For its ninth Future Thought Leaders panel discussion, “High Hopes: Navigating the Crossroads,” Berry Good Food hosted eight experts at the University of California San Diego to discuss the increasing use of hemp, both as an agricultural crop and as a medical and recreational tool through its applications as THC and CBD.

Hemp is the strongest natural fiber in the world and can produce crucial resources such as food, rope, clothing, paper, and housing material. The U.S. sales value of hemp-based products is more than $600 million annually and growing.

Read our recap for highlights of the discussion such as navigating the legislative and regulatory minefield, revolutionary medical treatments on the horizon, removing stigma, and other benefits and drawbacks.