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Graham Redfern Testimony support the Virginia Hemp Indsutry

Embracing Virginia Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity

In this powerful 7-minute presentation, Graham Redfern, owner and operator of Redfern Hemp Co., Redfern Market LLC, as well as, being a board member of both Virginia’s Farm Bureau and Cannabis Small Business Association, passionately advocates for a comprehensive approach to cannabis agriculture in Virginia. Drawing from his experience as owner of Redfern Hemp CO, Redfern shares critical insights into the untapped potential of cannabis beyond smokable products.

Virginia Hemp’s Deep Taproots

Hemp has deep roots in American agriculture. For centuries, it was grown for rope, sailcloth, and seed oil before prohibition policies in the 20th century cut short its potential. Today, Virginia stands at a crossroads: it can continue to treat cannabis as a narrowly defined, dispensary-driven market, or it can seize the opportunity to embrace hemp as a full-fledged agricultural commodity.

As Graham Redfern put it in a recent address:

“If lawmakers and stakeholders want this to be a true agricultural industry, we really need to think about the farmer and ask for his opinion.”

Graham Redfern’s words underscore a principle that policymakers and advocates must take seriously. To unlock Virginia hemp’s true potential, Virginia must treat it not as a specialty product, but as an agricultural foundation for diverse markets.

Listening to Farmers First

Farmers know best what grows, what fails, and what markets can sustain their livelihoods. Yet, too often, they are sidelined in favor of corporate and regulatory interests. Including farmers in cannabis policymaking ensures that regulations reflect on-the-ground realities.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture emphasizes that commodity markets succeed when producers are directly engaged in decision-making (USDA AMS, 2022). In Virginia, this would mean creating advisory boards with farmer representation, holding public comment sessions in rural communities, and ensuring that small-scale growers aren’t drowned out by larger industry players.

Looking Beyond the Smoke

Too much cannabis policy has focused exclusively on smokable products. As Redfern reminded audiences:

“Marijuana is not all smoking. The plant will produce way more than a flower to roll in a joint.”

This truth is echoed globally. Hemp is used for textiles, paper, biofuels, animal feed, and even as a replacement for plastics. The Congressional Research Service estimates that hemp has more than 25,000 potential product applications (CRS, 2019). By pigeonholing cannabis as only a “flower crop,” Virginia risks missing out on entire industries that can thrive off its soil.

Diversifying the Virginia Hemp Economy

Virginia has the potential to lead in multiple cannabis-related markets. Redfern emphasized expanding into:

  • Edible products
  • Cosmetics
  • Topicals
  • Minor cannabinoid production

These markets already show strong growth – as evident by many Redfern’s own extensive product line available for purchase online. Companies like Unilever and L’Oréal are investing heavily in hemp-based skincare (Grand View Research, 2022). The nutraceutical industry is exploring cannabinoids like CBG, CBC, and CBN for wellness applications. The Brightfield Group projects that hemp-derived CBD alone could reach over $6 billion in annual U.S. sales by 2026 (Brightfield Group, 2021). For Virginia, supporting these sectors means encouraging innovation, supporting processing infrastructure, and opening pathways for farmers to tap into new revenue streams.

Building Fair and Flexible Regulations

Regulations should not leave farmers feeling, in Graham’s words, “victimized through this whole process.” Yet overly strict THC testing rules and short compliance windows have cost farmers millions nationwide, as crops are destroyed for being marginally over the legal threshold.

A 2022 University of Kentucky study found that more flexible THC thresholds would save significant revenue for growers while still maintaining consumer safety (UK Ag Econ, 2022). Canada’s hemp program, often cited as a model, uses broader compliance margins and has successfully built a stable national industry (Health Canada, 2021). Virginia can learn from these examples by designing rules that balance safety with farm viability.

Recognizing Hemp’s Economic Potential

Hemp is not just a crop; it’s a potential economic engine. As Redfern warned:

“Virginia will never see the true economic impact that cannabis can accrue if it doesn’t recognize cannabis as an actual agricultural commodity.”

The data backs him up. According to the Brookings Institution, rural economies benefit most when hemp is integrated into a farm-first strategy (Brookings, 2021). Hemp processing plants, cooperative networks, and ancillary businesses create local jobs and strengthen agricultural supply chains. States like Colorado have demonstrated that hemp can revitalize rural communities, generating revenue far beyond what a dispensary-only model provides.

Shifting From Dispensaries to Agriculture

The dispensary-first model, while profitable for some, is not an agricultural strategy. Redfern argued for a broader vision that supports “the farmer, the small business, and all the ancillary businesses that go with an industry as such.”

This means shifting cannabis regulation into the domain of the Virginia Department of Agriculture, where commodity markets are developed, rather than treating it solely as a retail or medical issue. Such a move would align hemp with crops like corn, soybeans, and tobacco — industries that benefit from systemic infrastructure and policy support.

Building a Virginia Hemp Ecosystem

Hemp’s success depends on infrastructure. Farmers cannot scale production without local decortication facilities, fiber processors, and stable supply chains. This is why China and France dominate global hemp markets: not because they grow more hemp than Virginia could, but because they invested early in processing and manufacturing capacity (FAO, 2020).

For Virginia, investing in cooperatives, research hubs, and rural processing plants would ensure farmers aren’t left with crops they cannot sell. Federal grants, public-private partnerships, and state economic development programs can all play a role in making hemp a true commodity industry.

Conclusion

Virginia has a choice: treat hemp as a narrow, dispensary-driven market or embrace it as a full agricultural commodity with vast potential. By following Graham Redfern’s call — to listen to farmers, expand markets, create fair regulations, and invest in ecosystems — the Commonwealth can position itself at the forefront of the next great American agricultural movement.

The opportunity is there. What remains is the political will to seize it. If you want to support Graham, and the rest of the Redfern Team, in pursuing commonsense cannabis legislation, please send an email to: research@redfernhemp.com .

References

  • Brightfield Group. (2021). U.S. CBD Market Forecast 2021-2026. Brightfield Group.
  • Brookings Institution. (2021). The economic case for hemp: Supporting rural revitalization. Brookings.
  • Congressional Research Service. (2019). Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity (R44742). CRS.
  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2020). Hemp production and trade overview. FAO.
  • Grand View Research. (2022). Cannabis Cosmetics Market Size Report. Grand View Research.
  • Health Canada. (2021). Industrial Hemp Regulations. Government of Canada.
  • University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics. (2022). Economic Implications of THC Testing Thresholds in Hemp. UK Ag Econ.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service. (2022). Stakeholder Engagement in Agricultural Policy. USDA AMS.

PIERCE REDFERN

Sales & Production

I am native to Richmond and attended Collegiate School and The University of Alabama. I am married to my wife, Lauren, and we have two children together, Palmer and Hendley. Graham is my older brother and I have been with the company since the fall of 2022.

I enjoy hunting, fishing and just about anything outdoors. Graham’s strong passion for this industry motivates others to excel, including myself. I love the team we have together now and can’t wait to see what the future holds for Redfern Hemp Co.!

GLORIA RAMIREZ

Kitchen Production

Gloria is from Guatemala. She moved to Virginia in 2023 and began working with the Redfern Team.

Gloria plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our products are precisely packaged using our quality control SOP guidelines.

ROB UJEVIC

Outside Sales

I’m from Reston, VA currently living in Richmond and Engaged with no kids yet… I began working for Redfern after my original venture, Gourmet Hemp Foods, partnered with them. I love Redfern cause they offer freedom and flexibility to grow.

Redfern is family oriented and serves the community and customers with utmost diligence. Graham Redfern is the hardest working leader I’ve ever had the privilege to work for!

WHITNEY MORGAN

Market Manager

I’m from Caroline County, Virginia and I am married to my husband Ryan. I’ve worked with Redfern Hemp Co. a little over two years. Before that I was a nanny and I worked as a pediatric dental assistant.

I handle online sales and a few outside wholesale accounts. Working with Redfern is a dream job I never thought I’d have.

We are a true family. We work like one, and argue like one. As a team we are flexible and have a real love for the plant and what it can do. There is no limit for the plant so there is no limit for us.

For example, my mom suffered from hair loss after Covid. She started to add Redfrn’s Whole Plant Tincture into her shampoo and conditioner and it helped her hair regrow. The plant is magic!

TIFFANY OBLINSKY

HR & Administration

Tiffany is the anchor of our team, ensuring that we stay organized and that the company’s operations are always running smoothly. During her free time, Tiffany enjoys taking her family to Lake Anna while simultaneously keeping Graham in line from her smartphone!

Corey Reed

Social Media Manager

Hi, I’m Corey. Originally from Charlotte, NC, I’ve called Virginia my second home for over 12 years. With a 10-year background in healthcare and nursing, and 5 years in content creation and social media, I’ve developed a diverse skill set. In my free time, I enjoy creating content, writing music, fishing, and being the best father I can be. Working with Graham and the Redfern team has been a dream come true. It has allowed me to pursue my passions for content creation, health and wellness, community morale, and making meaningful connections. At Redfern Hemp Co, I oversee the social media side of the business. You can also catch me at Redfern Market, so feel free to stop by and say hi!

COURTNEY KUSTERER

Production / Sales / Event Manager

Knowledgeable and passionate about the hemp plant, Courtney is an all around asset to our company. Since her early days with Graham in Waynesboro, she has acquired invaluable insights and business knowledge to help the success of our small business. Her ability to tell the Redfern story is unmatched. If you’ve ever seen one of our event setups, you can tell that Courtney had her creative ideas flowing. She has built a strong wholesale portfolio, while strengthening our network of industry connections. Her expertise in directing customers to the right products is undeniable, playing a pivotal role in assisting Graham in building the company from the ground up. In her free time, Courtney enjoys moments on the farm with Graham and their farm family of cat, cows, chickens, ducks, and dogs. She also values family time at Virginia Tech football games and moments on the boat or at the beach.

GRAHAM REDFERN

Owner & Hemp Farmer

Before I became an American hemp farmer and entrepreneur, I first heard of the hemp industry during a period when my construction business thrived, but the housing crash of 2009 changed everything. While visiting Asheville, North Carolina, I encountered a groundbreaking green building – a house made 90% from hemp, from the flooring to the walls, excluding only electrical components and appliances.

Intrigued, I consulted with Andrea Herman, president of the Hemp Industries of America, spending an hour and $150 to understand the challenges of building such houses in the U.S.. When Andrea explained the steep costs preventing widespread use of U.S.-grown hemp, it ignited a passion in me. I questioned, “Why not?” This moment became a catalyst for my deep dive into the hemp industry.

Passage of the Farm Bills

In 2014, the passing of the Farm Bill allowed universities to grow hemp, prompting me to shift from the car industry. Initially unsure of my path, I invested in penny hemp stocks and connected with the Virginia Industrial Hemp Coalition, working with universities such as JMU, UVA, VSU, and Virginia Tech to explore potential markets.

For four years, restricted by regulations to work with universities, I delved into the banking industry. When the 2019 Farm Bill dismantled barriers, allowing American farmers to cultivate cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC, my dream took a leap. Redfern Hemp Co. was born, marking the legal sale of hemp products in Virginia for the first time in over seventy years. With my girlfriend Courtney, we hustled – attending state fairs, cultivating hemp on our 42-acre Caroline County farm, and navigating the burgeoning industry. Fast-forward to 2023, and despite being one of the few companies remaining, we face challenges.

Unfortunately, Virginia lawmakers have strained our efforts, declaring federally legal cannabinoid-derived hemp products illegal unless sold by a select few medical marijuana operators.

In the face of Virginia’s attempt to monopolize medical marijuana, we persist in expanding cannabis job opportunities for all Virginians.

We champion Virginians’ rights to affordable, high-quality products, battling against restrictive legislation. It’s disheartening to see the government hindering the benefits of this plant, including job creation and increased taxation.

Restoring Virginia’s Hemp Farming Legacy

There was a time when Virginian hemp farmers paid taxes with hemp. Reintroducing low-dosage, safe cannabinoid products in smoke shops, convenience stores, and local markets could restore this tradition on a broader scale than a handful of licensees. We’re committed to reclaiming this birthright, enabling Virginians to pay their taxes with hemp once again.

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