In a recent episode of “Financing Your Cannabis Future”, Rachel Wright of Verdant Strategies sat down with Kieve Huffman, founder of Engage Your Global, to discuss the vital intersection of wellness, natural health, and the evolving cannabis industry. Huffman’s personal journey and professional endeavors underscore a passionate commitment to advancing plant-based solutions that promote health and holistic well-being.
Huffman opened the conversation by expressing his enthusiasm for wellness and sharing his motivation rooted in personal and family health challenges. “My mother has battled lupus, arthritis, and chronic shingles, which led me to see firsthand how pharmaceuticals can sometimes do more harm than good,” he explained. “This inspired me to support brands and businesses bringing natural, plant-based solutions that can help people improve their health without over-reliance on traditional pharmaceuticals.”
A Personal Journey into Wellness
Huffman’s personal story highlights the power of plant-based medicine. His mother’s experience with multiple health issues, coupled with her dependence on numerous medications, prompted him to explore alternative therapies. During his time managing Prohibited Media—a leading cannabis media company—he gained access to caregivers in California, helping his mother reduce her medication load significantly through cannabis and other holistic products.
However, he noted that regulatory disparities between states like California and Pennsylvania often hinder the seamless transfer of knowledge and supply chains, leading to setbacks for patients seeking consistent care. “Once Pennsylvania went legal, my mother’s access to caregivers and the supply chain became inconsistent, and she eventually returned to pharmaceuticals,” Huffman remarked. “This underscores the need for a more unified and accessible approach to plant-based health solutions across states.”
In addition to his family’s health journey, Huffman recounted personal efforts to maintain his well-being. “Playing soccer with my son at age five, I realized I needed to prioritize my health so I could stay active and present in his life,” he said. Through adopting routines involving natural products, lifestyle changes, and biohacking, he reports feeling biologically 14 years younger than his chronological age—a testament to his holistic approach.
Advocating for Holistic and Plant-Based Health
Huffman emphasized that cannabis is a remarkable plant with diverse applications, but it isn’t a cure-all. His focus extends across a broad spectrum of plant-based therapies, including herbal remedies, longevity products, and biohacking tools. His work with brands across the holistic health space aims to educate consumers and expand access to natural alternatives.
He also highlighted the importance of integrating wellness into everyday life, especially for busy professionals and remote workers. “Leading by example is key,” Huffman noted. “From ensuring proper hydration and nutrition to taking time for meditation and outdoor activities, small daily routines add up to significant health benefits.”
Bridging Gaps and Promoting Education
Huffman’s advocacy emphasizes that education and community engagement are essential for normalizing plant-based health solutions. He pointed out that most Americans lack awareness of many beneficial plants and natural therapies, such as Kanna—a subtle herb known for its mood-enhancing properties.
He advocates for accessible wellness platforms that connect individuals with practitioners and provide reliable information, especially for remote workers who may lack local resources. “Education is the missing piece,” he said. “People need trustworthy, centralized sources of information about plant medicines and how they can support mental and physical health.”
Supporting Underserved Communities and Expanding Access
Huffman is actively working on initiatives to bridge gaps in access, including launching a wellness portal targeted at gamers and a retail footprint called Rubra, which will feature natural products, supplements, and personal care items. His goal is to serve underserved audiences, such as young gamers seeking healthier alternatives and women looking for natural feminine care.
He shared success stories of innovative products, such as Verge Botanicals’ hemp strains mimicking Adderall’s focus effects and Tau Patch’s nanotechnology-based transdermal therapy for pain relief. These offerings exemplify the potential of plant-based solutions to replace chemicals and pharmaceuticals with safer, natural options.
Leadership and Industry Outlook
In closing, Huffman urged industry leaders and entrepreneurs to prioritize wellness, education, and community-building. “We need to create ecosystems that support natural health and make these solutions accessible and understandable,” he stated. “By leading with integrity and authenticity, we can help normalize plant-based medicines and improve lives.”
Huffman also announced the launch of his blog, Business of Plants Over Pills on Substack, dedicated to sharing insights on bringing plant medicines into mainstream markets. He encourages natural wellness brands and business leaders to connect through LinkedIn or via EngageYourGlobal.com.
A Call to Action
As the industry continues to evolve, Huffman’s message resonates: wellness isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessary shift toward holistic health that benefits individuals, communities, and the broader economy. His personal journey and professional initiatives exemplify how passion, education, and community engagement can foster meaningful change.
