About Eric Steenstra
Eric Steenstra is one of the founding architects of the modern American hemp industry, with over 30 years of continuous advocacy. He co-founded Ecolution with Steve DeAngelo in 1992, one of the first U.S. hemp brands, growing it to $3M+ in sales. He co-founded Vote Hemp in 2000, the only group lobbying Congress for hemp until 2013.
He drafted the first modern U.S. hemp legislation with Rep. Ron Paul (2005) and was instrumental in securing hemp provisions in both the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills that removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act.
Notable Credentials
- Co-founded Vote Hemp (2000), first hemp lobbying organization
- Co-founded Ecolution (1992) with Steve DeAngelo, $3M+ in sales
- Drafted first modern U.S. hemp legislation (H.R. 3037, 2005)
- Instrumental in 2014 and 2018 Farm Bill hemp provisions
- Executive Director, Hemp Industries Association (2008-2016)
- High Times Dope Award recipient
- 30+ years continuous hemp industry experience
Speaking History
Has appeared at:
NoCo Hemp Expo 2025
Quick Info
Role
Co-Founder, Vote Hemp
Topic Area
Hemp & CBD
Location
US
Type
Speaker