Northern New South Wales, Australian Hemp Farmers report licensing experiences and Mayan experts share updates and successful franchisers offer their wisdom.
Getting a hemp growers license is easy and fun. Yesterday I met with some Australian hemp farming friends who shared some of their story. Enough for a documentary in fact (anyone interested?!), but I will share a snippet today about how they procured their license, despite a very 'sordid' history. I also met with a successful herbal store franchise owner (31 stores in 2 years) and someone who lives the Mayan philosophy - both who share some excellent advice. And some news on the 'recession'.
The story of this hemp farmer is different to most I know, as generally hemp farmers are, well, farmers. This person is a long-time activist. Someone not shy of sharing his truth. He is a long-time supporter of medical cannabis and has gone so far as running a cafe where he openly gave cannabis to people in need of medical marijuana. This became such a local story that it went national - and '60 minutes' produced a nationwide documentary on him. The cafe was closed down (though has since re-opened). This person applied for a hemp growers license. Why? Because he truly believes in everything hemp. His license was recently granted. He also received a separate import license for cannabis seeds. The reason his past did not haunt him? The authorities recognised his previous actions as 'activist' - not drug criminal. So, if you dream it - it can happen, no matter what your background.
The monoecious hemp seed varieties (two) have now been planted and have sprouted as pictured. Due to significant rain this season weeding is required often while still young.
Yesterday was also significant in the fact I met many excellent people. As well as a friend who home schools his four children, whilst continuing his practice as a vet is successfully moving closer to living in intentional community - a passion of mine, I met a couple who started up a store promoting plant based herbs a few years ago. In the last two years their operation has moved to 31 stores in 4 countries (Australia, USA, French Polynesia and UK). They share a love for hemp. I asked them if their was one thing they would share about their wisdom. Apart from connecting with the wisdom the plant kingdom has to offer, they suggested that people are the key. If you follow the idea of money or business for business sake, that is the only time they have had problems (once); if you follow the people connected, the passion then that has been a guaranteed success. That was a great reminder for my recent choice to help those passionate about wanting to start a hemp business.
Another synchronistic event was meeting a man who lives the Mayan Philosophy. He walks the talk, as well as talking very poetically, his reminder to me was to let go of control, follow the heart and enjoy what you have.
Feeling so full, I would like to end today's blog by sharing with you some information about the recession. People say there's a recession on. Well, I've done some sums to see if you can afford to still be on this planet, and I figured out the true cost of living:
It costs nothing to offer a smile upon a stranger.
It costs nothing to feel love for someone even if they're feeling hate for you.
It costs nothing to help someone who can't at that moment help themselves.
It costs nothing to hug. Hugs can't even be outlawed, though it's been tried.
So if you spend your days doing the above, you'll see that you are rich and abundant beyond your wildest dreams.
Lucky you.
Hempfully yours,
Paul
