In a college dorm in 2018, three friends, one of whom was Dennis Mistrioty, began an exciting journey into the hemp industry. What started as a passion project quickly transformed into a mission to bring transparency and integrity to the growing cannabidiol (CBD) market. Together, they created Hello BATCH (or simply, BATCH), a Milwaukee-based company that creates high-quality hemp-derived wellness products while prioritizing education and trust. BATCH offers a wide range of wellness products including CBD gummies, electrolytes, mushroom gummies, CBD for dogs, and much more.
Milwaukee’s rich agricultural history in hemp production has played a significant role in shaping BATCH’s values. This deep-rooted connection to the land continues to inspire the team to cultivate premium hemp and advocate for the plant’s benefits. Backed by an unwavering commitment to transparency, BATCH ensures that customers get their money’s worth in every purchase. This, according to Dennis, who is a co-founder and CEO of Hello BATCH, is what sets the company apart in a crowded market.
Speaking to Healthnews, Dennis shares his insights on the misconceptions surrounding CBD, the importance of responsible practices in the hemp industry, and the future of wellness innovation. The conversation is refreshingly lighthearted and engaging, yet it is packed with deep inspiration for transparency, trust, and authenticity.
Enjoy your wellness journey with delicious naturally flavored CBD gummies.
Q: Your debut into the hemp industry in Wisconsin is interesting. Could you share with us the backstory of BATCH and how it all began in a college dorm back in 2018?
A: BATCH really started as a passion project with my best friends while we were still in college. Back then, we saw an opportunity to bring more integrity and transparency to the hemp industry, which was going through a lot of changes. We wanted to create something that wasn’t just about selling products but also about educating people and giving them something they could trust.
From the beginning, we’ve handled everything in-house — from growing the hemp to fulfilling orders — so we could ensure the quality and consistency that our customers deserve. It was a humble start, but we’ve stayed true to that vision, and it’s really what’s driven our growth.
Q: Wisconsin has a notable history in hemp production, stretching back to the 1940s before prohibition. Being based in Milwaukee, have there been any unique advantages or influences from this historical backdrop for BATCH?
A: Absolutely, but I see it more as a proud mental advantage than a tangible one. When you look out over our lush hemp farm in rural Wisconsin, you can’t help but feel that this plant was meant to grow in this soil. There’s a deep connection between Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage and hemp, and that history gives us a sense of purpose and responsibility.
Staying deeply connected to the cultivation process is essential for us because, at the end of the day, a healthy plant is the lifeblood of our entire industry.
Q: In your view, what is the biggest misconception people have about the health benefits of CBD and other hemp-derived products?
A: I’ve talked to several people who mistakenly think of CBD as ‘diet weed’ or just the closest legal alternative to cannabis, but that really overlooks its true potential. CBD isn’t about getting high — it’s about promoting balance in the body and supporting a wide range of wellness goals. Most of our customers report using our product for promoting better sleep, managing stress, aiding in recovery, or just relaxing after a long day.
Q: BATCH produces both hemp and mushroom wellness products. Is this a “match made in heaven,” and if it is, how so?
A: Absolutely, especially since both hemp and functional mushrooms have a long history in traditional medicine, with modern research now backing their therapeutic benefits. They complement each other beautifully by offering different kinds of support for overall wellness.
Hemp is great for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and helping with recovery, while mushrooms like lion’s mane are incredible for boosting focus and cognitive function. They really pick up where the other leaves off, allowing us to create products that support multiple wellness goals. Ultimately, at BATCH, our goal is to help people feel their best, naturally, and combining these two powerful ingredients is a big part of that mission.
Q: Wisconsin has yet to legalize medical cannabis. What are your personal thoughts on this and how does it impact your work and the broader industry?
A: I certainly believe that medical marijuana should be legalized in Wisconsin. Over the last decade, it’s become clear that this plant has significant potential to help people and doesn’t deserve the stigma or restrictions that have been placed on it. Both hemp and cannabis offer incredible wellness benefits, and people should have access to these tools.
The bigger conversation, in my opinion, should focus on how we can regulate the industry responsibly to ensure good business practices. It’s crucial to keep bad actors from giving the industry a negative reputation, and by setting high standards, we can help it thrive in a way that benefits everyone involved.
Q: Many have heard about hemp-derived delta 8 or delta 10, but hemp-derived (delta 9) THC is a new one. Tell us, is this a strategic move to navigate around the restrictive cannabis laws in Wisconsin?
A: Our decision to offer hemp-derived delta 9 THC wasn’t just about navigating legal restrictions, but more about giving our customers a product that delivers real benefits in a legal, responsible way. We’re very careful to stay within federal guidelines, and delta-9 THC, when derived from hemp and at the right concentrations, allows us to do that.
Unlike delta 8 or 10, delta 9 THC is naturally produced by the hemp plant and better aligns with our commitment to our customers to offer natural solutions.
Q: Microdosing is a prominent feature in BATCH’s approach. Can you explain why this approach is important and what benefits it offers to consumers?
A: Microdosing is really about allowing people to find what works best for their bodies without going overboard. By starting small, people can gauge their body’s response and adjust accordingly, leading to a more controlled and sustainable experience.
It’s all about balance and finding the sweet spot that helps you feel your best. Especially for an inexperienced consumer, we think the best way to find your ideal dose is to start small and gradually work your way up!
Q: The CBD market is highly competitive. What’s one key strategy that has helped BATCH stay relevant and thrive for over six years?
A: At the core of our success is staying true to why we started this in the first place: to bring transparency and integrity to the hemp industry. We’ve always believed that if we stay authentic to our mission, people will recognize the value we’re offering, and support will grow organically over time. The best way to build that trust is by pulling back the curtain. We don’t just talk about our processes — we show you.
We believe that being open and accessible builds lasting relationships with our customers, and that’s something you can’t fake. At the end of the day, transparency and trust are our strongest tools for standing out in a crowded market.
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