LeBlanc CNE

LeBlanc CNE, Inc. [Seattle WA] has deep roots in Washington State’s now-defunct medical marijuana industry, where the journey truly began. It was during this time that Jerry Whiting and his son, Coleman, met Rhiannon. Coleman had sought his father’s guidance in transitioning from Big Pharma anti-seizure medications to cannabis. Jerry, already a longtime advocate for alternative healing, connected with Martin A. Lee of Project CBD (whom he had first met in Ann Arbor during the '70s). With Martin’s support, Jerry and Coleman began cultivating CBD-rich plants and creating cannabis-based medicine. This pioneering work began even before Sanjay Gupta’s now-famous coverage of Charlotte’s Web brought CBD into the national spotlight.

Tragically, Coleman passed away during a seizure in 2016, but Jerry has continued the important work they started, driven by their shared vision of helping others through cannabis.

The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp, opened the door for new opportunities. LeBlanc CNE seized this moment, pivoting into hemp cultivation and product innovation. Over time, the team expanded to include Rhiannon, Kiara, and a dedicated farm crew who assist during Spring planting and harvest season. Their work is supported by the cannafamily, a diverse community of like minded activists around the world.

In the past several years, we’ve extended our focus beyond medicinal cannabis into fiber hemp applications, including paper, textiles, bioplastics, and other sustainable products. Last summer (2024), LeBlanc CNE grew flax for the first time, with plans to blend it with hemp for paper and textiles.

LeBlanc CNE operates with a strong commitment to social and ecological responsibility, guided by their core values, which are articulated in The LeBlanc CNE 10 Point Program (PDF). To us, hemp isn’t just a crop — it’s a catalyst for positive change. Our mission is rooted in making high-quality products while respecting the planet and building a stronger, more equitable community.

As active participants in the cannabis and hemp industries, LeBlanc CNE proudly supports organizations like The Cannabis Alliance, Cannabis Observer, and Project CBD. They believe deeply in their work and remain dedicated to creating a better future for both people and the planet.