In this special episode of the Qredible Live Broadcast, host [Insert Host Name] is joined by Joe Hickey, longtime hemp advocate and President of the Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative, and Drew Harris of Qredible, for an insightful debrief from the NOCO Hemp Expo. They explore the current state of the hemp industry, the policy bottlenecks holding it back, and what it will take to unleash the true potential of industrial hemp in the U.S.

From the divide between industrial and psychoactive hemp sectors, to policy recommendations, to global market insights—this episode is a masterclass on what’s working, what isn’t, and what must change to push hemp forward.

• Joe Hickey – President, Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative

• Drew Harris – National Accounts, Qredible

• ✅ Key takeaways from the 2025 NOCO Hemp Expo

• 🌿 The ongoing divide between industrial vs. cannabinoid hemp

• 📜 How outdated regulations and the 2018 Farm Bill are stalling growth

• 🏗️ Building a reliable hemp supply chain in the U.S.

• 💡 Global leadership in hemp innovation: what Latin America is doing right

• 📉 The impact of poor federal/state alignment on U.S. farmers

• 🤝 The FIHO Pledge and how industry collaboration can jumpstart adoption

• 🌱 Hemp as the foundation for a green industrial revolution

• 🚧 Misconceptions and policy contradictions about THC testing

• 🏗️ Case studies: hempcrete and material resilience in natural disasters

In this episode of Qredible Live, we welcome Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, a renowned food scientist, consultant, and author, to dive into the explosive growth of cannabis beverages and the scientific, regulatory, and consumer-driven challenges shaping this dynamic market. From flavor formulation challenges to navigating the regulatory maze of hemp-derived cannabinoids, Bryan shares insider insights on where the industry is headed — and why responsible innovation and transparency are critical for its future.

🚀 Bryan also discusses the intersection of food science, consumer health trends like "California Sober," and the exciting opportunities for brands who get it right.

• Bryan's Journey: From food science PhD to a trusted consultant for food and beverage innovators.

• The Rise of Cannabis Beverages: 100+ brands launched since 2021, explosive growth in Canada and the U.S.

• Scientific Challenges: How to mask cannabis bitterness, perfect emulsions, and meet "clean label" demands.

• The Regulatory Gray Zone: Loopholes, the 2018 Farm Bill, and why federal clarity is urgently needed.

• Functional Ingredients & Synergies: Exploring the real science behind adding nutraceuticals like omega-3s, L-theanine, and mushrooms to cannabis drinks.

• The California Sober Trend: How younger generations are redefining social drinking, swapping alcohol for wellness-focused cannabis beverages.

• The Call for Integrity: Why lab testing, transparency, and consumer trust are critical for sustainable growth.

• Predictions for the Future: The hope for smart federal regulation and a responsible, thriving cannabis beverage industry.

Bryan Quoc Le, PhD is a food scientist, consultant, author, and researcher specializing in sustainable food innovation and functional beverages. Named the Food Science Consultant of the Year (2023) by the Global Vegan Awards, Bryan advises brands from startups to industry leaders like Blue Diamond Growers. He is also a faculty research fellow at Pacific Lutheran University and a passionate advocate for better science-backed innovation in emerging industries.

📚 Learn more about Bryan at mendocinofoodconsulting.com

In this compelling Good Friday edition of Qredible Live, we’re joined by Judson Hill, Georgia Market President at Fine Fettle, one of only six licensed medical cannabis operators in the state. Judson walks us through his powerful personal journey—from fashion entrepreneur and tech startup founder to cannabis advocate and public health leader. With a bold mission to reshape the Southern cannabis landscape, Judson shares how Georgia’s medical program compares nationally, and what’s on the horizon for regulatory reform, patient access, and cannabis innovation in the region.

From lobbying his own father (former State Senator Judson Hill Sr.) to launching California-based pre-roll brands, Judson offers an inside look at policy wins, medical milestones, and the grassroots push to educate legislators.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• Judson’s journey from e-commerce and fashion to medical cannabis leadership

• The evolution of cannabis access and public health in Georgia

• Why Georgia's cannabis law is among the strictest in the U.S.

• Cannabis vs. hemp: The regulation and retail reality in the South

• The opportunity in THC beverages as an alcohol alternative

• How vertically integrated models affect product consistency and patient safety

• Track-and-trace tech and why Georgia is doing things differently

• The role of science, advocacy, and patient voices in shaping policy

🧠 Key Quotes:

“I had to lobby my own dad first — a sitting Georgia Senator — to see the medical benefits of cannabis.”

“Georgia has the opportunity to be a cannabis leader, not because we’re first, but because we’ve learned from every other state’s mistakes.”

“It’s not just about the industry. It’s about access, trust, and treating cannabis like real medicine.”

👥 Special Thanks To:

• The Georgia Medical Cannabis Commission (GMCC)

• Atlanta Sickle Cell Foundation, Atlanta Cancer Society

• All participating legislators and patient advocates