Hemp’s Humble Origins

Hemp has been around since ancient times and has found its way all through Europe. When the Pilgrims first came they brought not only the knowledge, they traveled with ships-sails manufactured with it.

“It would be wryly interesting if in human history the cultivation of marijuana led generally to the invention of agriculture, and thereby to civilization.”– Carl Sagan, an American scientist

Farming Hemp in Hudson Valley

By the mid-1600s, hemp had become an important part of the economy in the Hudson Valley. Hemp production spread all through New England, New York, and south to Maryland and Virginia. The Colonies produced cordage, cloth, canvas, sacks and paper from hemp during the years leading up to the Revolutionary War. Most of the fiber was used for British consumption, some was used for domestic purposes.

Hemp fiber was so important to the early colonies that farmers were compelled by patriotic duty to grow it, and were allowed to pay taxes with it ! George Washington grew hemp and encouraged all citizens to sow hemp widely. Thomas Jefferson bred improved hemp varieties, and invented a special brake for crushing the plant’s stems during fiber processing.

Did you know that the first drafts of the Declaration of Independence were penned on hemp paper ?

Let’s look at a timeline and some fun facts-

1700s: Early laws require American farmers in several colonies to grow hemp

1776: U.S. Founders write early drafts of The Declaration of Independence on hemp paper

1840: Abraham Lincoln uses hemp seed oil to fuel his household lamps.

• 1942: Henry Ford builds an experimental car body made with hemp fiber, which is ten times stronger than steel
• 1942: USDA initiates the “Hemp for Victory” program – this leads to more than 150,000 acres of hemp production

In present times the new Farm Bill changes the laws to be hemp friendly again.

• 2015: The Industrial Hemp Farming Act (H.R. 525 and S. 134) introduced in the House and Senate. This act is the first of several attempts to fully legalize hemp.
• 2016: A Colorado farm has earned the Organic certification from USDA for its hemp
• 2018: After failed attempts to pass hemp-specific laws, an amendment to the Agricultural Improvement of 2018 (a.k.a. the “Farm Bill”) legalized hemp  in the U.S. Pres. Trump signs the bill into law on Dec 20, 2018. This amendment removed the hemp plant, along with any of its seeds and derivatives from the Controlled Substances Act. A huge win for the hemp industry and for Honey Buz !

2019: Hudson Valley local farmers produce over 2500 acres of hemp .

2019: Honey Buz formulates the first Honey and Hemp Shampoo and Conditioner Bar using local honey and hemp – our community Hive begins.

2020: Honey Buz PoP-Up store, Middletown NY surrounded by farms and fields our products are produced here and available now !

The history of Hemp in the Hudson Valley has come full circle, and Honey Buz supports our local farmers that produce from farm- to- seed- to- process of oil and extraction. This yields the pure quality the is our expectation. Because we test each batch, we can verify every formula.

We source the best ingredients; the best quality hemp and we have established a long term relationship for our supply. At Honey Buz we made the decision- we come from a place of wellness and caring; our hair and skin care formulas deliver exactly that.

Hemp Properties - short guide

Full of nourishing lipids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Hemp Oil has now earned a well-deserved spot in many beauty routines as well as cosmetic and personal care products. It is especially known for having high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as Gamma-Linolenic Acid (Omega-6) and Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega-3) that are optimally balanced, giving rise to exceptional moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to its beautifying and anti-aging uses, Hemp Oil has also built a reputation for being helpful in a variety of common skin ailments, such as dry skin, acne, eczema, psoriasis, scars, and too much oil production.

We recognize our Hive community wants to be educated as to ingredients and their natural properties. We are here to help clear the mystique and offer all of the wellness we can craft in our salon products. So lets look at the difference.

Cannabis. Hemp. Marijuana. What’s the Difference?

Cannabis A genus of flowering plants with three main species (Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis) that fall into many strains that contain varying concentrations of different cannabinoids. Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis.

Cannabinoid One of 113 recognized plant-chemicals naturally occurring in cannabis, these include the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD).

Hemp Cannabis with low (less than 0.3%) THC. Historically valued for its strong fibers; currently grown for CBD supplements and body care products, hemp oil, hemp seeds, building materials and insulation, and as a regenerative cover crop.

Marijuana Cannabis with high (15%–40%) concentrations of THC, a psychoactive cannabinoid. Grown for recreational and medicinal use.

Honey Buz products are tested for purity and do not contain THC. All tests are available on our labels and online. 

We manufacture in the Hudson Valley, New York State where we have the best availability to local hemp and honey. Skin and Hair care with salon quality results is what we create- and we make a solid statement on Shampoo and Conditioner Bars, providing concentrated long lasting performance. We do not add water- to keep pure undiluted and undistorted. Your Honey Buz Sold Bar purchase saves 2 bottles- and that is awesome! Because of your support local farmers and beekeepers can keep providing the all natural ingredients we all enjoy.

 Save your Body Save your Hair Save the Planet !