Bud & Mary’s: Pioneering Cannabis Research for a Healthier, Science Driven Future

A Family Legacy Now Leading Cannabis Innovation

In an industry still building credibility, Bud & Mary’s isn’t just producing cannabis, it’s cultivating change rooted in scientific research and family values.

Launched in 2017 as MedPharm Iowa and rebranded to Bud & Mary’s in 2022, the company is the first licensed medical marijuana manufacturer and distributor in Iowa. It was founded by Lucas Nelson, the grandson of Bud and Mary Nelson, who also established global ingredient powerhouse Kemin Industries.

The rebrand signified more than expansion into recreational marijuana states like Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, and Michigan, it declared Bud & Mary’s vision for a long-lasting, family-led presence in cannabis.

Built on Science, Backed by Decades of Botanical Expertise

What sets Bud & Mary’s apart is a deep-rooted commitment to scientific validation. Drawing from Kemin’s legacy of plant extraction and molecular biology, Bud & Mary’s has embraced a rigorous, research-first approach to cannabis development.

Among their standout innovations is TheMyx; a fast acting, water-soluble THC powder designed to be added to food or drinks. This product reflects the company’s broader mission: to build consumer trust through transparency, quality, and science.

Federal Research License Paves the Way for Discovery

A cornerstone of Bud & Mary’s innovation is its rare DEA Schedule I research license, held through its subsidiary MedPharm Research. This designation allows them to conduct federally approved studies into the therapeutic potential of cannabis, a major differentiator in a still-restricted research environment.

Dr. Duncan Mackie leads the company’s research arm. Based in Colorado, Mackie brings expertise in pharmacology, molecular biology, and G-protein coupled receptors key to understanding how cannabinoids interact with the human body.

This research aims to unlock treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia, focusing on cannabis’ anti-inflammatory potential to slow progression or even prevent disease onset.

Validating Products with Real Data: The LABeL Research Project

Another notable initiative is The LABeL Research Project, a collaborative study with the University of Colorado Boulder that evaluated over 300 cannabis products for potency accuracy.

The findings? Many products, especially bulk flower, significantly misstated their cannabinoid content.

This not only raises red flags for consumer safety but reinforces Bud & Mary’s case for national testing standardization, a necessary step as cannabis inches toward federal legalization.

Legal Expertise Meets Scientific Rigor

Lucas Nelson’s legal background enhances Bud & Mary’s ability to navigate a complex, evolving regulatory landscape. He uses this knowledge to stay compliant, lead advocacy efforts, and position the company as a trusted voice in legislative discussions.

Bud & Mary’s operates with a full understanding of product development—from molecule to marketplace. Their investment in research not only drives product innovation but gives the company the tools to make credible claims grounded in science.

A Vision for National Impact Fueled by Rescheduling

With momentum building for federal cannabis reform, companies like Bud & Mary’s are poised to scale their research and elevate industry standards. Federal rescheduling of cannabis would remove key barriers that currently limit data collection, clinical trials, and scientific legitimacy.

That seat at the table isn’t just for the company, it’s for patients, providers, and consumers who deserve reliable, research-driven cannabis products.

Leading with Purpose, Science, and Trust

As the cannabis industry grows, Bud & Mary’s is proving that science and ethics can guide the way. With roots in a family legacy and branches extending into future-facing innovation, this company is doing more than selling cannabis, it’s setting a new standard for what the industry can be.

Through a commitment to transparency, rigorous research, and a deep belief in the plant’s potential, Bud & Mary’s is helping shape a future where cannabis is not only accepted but trusted.