Former AG Dustin McDaniel elected to U.S. Hemp Authority board

The U.S. Hemp Authority (USHA), the hemp industry’s organization that promotes high standards, best practices and self-regulation for growers, processors and product
manufacturers, announced four new board members to its roster, expanding its reach to hemp industry and government stakeholders.

The new Board members include:

• Dustin McDaniel, the former Attorney General of the state of Arkansas;
• Larisa Pavlick, Vice President of the United Natural Products Alliance, representing the dietary supplement industry;
• Annie Rouse, Secretary of the Hemp Industries Association; and
• Josh Hendrix, former President and founding board member of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable.

The four new board members join the existing directors and officers, which include:

• Dr. Marielle Weintraub, President, leading industry scientist and researcher;
• Joy Beckerman, Vice President, longtime hemp leader and awardee of industry’s lifetime
  achievement award;
• Richard Badarracco, Secretary, former DEA Special Agent, with four decades of law
  enforcement service;
• Jonathan Shell, Treasurer, hemp farmer, former Kentucky House Majority Leader, Chair, Mitch
  McConnell for Senate;
• Ron Conyea, hemp farmer, Trustee of U.S. Hemp Growers Association; and
• Nathan Gerhardt, Vice President of Charlotte’s Web, Inc.; Executive Committee of U.S. Hemp
  Roundtable.

“We were thrilled to have Dustin McDaniel join our Board of Directors,” stated USHA President Marielle Weintraub. “General McDaniel brings incredible talent and experience to our emerging industry. His deep law enforcement background, and contacts with state officials across the country will be invaluable tools as we build confidence for our certification program in the months ahead.”

“The USHA is designed to protect consumers, establish confidence in products and incentivize best practices at all levels of production, distribution and sales. This function is critical, and I am excited to help this emerging industry in my new capacity as a board member,” McDaniel said.

The USHA’s certification program is the hemp industry’s initiative to provide high standards, best practices and self-regulation, giving consumers and retailers confidence in hemp and CBD products.

Farmers, processors, manufacturers and brand owners who meet the program’s rigorous standards, as determined by an independent, third-party audit by Food Chain ID, the program’s new administrator, are awarded a seal of certification, signaling to consumers that their products our worthy of their trust.

McDaniel is also involved in Natural State Wellness Enterprises of Jonesboro, which was one of five cultivation center applications chosen by Arkansas’ Medical Marijuana Commission.