Grower Stories #161: Kattia Jimenez

Tia Moskalenko, author of the AskGrowers blog, brings a unique blend of content to her readers. She is known for conducting insightful interviews with key figures in the cannabis industry, including brand representatives, manufacturers, and experts. In addition to her interview skills, Tia has a keen focus on CBD. She expertly curates product selections and reviews, offering her readers detailed insights into the various effects and benefits of CBD. Tia's ability to combine in-depth interviews with comprehensive CBD analysis makes her a valuable asset to the cannabis community, offering a well-rounded perspective on the industry.

Published

Sep 01 2022

Updated

Nov 16 2023

Interviews

623

5 min

Our talk with Kattia Jimenez about Mount Horeb Hemp’s origin and products

The AskGrowers team chats with Kattia Jimenez, founder of Mount Horeb Hemp. Kattia tells us about her brand’s CBD products and sheds light on how it is very different from other similar companies. Mount Horeb Hemp focuses on using the best soil to grow hemp and places very high importance on ensuring that people always get the high-quality product that they are paying for.

Tia: What inspired you to get into the cannabis industry?

Kattia: Our state legalized a pilot program in November of 2017. I was transitioning to living full-time in Wisconsin and felt it would be a great way to connect with the community. 2018 being the first year we could grow hemp, I thought we could all learn together.

Tia: How did you start Mount Horeb Hemp? Tell us your origin story!

Kattia: I wanted my new business to be tied to my small town. We are approximately 20 miles from Madison but it is fairly rural where my farm is located. Hemp has the potential to offer economic growth for rural communities and I wanted to tie the name and the industry together.

Tia: Are you involved in any female empowerment or mentor programs?

Kattia: I am a Vital Voices GROW 2021 Fellow (Vital Voices’ GROW Fellowship Announces 2021 Cohort - Vital Voices). The Vital Voices GROW Fellowship is a leading global accelerator program for women owners of small and medium-sized businesses that are making a social impact.

Tia: How can we improve Social Equity in the Industry?

Kattia: As a researcher, I have been taught to operationally define phrases like “social equity”. I’ve seen a lot of performative allyship the past year or so but not much else. I’d like to see more ownership of cannabis businesses as well as a real commitment by both government and the private sector (see banks). Social media posts, mission statements, and press releases that reference commitment to “social equity” are not enough. We’d like to see more ownership, board memberships, and platforming at major conferences.

Tia: How do you foster sustainability?

Kattia: Our farm is USDA-Certified organic.

Tia: How do you think your brand is different from the wide range of others similar to yours?

Kattia: We are able to control more of the process because we are not white labeling our CBD products. This is a new and still unregulated industry and it’s important to know what you are ingesting or using on your skin. As mentioned, we are USDA-Certified Organic. We offer a 3rd Party Certificate of Analysis for all products so the customer can make sure that the percentage of CBD listed on the label is, indeed, in the bottle. We can also amend and treat our soil. Hemp is a bioaccumulator - it’s very good at absorbing heavy metals, pesticides, fungicides, etc. So, like most farming, good CBD/hemp flower products start with good soil.

Tia: Why do you think CBD and hemp are getting more and more popular moving forward?

Kattia: I think consumers are looking for natural remedies and trying to curb their pharmaceutical use. I think many people are realizing that the criminalization of cannabis was unnecessary and caused a lot of harm to some of our most vulnerable communities.

Tia: In your professional opinion, how do you think the customer can be sure he’s getting the toxic-free product?

Kattia: I would never purchase a CBD product that does not come with a barcode linking to the COA (Certificate of Analysis). If a barcode is not possible, a copy of the lab results posted on the website is good practice as well.

Tia: Where should the customer keep your CBD products to make them fresh and valid?

Kattia: In a cool and dark place.

Tia: What’s your personal consumption routine? What are the top three products that you’re using?

Kattia: I use my own 2000mg Natural Tinctures, my CBD Muscle Salve, and my hemp flower soaps.