Mike and Maxine Shea are the husband and wife powerhouse behind the Hemp Collective, a multi-faceted small business located in the rolling hills of the Byron Bay Hinterland.
Don’t be fooled by the title of business owners, because Maxine and Mike encompass so much more. They are farmers and stewards of the Bundjalung land on which they cultivate their crops, as well as passionate educators and dedicated hemp advocates.
They are in their fourth year of growing and harvesting hemp on their small-scale farm, and through their zero-waste approach have developed a complementary range of hemp products.
Driven by a deeply personal mission, they’ve spent the last 7 years immersing themselves in the world of cannabis. Now, they’re dedicated to sharing their message and all they’ve learnt on this transformative journey.
A LIFE-CHANGING DIAGNOSIS LED TO MEDICAL CANNABIS
Over 7 years ago, Maxine was diagnosed with a rare pituitary brain tumour that affects only 1-2% of the population. After the shocking diagnosis, Maxine and Mike began the daunting journey of finding answers.
Following some disappointing encounters with the western medical system that left Maxine feeling disempowered, she began to explore alternative therapies which led her to medicinal cannabis.
“It would appear western medicine offered more ultimatums than suggestions: namely surgery and radiation therapy. However, six months after surgery – regrowth was detected. It was time to investigate other avenues.”
“Mike and I began researching alternative healing methods. We looked at studies of apple seeds, turmeric, metabolic and ketogenic diets. We omitted dairy and gluten (and the list goes on), however, all roads eventually directed us back towards medicinal cannabis.”
Through ongoing research, they discovered an overwhelming amount of evidence suggesting medicinal cannabis containing both CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) had proven success in treating a range of illnesses and diseases, including cancerous tumours.
Scientific studies indicate that cannabinoids can help to inhibit tumour growth by causing cell death and blocking the development of blood vessels needed by tumours to grow larger.
The search for alternative healing therapies led Mike to attend conferences and rallies to educate himself on all aspects of hemp and cannabis. He poured his mind and heart into learning about the health benefits, industrial production methods, and Australian cannabis legislation. The more Mike discovered, the more passionate he became about cannabis.
What was once a search for answers has now led Maxine and Mike to build a community-minded business that is paving the way for the future of sustainable hemp production in Australia.
HEMP COLLECTIVE’S MISSION: ORGANIC, ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE
The Hemp Collective was established in 2017 with the goal of utilising their organic hemp crop to create high-quality, sustainably produced products.
They have developed a beautiful range of zero-waste soaps, shampoos and pet shampoos, in addition to hemp beeswax wraps and paper. All of their products are 100% natural and non-toxic and utilise organic plant-derived ingredients.
“We know as a business, it is integral to hold a social and ethical responsibility about how our products and our waste impact our natural environment and our personal health. Having a circular and zero-waste focus on every aspect of our supply chain is integral to creating a happier, healthier world for future generations. ”
HEMP COLLECTIVE PRODUCTS AND STOCKISTS
Hemp Collective products are stocked in over 150 outlets across Australia and are available to purchase on their website. They also run hemp education courses locally in Mullumbimby, NSW. For further information visit https://www.hempcollective.com.au/
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