Episode 45 — Why You Need to Know Where Your Hemp Comes From with Brandon Lewis
Every successful entrepreneur eventually learns that the origin of a product matters just as much as its presentation. In this insightful episode of The Prospecting Show, Dr. Connor Robertson sits down with Brandon Lewis to talk about the hemp industry, product integrity, and why sourcing transparency should be a core business value. As the hemp and CBD industries have expanded rapidly over the past decade, many newcomers have focused on branding and sales but ignored the fundamental question: where does the hemp actually come from? Brandon brings firsthand experience from the farming and production side to explain why that’s a dangerous oversight for both businesses and consumers.
Brandon begins the conversation by recounting the early days of hemp legalization, a period marked by both opportunity and confusion. He explains how the 2018 Farm Bill changed everything for small growers but also introduced new risks: inconsistent testing standards, inexperienced processors, and imported material that doesn’t meet American quality expectations. Dr. Robertson probes further, asking what the biggest red flags are for anyone sourcing raw hemp today. Brandon’s answer is simple yet profound: if you don’t know the farm, you don’t know the product.
The two discuss how hemp cultivation has evolved since its reintroduction to U.S. agriculture. Brandon describes how serious growers test their soil, monitor heavy metal levels, and verify compliance with THC limits to protect their customers and brands. He emphasizes that legitimate producers document every step—from seed genetics to harvest lot tracking—while many newcomers skip these steps in pursuit of quick profit. Dr. Robertson connects this to broader entrepreneurial principles, drawing parallels between hemp sourcing and due diligence in any business. Whether you’re buying a company, hiring a partner, or choosing a supplier, the same rule applies: trace your inputs to ensure long-term success.
Another compelling moment comes when Brandon explains how hemp’s versatility is both its greatest strength and biggest challenge. The plant can be used for textiles, food, supplements, or industrial purposes, but each end use requires different extraction and testing methods. A product that’s perfect for fiber might be unsafe for consumption if it was grown with certain fertilizers or harvested improperly. This reinforces the need for transparency throughout the supply chain. As Dr. Robertson notes, entrepreneurs must bridge the gap between regulation and innovation, balancing the excitement of a new market with the responsibility of safe, ethical production.
The episode dives into the role of consumer education. Brandon believes that more informed buyers naturally drive better industry standards. He shares stories of companies that proudly feature the farm name on their packaging and use QR codes to show third-party lab results. These small actions, he argues, not only build trust but also future-proof a brand. Dr. Robertson agrees, adding that modern buyers reward authenticity. In an era where marketing often overshadows truth, the brands that communicate clearly about where their products come from will always win customer loyalty.
For entrepreneurs outside of hemp, this discussion carries universal lessons. Quality control, sourcing verification, and regulatory awareness aren’t optional extras—they’re foundational business practices. As Brandon puts it, “Hemp might be the crop, but integrity is the real product.” Dr. Robertson closes the episode by encouraging listeners to think about how they can apply these principles to their own industries. Whether you sell physical goods, digital services, or manage a professional team, the concept remains the same: transparency builds longevity.
If you haven’t yet, tune in to this full conversation on Spotify. It’s a valuable listen for business owners, healthcare professionals, and anyone curious about how emerging markets mature responsibly.
Listen here: Why You Need to Know Where Your Hemp Comes From with Brandon Lewis
To continue exploring how different industries evolve, check out the next episode, The Future of American Healthcare with Mike Carberry, which examines the intersection of business innovation and medical reform. Each conversation on The Prospecting Show reveals something unique about the mindset, systems, and persistence required to succeed across fields. For a full archive of episodes and related insights, visit fixed.whitefriar.com/.