Article by: Matthew Altieri
In 1996, Jon Napoli partnered with Mitch Rosenfield and moved Napoli’s “Hempest” store from Huntington Avenue to busy Newbury Street, located in downtown Boston. By doing so, co-founders Napoli and Rosenfield not only aimed to change the negative stigma of “Cannabis Sativa,” but also aims to show that the hemp plant is an environmentally sound product, producing some of the most eco-friendly food sources, hygienic materials, and clothing sources that this world has ever seen.
For the past 70 years in the United States, the hemp plant has been illegal to grow on United States soil. Although the plant uses no fertilizer, no pesticides, prevents erosion, and could be grown in any of the 50 states, the US government has deemed the agricultural production of Cannabis Sativa illegal. Thus, the Hempest must buy their hemp products in fabric and seed form from various countries around the world where it is not illegal to produce the plant.
“All our hemp fabrics are produced in China and Romania, and very small amounts in other countries such as Germany and Spain,” said Bud E. Green, manager of the 207 Newbury St. store. “While the majority of the hemp seed, used for the hygiene products and food, are grown in Canada.”
While hemp remains an illegal commodity in the United States, it thrives in China and other European countries. Green expressed how he hopes the United States takes a lesson from the consumers of the hemp products within our borders and turns over a new leaf on their prejudices, in particular that hemp could be a saving grace in North America’s economic struggle.
“If there’s one thing our government will listen to, it’s the economy,” said Green. “By offering these superior products to consumers, people will find that hemp is one of the finest linens in the world, and will be completely surprised by how good the product is. Hemp is as simple as linen, it’s very durable and lightweight as well.”
The Hempest not only offers a wide selection of clothing ranging from jackets to shoes, but they also have several hygienic products such as soaps and oils, as well as foodstuffs such as hemp seed powder and protein shakes.
“Hemp seeds are an excellent source of protein,” said Green. “It’s a great source for omega-3 and essential fatty acids. We’ve also got a hemp seed milk like rice or soy milk. Many soy milk products today have genetically modified organisms in them that the hemp seed milk lacks, making hemp seed milk a superior organic product.”
The Hempest started in 1995 as a green dream on Huntington Avenue and has grown into four different locations, one in Harvard Square, one in Northampton, Mass., another in Vermont and of course the original on Newbury Street. Their website, hempest.com, also sells and ships their hemp products all around the world for everyone to enjoy.
