A life-changing internship in Oregon opened the doors to the cannabis and hemp industry for Jacob Johnson (’16). After the passing of the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, Johnson turned his newfound passion into a business, launching a hemp farm with his older brother, Tanner (’15).
The company began with 1 acre of hemp under the name Shenandoah Valley Hemp. Since then, it rebranded itself as Pure Shenandoah and implemented state-of-the-art farming processes that follow strict guidelines. Customers looking for the benefits of hemp — a chemical composition different from marijuana — can enjoy a wide selection of third-party, lab-tested products that are compliant with federal law.
“Our main value is integrity, as we go above and beyond to make sure we deliver the best hemp-derived products,” Jacob said.
Pure Shenandoah is a dietary supplement-certified facility through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The company is fueled by research-based decision making and a passion for delivering products that can alleviate nausea, reduce anxiety and ease pain.
“This company is on a mission to deliver good medicine with no side effects,” Jacob said. “When you hear a customer thank you for helping them with their illnesses, that’s just the wind in our sails!”
Pure Shenandoah also strives to educate the public about the benefits of hemp and cannabinoids. While the health and wellness company specializes in cannabis, it takes full advantage of the entire plant, including harvesting fiber from the male plants. From cultivation to processing, the Johnson brothers push the limits of the plant and explore regenerative methods for the betterment of the earth by delivering a fully sustainable line of products. Pure Shenandoah is a trailblazer in the industry: It collects plant data to verify carbon credits from hemp farming. “Hemp is one of the best products out there to reduce our overall carbon footprint,” said Tanner.
To fully appreciate the effort and love the Johnson brothers pour into the company, one must give homage to the people who raised and inspired them. They attribute their attitudes and work ethic to their family, whose veins course with purple and gold. More than 10 family members proudly call themselves Dukes. The Johnsons’ mother and uncle opened the beloved University Outpost Bookstore. “JMU was our whole life,” Tanner said. “My earliest memories are of us wearing misprinted JMU shirts that my mom couldn’t sell. We would run around the bookstore helping college kids shop.”
Pure Shenandoah is a genetics provider, selling seeds to other parties. It works with about 20 local farmers in the Shenandoah Valley. In addition, the company offers consultation services to share its knowledge with others. “We do not have secrets! We want this industry to grow so we need to share this knowledge,” Jacob said.
Individuals can bring their own hemp flowers to Pure Shenandoah’s facilities to be processed into oil or made into a final product such as a tincture. The needs of its consumers come first, which is why the company has developed a host of creative lines specializing in providing energy or relieving anxiety. Customers can select from a range of products such as topicals, smokables, edibles and oils.
The Johnson brothers want to give back to the community that raised and inspired them by representing the Shenandoah Valley in the industrial hemp industry. Pure Shenandoah is determined to explore the unlimited possibilities of the hemp plant.
Tanner credits his JMU education for giving him the skill set to serve as CEO. He said it truly comes down to “what is your passion, what do you love and how can you find a way of making a living doing that?”
For Jacob, it was the internship opportunity through his major, sports and recreation management, that put him on the path to business ownership. “Do not take no for an answer when it comes to your purpose and passion,” Jacob said. “You will want to fold and give up at multiple points. It will not be easy but it will be worth it.”
