By Sheldon Baker12.04.20
Mike Hennesy is the director of innovation at Wana Brands where he oversees the research and development program, new product design, educational training content, and growing partnerships with new cannabis technologies. Hennesy led the team in creating Wana’s new Quick line of gummies and tinctures that use innovative encapsulation techniques to increase the bioavailability of cannabinoids that bypass liver metabolism and take effect quickly. He developed Wana’s online interactive training program for budtenders and employees that covers the science of the endocannabinoid system and directed the development of Wana’s vape line, including proprietary terpene blends. Hennesy previously managed Wana’s sales team of seven where the quickly growing business proved demanding but rewarding, as his team expanded Wana’s shelf presence in most of Colorado’s dispensaries with a three-year growth rate of 269%. Hennesy is currently enrolled in a Master Program for Cannabis Science and Therapeutics at The University of Maryland’s School of Pharmacy and he has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Technology from the University of Maryland.
Area Code 420 (AC 420): What are the health benefits of CBD/hemp gummies?
Hennesy: CBD supports the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which orchestrates complex interactions and processes with other systems of our body to create homeostasis, or balance and optimal functioning of the body. The ECS regulates biological processes like memory formation, immune response, pain sensation, appetite, and movement coordination. There is also some evidence the ECS may play a role in mood and emotion control. Cannabinoids, including CBD, supplement the ECS system, improving its overall tone and function, making them an effective supplement for a variety of health benefits. CBD hemp gummies are a popular addition to wellness regimens, providing many benefits without the intoxicating effects of THC. At Wana, we encourage consumers to consult with health professionals to learn more about how CBD hemp may support their health goals.
AC 420: Broad-spectrum hemp oil—what is the big deal?
Hennesy: Many CBD hemp manufacturers use CBD isolate in their products. CBD isolate contains only the CBD molecule, with all other plant compounds stripped out. While CBD isolate is easier for manufacturers to work with due to its lack of taste or smell, it also represents a lost opportunity to utilize the full power of hemp. On the other hand, both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum hemp oil contain terpenes, flavonoids and minor cannabinoids that are all known to contribute to the plant’s beneficial entourage effect—the sum is greater than the parts. What makes these two options different? Put simply, full-spectrum hemp oil contains CBD along with minimal, non-intoxicating amounts of THC, staying under the 0.3% THC limit set by the federal government. Broad-spectrum hemp oil, on the other hand, has the THC removed, making it an ideal solution for consumers who are eager to tap into hemp’s full benefits but prefer to avoid all THC, even non-intoxicating amounts. When we began developing the Wana Wellness Hemp Gummie line, we purposely went with broad-spectrum hemp to create an all-natural, gluten-free, vegan-friendly option that would be appealing for a wide range of consumers. We source organically grown hemp for our product, infuse our gummies during the cooking process instead of spraying them, and use ingredients such as high-quality fruit pectin instead of gelatin, allowing us to counteract hemp’s bitter aftertaste.
AC 420: Is there an advantage to using hemp grown in Colorado?
Hennesy: Hemp produced in Colorado reflects the work of some of the best and brightest in the industry. Colorado launched its state-level pilot hemp program in 2014, long before the 2018 Farm Bill’s federal legalization of CBD hemp, giving our state a head start on many fronts. Colorado also encourages collaboration between hemp farmers, scientists and regulators, most recently with the development of the Colorado Hemp Advancement and Management Plan (CHAMP) initiative which sets deliverables in several key areas, including R&D and seed genetics. Not all hemp is the same. Plant genetics and growing techniques directly affect the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and even the bioavailability of the final product. Plus, hemp is known to absorb heavy metals and other contaminants through phytoremediation. Ensuring your hemp crop is grown in uncontaminated soil will provide added assurance that the finished product is safe from toxic elements. Given Colorado’s strong track record as an industry leader, I believe hemp grown in Colorado has an advantage over product cultivated in other areas that may still be on their learning curve.
AC 420: Could one overdose on gummies?
Hennesy: This year the DEA removed CBD from any level of the Controlled Substances Act, noting it does not have a risk of dependence and is approved as a medicine. There are no reported cases of CBD hemp overdose that resulted in serious injury or death. However, if a consumer ingests too many CBD hemp gummies, they may experience unwanted drowsiness, along with an upset stomach from overindulging. Of course, we encourage consumers to contact 911 or a Poison Control hotline if they have concerns about overdosing on any substance, including CBD. Also, it is important to note that CBD can interact with certain medications, like blood thinners, changing how those medications are metabolized. We always recommend that people check with their medical provider before starting any new regimen, including CBD.
AC 420: Has the CBD/hemp industry changed over the past 12-18 months?
Hennesy: Yes. The CBD/hemp industry has changed enormously in the past 18 months. In February of 2019, the 2018 Farm Bill ramifications were just rippling through the industry. There had been CBD and hemp products on the market, but with the approval of the federal government, a deluge began. A flood of products and their marketing messages flooded consumers. With little resources for oversight and no testing requirement, there was no guarantee consumers were getting what they were paying for. Fast forward 18 months and there’s consumer confusion and exhaustion. We are going to see a shakeout which will hopefully remove bad actors.
AC 420: Do you feel Gov. Jared Polis (Colorado) has provided the support the industry needs?
Hennesy: A definite yes. Even before Gov. Polis was in the role of governor, he was a big supporter of the industry as a U.S. Representative. And he has continued to deliver on his campaign promises.
AC 420: Do you envision any new government approval processes taking place by 2021?
Hennesy: Assuming Federal here, we are hoping for an FDA decision on how they are regulating CBD. We hope it will be designated as allowable as a food supplement so the big retailers and chains can have the green light to carry CBD supplements.
AC 420: If you could help change one thing about CBD/hemp manufacturing regarding the supplement industry, what would that be?
Hennesy: If we could change one thing about CBD/hemp manufacturing, we would have the framework needed to properly regulate the industry. We are continually frustrated that so many brands are making health claims, and these bad actors are going to destroy the industry before it gets started.
Sheldon Baker is CEO of the Baker Dillon Group LLC and has created numerous nutraceutical brand marketing communications and public relations campaigns for many well-known supplement and food industry companies. For interview consideration or brand marketing consulting, contact him at Contact@The420AreaCode.com.
Area Code 420 (AC 420): What are the health benefits of CBD/hemp gummies?
Hennesy: CBD supports the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which orchestrates complex interactions and processes with other systems of our body to create homeostasis, or balance and optimal functioning of the body. The ECS regulates biological processes like memory formation, immune response, pain sensation, appetite, and movement coordination. There is also some evidence the ECS may play a role in mood and emotion control. Cannabinoids, including CBD, supplement the ECS system, improving its overall tone and function, making them an effective supplement for a variety of health benefits. CBD hemp gummies are a popular addition to wellness regimens, providing many benefits without the intoxicating effects of THC. At Wana, we encourage consumers to consult with health professionals to learn more about how CBD hemp may support their health goals.
AC 420: Broad-spectrum hemp oil—what is the big deal?
Hennesy: Many CBD hemp manufacturers use CBD isolate in their products. CBD isolate contains only the CBD molecule, with all other plant compounds stripped out. While CBD isolate is easier for manufacturers to work with due to its lack of taste or smell, it also represents a lost opportunity to utilize the full power of hemp. On the other hand, both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum hemp oil contain terpenes, flavonoids and minor cannabinoids that are all known to contribute to the plant’s beneficial entourage effect—the sum is greater than the parts. What makes these two options different? Put simply, full-spectrum hemp oil contains CBD along with minimal, non-intoxicating amounts of THC, staying under the 0.3% THC limit set by the federal government. Broad-spectrum hemp oil, on the other hand, has the THC removed, making it an ideal solution for consumers who are eager to tap into hemp’s full benefits but prefer to avoid all THC, even non-intoxicating amounts. When we began developing the Wana Wellness Hemp Gummie line, we purposely went with broad-spectrum hemp to create an all-natural, gluten-free, vegan-friendly option that would be appealing for a wide range of consumers. We source organically grown hemp for our product, infuse our gummies during the cooking process instead of spraying them, and use ingredients such as high-quality fruit pectin instead of gelatin, allowing us to counteract hemp’s bitter aftertaste.
AC 420: Is there an advantage to using hemp grown in Colorado?
Hennesy: Hemp produced in Colorado reflects the work of some of the best and brightest in the industry. Colorado launched its state-level pilot hemp program in 2014, long before the 2018 Farm Bill’s federal legalization of CBD hemp, giving our state a head start on many fronts. Colorado also encourages collaboration between hemp farmers, scientists and regulators, most recently with the development of the Colorado Hemp Advancement and Management Plan (CHAMP) initiative which sets deliverables in several key areas, including R&D and seed genetics. Not all hemp is the same. Plant genetics and growing techniques directly affect the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and even the bioavailability of the final product. Plus, hemp is known to absorb heavy metals and other contaminants through phytoremediation. Ensuring your hemp crop is grown in uncontaminated soil will provide added assurance that the finished product is safe from toxic elements. Given Colorado’s strong track record as an industry leader, I believe hemp grown in Colorado has an advantage over product cultivated in other areas that may still be on their learning curve.
AC 420: Could one overdose on gummies?
Hennesy: This year the DEA removed CBD from any level of the Controlled Substances Act, noting it does not have a risk of dependence and is approved as a medicine. There are no reported cases of CBD hemp overdose that resulted in serious injury or death. However, if a consumer ingests too many CBD hemp gummies, they may experience unwanted drowsiness, along with an upset stomach from overindulging. Of course, we encourage consumers to contact 911 or a Poison Control hotline if they have concerns about overdosing on any substance, including CBD. Also, it is important to note that CBD can interact with certain medications, like blood thinners, changing how those medications are metabolized. We always recommend that people check with their medical provider before starting any new regimen, including CBD.
AC 420: Has the CBD/hemp industry changed over the past 12-18 months?
Hennesy: Yes. The CBD/hemp industry has changed enormously in the past 18 months. In February of 2019, the 2018 Farm Bill ramifications were just rippling through the industry. There had been CBD and hemp products on the market, but with the approval of the federal government, a deluge began. A flood of products and their marketing messages flooded consumers. With little resources for oversight and no testing requirement, there was no guarantee consumers were getting what they were paying for. Fast forward 18 months and there’s consumer confusion and exhaustion. We are going to see a shakeout which will hopefully remove bad actors.
AC 420: Do you feel Gov. Jared Polis (Colorado) has provided the support the industry needs?
Hennesy: A definite yes. Even before Gov. Polis was in the role of governor, he was a big supporter of the industry as a U.S. Representative. And he has continued to deliver on his campaign promises.
AC 420: Do you envision any new government approval processes taking place by 2021?
Hennesy: Assuming Federal here, we are hoping for an FDA decision on how they are regulating CBD. We hope it will be designated as allowable as a food supplement so the big retailers and chains can have the green light to carry CBD supplements.
AC 420: If you could help change one thing about CBD/hemp manufacturing regarding the supplement industry, what would that be?
Hennesy: If we could change one thing about CBD/hemp manufacturing, we would have the framework needed to properly regulate the industry. We are continually frustrated that so many brands are making health claims, and these bad actors are going to destroy the industry before it gets started.
Sheldon Baker is CEO of the Baker Dillon Group LLC and has created numerous nutraceutical brand marketing communications and public relations campaigns for many well-known supplement and food industry companies. For interview consideration or brand marketing consulting, contact him at Contact@The420AreaCode.com.
