A Decade of Hemp Innovation: Inspirational Technologies’ Journey and Next Chapter
This is my past, present, and future vision by Steven M. Smith, Founder & CEO of Inspirational Technologies – September 2025 – Over a decade ago, Inspirational Technologies set out to combine natural wellness with advanced science, and now we’re taking a bold leap forward. Founded in 2013 by Steven Smith, our journey began as a small Florida startup with a mission to connect traditional botanical remedies with modern technology. From those modest beginnings, we’ve evolved into a leader in hemp-based innovation, driven by resilience, discovery, and a strong sense of purpose. Today, we’re thrilled to unveil a new chapter for Inspirational Technologies—building on our foundation and embracing the future of hemp and cannabinoids to bring relief to even more people.
2013–2015: Laying the Groundwork
In the early years (2013–2015), we laid critical groundwork. Steven Smith’s background in plant sciences and passion for holistic health drove the initial focus on researching plant-based compounds, particularly those in hemp and other medicinal herbs. We were essentially a research lab with a big dream: to validate traditional botanical remedies using rigorous modern science. During this time, we established an education hub on our website (InspirationalTech.org) to share research updates and demystify hemp for the public. This proved vital in combating public misconceptions, as many people at the time still conflated hemp with psychoactive cannabis. Indeed, throughout the 20th century, stigma and prohibition had severely complicated cannabis research, and in the early 2010s hemp was legally categorized alongside narcotics despite its lack of THC. Navigating this environment was challenging – regulations were murky, funding was limited, and we often had to explain that hemp isn’t about “getting high,” but about healing. [Frontiers…: from …] [What Does…usinesses?]
Challenges: Regulatory uncertainty was the toughest hurdle in our infancy. Government rules around cannabis research were ambiguous or restrictive, making it difficult to source materials and secure funding. Public perception was another obstacle; early on, some investors and consumers were wary, not yet educated on the difference between non-intoxicating hemp compounds and marijuana. We tackled these challenges through education and transparency. By openly sharing scientific findings and safety data on our website and in community seminars, we started changing minds.
In 2014, our persistence paid off: we secured our first private investment, providing much-needed R&D capital, and validated our vision to those who believed in the potential of cannabinoids. That same year we launched our website as a content hub, positioning Inspirational Technologies as a trustworthy voice explaining the science of CBD and hemp. This focus on education built credibility and began eroding the stigma.
Successes: Despite the headwinds, by 2015 we had established a solid foundation. We had a small lab, a growing network of academic collaborators, and early data hinting at hemp’s therapeutic promise. For example, our team initiated studies on hemp-derived compounds and their effects on conditions like inflammation and anxiety, drawing on expertise from university partners. These academic collaborations not only guided our research but also validated our early findings in peer-reviewed settings, showing that our work was on the right track. We closed 2015 with optimism – and a budding reputation as pioneers willing to push botanical science into new territory.
2016–2018: Expanding into Hemp and Cannabinoids
By the mid-2010s, cannabidiol (CBD) was gaining mainstream attention as a potential wellness game-changer. Research interest in CBD was exploding worldwide, and public awareness of hemp’s benefits was on the rise. Inspirational Technologies embraced this momentum and shifted focus squarely onto hemp-derived cannabinoids. This period marked our evolution from a general plant research startup into a dedicated hemp innovation company.
Research Milestones: Between 2016 and 2018, we embarked on ambitious studies of CBD’s potential health benefits. Our research teams (now working with medical scientists) explored how CBD could help reduce anxiety, alleviate inflammation, and even act as a neuroprotective agent for the brain. Early results were promising: for instance, preliminary experiments suggested CBD had notable anti-inflammatory effects (supporting what many others were finding), and could modulate stress responses in animal models. We weren’t alone in these discoveries – around this time scientific literature was burgeoning with cannabinoid research. Academic partners working with us published validating findings, adding credibility. The scientific community was confirming what we believed: CBD and related cannabinoids held real therapeutic promise. Notably, evidence began emerging that CBD might provide relief in anxiety without the downsides of THC. (In fact, a few years later a clinical trial would show CBD can quell anxiety symptoms effectively without impairment.) The more data we gathered, the more confident we became that our path was the right one. [CBD shown…e with THC], [CBD shown…e with THC]
Product Development: Research findings quickly fed into product ideas. By 2017, we had developed our first prototypes of CBD-infused wellness products, including a topical cream for pain relief and a tincture (oral drops) for stress and general wellness. Formulating these was an exciting step from lab bench to real-world application. We sourced high-quality hemp extracts and combined them with synergistic herbs, leveraging our roots in botanical science to create unique blends. Each prototype was tested for safety and efficacy in small trials. The feedback from early testers was encouraging – users reported less joint pain after applying the cream, and better sleep with the tincture. This R&D phase taught us about effective dosing, bioavailability (for example, how well the body absorbs CBD in different forms), and user preferences. It set the stage for the full product line we’d launch once the regulatory coast was clear.
Obstacles: If you rewind to 2017, selling a hemp-based product was not straightforward. Federal law still treated hemp extracts in a gray zone, which made distribution and marketing a tricky affair. We could develop products and even give out samples, but large-scale sales were hampered by legal ambiguity. Shipping CBD across state lines lived in a legal limbo – technically hemp was still a Schedule I substance federally, even though it has no high-inducing THC. This meant we had to proceed carefully and focus on states with clear hemp programs. We also had to be very cautious about marketing language, avoiding any medical claims that could draw ire from regulators (the FDA had started warning companies about unproven claims). Yet, we persisted, keeping our operations lean and compliant. We engaged with industry groups advocating for hemp law reform, and continuously educated lawmakers and the public on CBD’s safety. All of this groundwork positioned Inspirational Technologies to spring ahead when the law finally caught up with science. [What Does…usinesses?], [What Does…usinesses?]
A Turning Point – Legalization: Late 2018 brought the breakthrough we and the entire industry had been waiting for. The U.S. Congress passed, and the President signed, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 the “Farm Bill” (see our story)
2019–2022: Growth through innovation and Partnerships
With legal clarity achieved, Inspirational Technologies moved full speed from R&D into the marketplace. The period from 2019 to 2022 was one of rapid growth, new partnerships, and establishing our leadership in the hemp wellness space. We transitioned from a small startup into a recognized brand with a national reach.
Commercial Launch: In early 2019, we officially launched our first line of CBD-based wellness products to the public. The line included the refined versions of our topical CBD cream and sublingual tincture, now branded under the Inspirational Technologies banner, as well as capsules and an all-natural CBD balm. We leveraged e-commerce and select health store partnerships for distribution. The timing was perfect: consumer interest in CBD had exploded, and people were eager to try these newly legal remedies. In fact, by 2020 nearly one-third of U.S. adults had used a CBD product, a huge leap in adoption from just 14% in 2019. We were ready to meet the demand with products formulated on a foundation of science and quality. Each batch was lab-tested for purity and potency, and we published the results online to continue building trust through transparency.
Partnership with hempSMART:
A key milestone in this phase was our strategic partnership with hempSMART in 2019.
HempSMART – a California-based company known for its science-driven CBD formulations – shared a similar ethos with us. By partnering, we aimed to combine our strengths: Inspirational Technologies’ research and product innovation, with hempSMART’s established marketing channels and customer base. Together, we celebrated on product development and education. For example, we co-hosted webinars featuring experts like Paula Vetter (hempSMART’s medical advisor) to inform consumers about CBD’s benefits. This partnership expanded our reach across the U.S. and even into international markets where hempSMART had a presence. It was a win-win: hempSMART gained new formulations and R&D support, while we gained a ready distribution network and a boost in brand visibility. Collaboration has always been in our DNA, and this was a powerful example of how working with like-minded innovators could amplify our impact.Scaling Up: Internally, these years saw our team grow and our capabilities scale. We onboarded new talent – from formulation chemists to regulatory consultants – to handle everything from product manufacturing to compliance in a fast-evolving regulatory environment. In 2020, hempSMART opened a larger production facility in Florida, enabling us to increase output to meet surging demand.
Our efforts at maintaining high standards earned recognition: by 2021, Inspirational Technologies was being recognized as a leader in hemp-based innovation, with industry magazines featuring our story and calling out our commitment to quality. We also invested in intellectual property, filing patents related to advanced cannabinoid extraction techniques and delivery methods (like a water-soluble CBD nanoemulsion to improve absorption).
This era wasn’t without its challenges, of course. The regulatory landscape, while improved, remained complex – the FDA still hadn’t fully figured out how to categorize CBD products, and we had to stay on top of patchwork state regulations. Public perception, however, continued trending in our favor. By 2022, 60% of Americans had tried CBD and believed in its benefits, reflecting a massive shift in acceptance. What was once fringe had become mainstream, found in everything from gummies and lattes to pain salves. We made sure Inspirational Technologies stood out in this crowded market by doubling down on science and trust – emphasizing evidence-backed uses, avoiding hype, and advocating for sensible regulations to protect consumers. Our reputation for integrity became one of our strongest selling points. [CBD Statis…bes Health]
Highlights 2019–2022: We achieved several key milestones in this growth phase: new product launches (including a popular CBD + herbal adaptogen capsule in 2021), revenue growth that outpaced our projections, and an expanding loyal customer community. We also saw the broader hemp industry flourish, validating our faith in this plant. (U.S. CBD product sales skyrocketed from about $108 million in 2014 to nearly $1.9 billion by 2022, illustrating the boom we were part of.) Inspirational Technologies had firmly established itself — not just as a company selling wellness products, but as an innovator helping to shape an entire industry. [CBD Statis…bes Health]
2023 and Beyond: Embracing a New Frontier
The stage is set for an exciting new chapter. As the metrics above show, the environment in 2023–2025 is remarkably different from a decade ago. Consumer acceptance of hemp remedies is at an all-time high, and the market has grown exponentially. With widespread legality and a mountain of supporting research, cannabinoids are poised to transform mainstream healthcare and wellness. In this context, Inspirational Technologies is embracing a new frontier. Our new direction will leverage everything we’ve learned over the past 12 years and push further to realize the full potential of hemp-based science. Here’s what to expect as we move forward:
1. Pioneering Advanced Therapeutics: The heart of our new direction is a commitment to deeper scientific exploration of cannabinoids and their medical potential. CBD opened the door, and now we’re walking through it with a toolkit of cutting-edge science. We are expanding our R&D to study lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol), which are also derived from hemp but have unique properties. For instance, recent research from Yale University highlighted CBG’s strong potential for pain relief without opioid risks, and ongoing studies suggest CBN may aid sleep. We believe these compounds, especially in synergy (the “entourage effect”), could address health issues that CBD alone hasn’t fully solved. To that end, Inspirational Technologies is initiating clinical collaborations to formally test cannabinoid-based therapies for specific conditions. We’re in discussions with medical centers to launch trials on a CBD-CBG blend for chronic neuropathic pain and on a cannabinoid regimen for anxiety and PTSD. The goal is to move beyond wellness products into the realm of evidence-backed therapeutics – bridging the gap between supplement and medicine. It’s an ambitious step, but it’s aligned with our founding mission of merging nature with advanced science. The scientific promise is truly compelling: studies show cannabinoids might offer safer alternatives to opioids for pain, relieve anxiety without harsh side effects, and even help in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. In 2018, the U.S. FDA approved its first CBD-based prescription drug for severe childhood epilepsy, validating that cannabinoids can meet the highest standards of medicine. We foresee a future where cannabinoid therapies are a trusted part of mainstream healthcare, and we want to be at the forefront of that movement. Our new direction prioritizes rigorous research, so doctors and patients can have confidence in the hemp-derived treatments we develop. [Cannabinoi…ain relief], [Cannabinoi…ain relief] [Cannabinoi…ain relief] [CBD shown…e with THC], [CBD shown…e with THC] [Frontiers…: from …] [What Does…usinesses?]
2. Emerging Applications in Disease Relief: We are also broadening the applications of our products to target more specific needs. Over the years, customers have shared incredible stories of finding relief with our creams and tinctures – from an athlete’s persistent knee pain easing to an anxious traveler finally enjoying a calm flight. These experiences inspire us to tailor solutions for some of the most prevalent and pressing health challenges. Chronic pain, for example, affects millions and often leads to dependence on painkillers. With cannabinoids showing effectiveness in reducing inflammation and pain signaling, we are formulating targeted pain-relief applications, such as an advanced arthritis cream and oral supplements for inflammatory conditions. Mental health is another focus: anxiety and sleep issues are on the rise, and many are seeking natural relief. We’re exploring blends of CBD with terpenes and botanicals known for calming effects, to support those struggling with stress or insomnia. Early next year, we plan to release a CBD+CBN nightly tincture aimed at improving sleep quality naturally. On the more advanced end, we’re keeping an eye on research that suggests cannabinoids could play a role in serious conditions like cancer. A recent comprehensive study even found evidence that cannabis compounds might help fight certain cancer cells and improve patients’ quality of life. While we remain grounded in science (and such uses will require extensive validation), it underscores a key point: the therapeutic horizon of hemp is still expanding. Our new product roadmap is designed to adapt as new discoveries emerge. If a study finds that a CBD-THC combination (with minimal THC) works best for a given condition, we have the agility and knowledge to formulate accordingly – always within legal bounds. In short, we’re widening our scope from general wellness to targeted solutions for disease relief, driven by what science and our users tell us. [Cannabinoi…ain relief] [New Study…naging …], [New Study…naging …]
3. Market Expansion and Leadership: As we venture into these new arenas, Inspirational Technologies is committed to growing sustainably and responsibly. The hemp and CBD industry is maturing – consolidation is happening, regulations are catching up, and consumers are becoming more discerning. We see this as a positive evolution and aim to be a leader in the next phase of the market’s development. Part of our new direction involves stepping up our role in industry advocacy. We are actively engaging with policymakers and regulatory bodies to help shape commonsense regulations for hemp products. Our stance is that quality and safety standards are needed to weed out bad actors selling mislabeled or impure products. We’re advocating for measures like third-party lab testing requirements, proper labeling, and research-based dosage guidelines. We’re also preparing for the potential regulatory changes ahead. The FDA in the U.S. has hinted at developing a new framework for CBD in dietary supplements or foods, and bipartisan bills in Congress aim to clarify CBD’s legal status further. We welcome clearer regulations, and our team is proactively ensuring that whenever new rules come, we will not just comply but excel under them.
On the market front, we are exploring geographic expansion. Hemp’s acceptance is global now – countries across Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific are embracing hemp CBD as laws evolve. Through the next couple of years, we plan to enter select international markets. We’re already laying groundwork in Canada and the EU, navigating their approval processes to offer our products abroad. Additionally, we’ll continue forging strategic partnerships. Just as our alliance with hempSMART accelerated U.S. growth, we’re eyeing partnerships in new regions (for example, a potential joint venture in Europe with a local wellness company) to bring our expertise to new audiences. At home, as the competitive landscape grows, we differentiate by staying true to science and innovation.
Product innovation remains key: our R&D pipeline includes not only new formulations but also new delivery technologies (imagine a transdermal patch for steady cannabinoid release, or a smart dispenser that gives personalized doses based on an app). Advanced technology – from bioinformatics to AI-driven data analysis – will increasingly inform how we design and validate our products, fulfilling the “advanced science” part of our mission with even greater precision.
Finally, as we look beyond 2025, Inspirational Technologies’ core values stay constant. The resilience, curiosity, and purpose that got us through the past decade will guide us in the next. We envision a future where a person with chronic pain might use a cannabinoid therapy we helped develop instead of habit-forming opioids; where someone with anxiety can find calm through a natural remedy backed by clinical evidence; and where hemp-based innovations contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world. The journey from a startup in 2013 to here has taught us that nature’s solutions and human ingenuity are an unstoppable combination. Our new direction doubles down on that truth. [Cannabinoi…ain relief]
Milestones and Future Goals at a Glance
To recap our journey and where we’re headed, here’s a summary of Inspirational Technologies’ major milestones over the past decade and our key goals for the future:
| Year/Period | Major Milestones | Future Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Founding: Steven Smith establishes Inspirational Technologies in Florida with a mission to merge natural wellness and advanced science. Begins research into hemp and medicinal herbs. | Global Health Impact: Leverage hemp compounds to improve lives worldwide, bridging nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. |
| 2014 | First Investment & Website Launch: Secures initial private funding. Launches InspirationalTech.org as an educational hub to share research and combat misconceptions about hemp. | Educational Leadership: Continue to educate consumers and health professionals about cannabinoids, setting industry standards for transparency. |
| 2015 | Research Foundations: Early lab studies on hemp compounds suggest potential benefits (anxiety reduction, anti-inflammatory effects). Establishes academic collaborations to validate findings. | Research & Development: Invest in clinical trials and R&D for new cannabinoid therapies (e.g., pain, anxiety, neuroprotection), turning promising research into approved treatments. |
| 2016–2017 | Focus on CBD & Product Prototypes: Pivots to focus on hemp-derived CBD as interest grows. Develops first CBD product prototypes (topical cream and tincture) blending botanical science with tech. | Product Innovation: Develop next-gen products (e.g., multi-cannabinoid formulas, improved delivery systems like patches or nano-emulsions) for more effective relief. |
| 2018 | Regulatory Breakthrough: U.S. Farm Bill 2018 legalizes hemp federally [What Does…usinesses?], [What Does…usinesses?], removing major legal barriers. Inspirational Tech poised to enter the national market with tested products. | Quality & Compliance: Lead in product quality, exceeding regulatory requirements. Work with regulators (FDA, etc.) to establish clear guidelines that ensure consumer safety and trust. |
| 2019 | Product Launch & hempSMART Partnership: Launches first retail products nationwide. Partners with hempSMART to expand reach and co-develop offerings, boosting brand visibility and distribution. | Strategic Partnerships: Build new alliances (with wellness companies, research institutes, healthcare providers) to expand globally and integrate hemp solutions into mainstream wellness and medicine. |
| 2020–2021 | Rapid Growth: Surges in customer adoption amid rising CBD popularity. Expands team and facilities; recognised in industry for science-driven approach. U.S. CBD use jumps (33% of Americans by 2020) despite lingering stigma. | Market Expansion: Enter new markets in Europe, Canada, and Asia as global hemp legalization progresses. Continue to adapt to market trends and consumer needs with agility. |
| 2022 | Industry Leadership: Establishes itself as a leading hemp innovation company. By 2022, U.S. CBD sales reach $1.9B [CBD Statis…bes Health] and 60% of adults have tried CBD [CBD Statis…bes Health] – a testament to growing acceptance that Inspirational Tech helped foster. | Industry Leadership & Advocacy: Influence the hemp industry’s evolution by advocating for sustainable practices, environmental responsibility in cultivation, and social responsibility in marketing (ensuring products are used appropriately for wellness). |
| 2023 | New Initiatives: Kicks off new R&D projects on cannabinoids like CBG/CBN for pain and sleep. Prepares for clinical collaborations to formally study cannabinoid therapies. Company culture shifts toward biotech startup mindset (hiring medical liaisons, data scientists). | Therapeutic Breakthroughs: Aim to achieve at least one FDA-approved cannabinoid therapy in the next 5–7 years, bringing a natural yet scientifically-vetted medicine to patients (e.g., a prescription CBD/CBG pain reliever). |
| 2024 | Preparation for New Direction: Aligns strategy with market trends and scientific advances. Strengthens compliance team for anticipated regulations. Engages with lawmakers on CBD policy. Concepts for personalized cannabinoid wellness programs (leveraging AI) in development. | Personalized Wellness: Utilize technology (AI and data analytics) to tailor cannabinoid-based solutions to individual needs, ushering in an era of personalized, plant-based medicine. |
| 2025 & Beyond | Announcing New Direction: Unveils a forward-looking strategy focusing on advanced research, broader health applications, and global expansion. Poised to integrate hemp-based innovation into healthcare on a larger scale, staying true to the vision of holistic wellness powered by science. | Vision 2030: By 2030, become a global pioneer in cannabinoid science, with a portfolio spanning consumer health products, licensed medical treatments, and technological platforms – all while maintaining the trust and holistic principles that have defined Inspirational Technologies since 2013. |
Conclusion: by Steven M. Smith
“As we step into this new chapter, Inspirational Technologies remains guided by the same principle that sparked our founding: the belief that nature and science together can improve lives. Our journey from 2013 to 2025 has been one of learning, innovating, and breaking barriers. We transformed challenges into opportunities – whether overcoming legal hurdles or shifting public perception – and in doing so, we’ve helped pave the way for hemp-based wellness worldwide. The future of hemp and cannabinoids is bright. From emerging scientific breakthroughs to evolving market dynamics, all signs point to an era where these natural compounds take a more central role in health and wellbeing.
With our rich history and renewed focus, we’re ready to lead in that era. The coming years will see Inspirational Technologies diving deeper into research, launching exciting new solutions, and reaching people in ways we once only imagined. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our supporters, partners, and customers who have believed in our mission. Together, we are forging a new path for natural wellness – one that honors ancient wisdom, embraces modern innovation, and inspires a healthier future for all.”
Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this journey ahead. The best is yet to come.
Sources
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Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.Inspirational Technologies (2025)
Created 3/1/2014
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