Coming Together at NoCo Hemp Expo | A Recap from Estes Park

After three packed days at the NoCo Hemp Expo in Estes Park, I'm heading home feeling inspired, energized, and more connected than ever to this industry and the people driving it forward.

NoCo has always been a high point in the hemp calendar, but this year's event felt especially meaningful. For me, it was a reminder of the resilience and innovation that continue to define hemp and CBD—even as the industry evolves and adapts to new challenges. As the founder of 55plus CBD, a brand rooted in wellness, transparency, and education, it was powerful to be surrounded by so many passionate leaders who care deeply about where this industry is headed.

The Power of In-Person Connection

We've all done our fair share of Zooms and virtual summits over the past few years. However, there's still nothing quite like showing up in person—sharing stories, shaking hands, and having those unexpected conversations that spark new ideas or partnerships.

From the moment I arrived in Estes Park, the energy was contagious. You could feel it in the halls between sessions and the quick chats over coffee: people are excited, hungry for collaboration, and deeply invested in shaping the future of hemp.

Women Leading the Way

One of the most encouraging aspects of this year's expo was the spotlight on women in leadership. This is something I care deeply about—not just because I'm a woman running a CBD brand, but because diverse leadership makes industries stronger, more compassionate, and more innovative.

Two women who stood out in particular were Jamie Pearson of New Holland Group and Kathleen Saucerman of Normalize Marketplace. Jamie brings a wealth of global business experience and has been a visible, vocal advocate for both innovation and inclusion in the cannabis and hemp space. Her presence and insights were both sharp and grounded—reminding us that scaling a business and staying true to your values aren't mutually exclusive.

Kathleen, through Normalize Marketplace, is doing critical work in creating a space where women-led brands can thrive and be discovered. Her focus on consumer trust and ethical practices resonated with me, especially as we at 55plus CBD continue prioritizing transparency and quality in everything we do.

But these two weren't alone. The weekend was filled with panels and talks led by strong, smart women—scientists, marketers, cultivators, and CEOs—who are reshaping what leadership looks like in hemp and cannabis. It's not just refreshing—it's necessary.

Highlights and Takeaways

There were so many good conversations and presentations that it's hard to narrow them down, but a few moments really stuck with me:

• The emphasis on regenerative farming: It was encouraging to see how much focus there is on sustainability—not just as a buzzword, but as a serious, science-backed priority. Hemp is uniquely suited to be a tool for environmental restoration, and it's exciting to see more companies investing in that potential.
• Market education as a shared mission: Whether you're B2B or B2C, everyone seems to agree that the general public still has a lot of questions about CBD and hemp-derived products. It was heartening to hear so many people talk about education—not just marketing—as a long-term commitment.
• Policy and regulation updates: While federal regulation continues to lag behind the pace of innovation, there were some encouraging signs of progress. Hearing from advocates and legal experts reminded me how important it is for all of us—brands, consumers, and entrepreneurs—to stay informed and engaged in shaping policy.

Where 55plus CBD Fits In

Attending NoCo always helps me zoom out a bit and reflect on the mission behind 55plus CBD. Our brand is built specifically with older adults in mind—a demographic that is too often overlooked in both wellness marketing and product design.

But what's been clear at events like this one is that interest in hemp-derived wellness solutions is growing fast among the 50+ population. People want natural, effective options to support sleep, mobility, calm, and overall well-being—and they want to understand what they're putting in their bodies. That's where we come in.

We've always prioritized clear labeling, education, and a product line that reflects the real needs of our customers. But being at NoCo gave me a fresh sense of purpose around that. It's not just about making great products—it's about making sure people have access to trustworthy information, safe options, and a supportive community.

Building Together

One of my favorite moments was a casual roundtable with several other brand founders where we talked candidly about burnout, creativity, and how we stay grounded in an industry that's constantly shifting. That kind of honesty is rare—and incredibly valuable.

It reminded me that while we all run separate companies, we're part of something shared. A movement. A shift in how we think about wellness, medicine, agriculture, and community. And the only way we succeed is by continuing to build together.

Looking Ahead

As I head back to the day-to-day of running 55plus CBD, I'm carrying a lot with me from Estes Park—new ideas, new contacts, and a deeper appreciation for the people who make this industry what it is.

I'm also leaving with a sense of responsibility. To keep pushing for clarity in labeling and formulation. To speak up for older adults who are exploring hemp for the first time. To collaborate with other women and help elevate their voices. And to make sure our work always reflects the values we stand for: honesty, empathy, and real wellness.

If you've never been to the NoCo Hemp Expo, I highly recommend making the trip next year. Whether you're a brand founder, a farmer, a policy wonk, or a curious consumer—it's one of the best places to get a real, honest look at where hemp is going and who's leading the way.

To everyone I met in Estes Park—thank you for the conversations, the laughs, and the shared vision. And to the women carving new paths in this space: keep going. You're changing the game, and we see you.