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Important Update: After many years serving this community, we will be sunsetting Northwoods Botanicals this summer due to changing hemp regulations. Products will remain available while supplies last through July 31, 2026. Read more about our decision here.

Navigating the Early Days of the CBD Market: A Wisconsin Farm’s Enduring Commitment

In a nod to our past and a celebration of our journey, we revisit a significant moment captured in the pages of the Ashland Daily Press newspaper several years ago. It’s been a while since our story was spotlighted, and we believe it would be fun to feature it with renewed attention. As featured in Michelle Jensen’s insightful article, our venture into the CBD & CBG market amid the challenges of 2020 was a testament to the resilience and vision for our Northwoods Botanicals brand.

Embracing the Promise of Hemp

In a landscape where uncertainty loomed large amid the early days of the pandemic, for one small Northwoods farm, the resilience of hemp and its myriad possibilities emerged as a beacon of hope. Coming on the heels of hemp legalization in Wisconsin and growing consumer interest, the need for a local hemp brand was clear. With its adaptability to diverse soils and environmental conditions, hemp cultivation in the northernmost part of the state offered a promising avenue for innovation and growth.

The Evolution of a Northwoods Hemp Farm

Led by the brand’s founder, Gil Schwartz, Northwoods Botanicals embraced the challenge of diversification with open arms. From his early days as a professional forager, Schwartz’s journey into hemp cultivation marked a significant milestone in the business’ agricultural endeavors. “After successfully navigating the spools of red tape necessary to get a license to grow hemp, Schwartz planted the first crop in spring 2019,” write author Michelle Jensen. She goes on to say, “Unlike a plant such as lettuce that can be planted, harvested and placed into consumers’ hands within a couple of months, hemp takes six months to produce the flower vital for making CBD.”

Crafting Quality CBD Products

The commitment to quality and sustainability is at the heart of everything Northwoods Botanicals does, taking pride in handcrafting CBD products with meticulous care and attention to detail. Schwartz proudly asserts, “The end product is a high-quality, full spectrum hemp flower extract made in Bayfield County.” He then goes on to describe their current line of 1oz dropper bottles of this full spectrum CBD oil, in flavors like classic and mint. The dedication to excellence ensures that these products meet the highest standards of purity and potency, as validated by third party laboratory testing.

Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits

While Northwoods Botanicals refrains from making sweeping health claims, the article describes that the therapeutic potential of CBD has garnered attention far and wide. The author goes on to say that, “Information on the Internet claims that the oil has shown therapeutic health effects on humans, cats, and dogs.” The potential of CBD to enhance overall well-being is a driving force behind the mission of Northwoods Botanicals.

The Full Article

As we look back on the journey that brought us to this moment, we are filled with gratitude for the support of our community, customers, and the dedication of all those who have helped make our brand what it is today. The essence of our story, captured in the pages of that newspaper article, continues to inspire us as we forge ahead into the future. Revisit and read the original article by Michelle Jensen here.

To follow us as we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of agriculture and CBD products with passion, integrity, innovation, make sure to subscribe to our e-newsletter here.