharmaceuticals, and reclaim their lives. As we journey into the future, I remain resolute in my commitment to scientific discovery and the betterment of consumers’ health, and excited about the transformative changes on the horizon.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cannabisrc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cannabis_research_coalition/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehempmine/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannabis-research-coalition/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0b32edMaHH4Ry57LLyZfXA
- Other: www.thehempmine.com
