Joy Beckerman

Jan. 27, 1970 - Oct. 16, 2026

In Loving Memory of Joy Beckerman An Extraordinary Life of Love, Passion, and Purpose Joy Beckerman, 56, a devoted mother, passionate advocate, respected educator, and leader in the American hemp movement, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026. Born on January 27, 1970, Joy lived a life defined by an unwavering belief that one person could make a difference. Whether advocating for meaningful change, supporting her community, or raising her two sons, she approached life with remarkable energy, intelligence, and heart. An internationally recognized pioneer in the hemp industry, Joy dedicated more than three decades to advancing industrial hemp education, legalization, and sustainable development. Her advocacy began in the early 1990s, and in 1994, she opened a dedicated hemp store in Woodstock, New York, embarking on a lifelong mission that would help shape an emerging industry. As the principal of Hemp Ace International, Joy became a respected authority on hemp law, policy, education, and regulatory affairs. Her expertise brought her before lawmakers, regulators, universities, industry organizations, and audiences across North America and beyond. She believed deeply in the power of education and collaboration, generously sharing her knowledge with anyone willing to learn. Throughout her distinguished career, Joy held numerous influential leadership positions, including President of the Hemp Industries Association, Executive Vice President of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, Vice President of the U.S. Hemp Authority, and President of the Center for the Study of Cannabis & Social Policy. She also founded and served as president of the Hemp Industries Association's New York and Washington State chapters and served on the Board of Directors of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). Her extraordinary contributions earned her numerous honors, including the Hemp Industries Association's 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award and 2014 National Hemp Activist of the Year Award, the Cannabis Women's Alliance's 2016 Outstanding Contribution Award, Seattle Hempfest's 2016 Outstanding Cannabis Activist Award. These recognitions reflected not only her professional accomplishments but also the profound respect she earned from colleagues, fellow advocates, and the communities she served. Beyond her national influence, Joy was deeply committed to her local community in Edmonds, Washington. She served as a founder of the Edmonds-Woodway High School Athletic Booster Club and as treasurer of the school's Parent-Staff Organization, generously dedicating her time and talents to supporting students, families, and educational opportunities. Above all, Joy was a proud and devoted mother to her two sons, Phoenix and Spiral. She raised two highly accomplished young men, instilling in them the importance of hard work, intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and the courage to pursue their passions. Her son Phoenix is a United States Army veteran who served as a Civil Affairs paramedic, demonstrating an early commitment to service and the well-being of others. He went on to earn a master's degree in public policy and build a career as a union organizer and representative, continuing his dedication to advocating for others and championing the rights of working people. Her son Spiral earned a Master of Business Administration and established a successful corporate career in market research at Amazon before following his passion for aviation and becoming a commercial pilot. His decision to pursue a new career reflected the determination, ambition, and willingness to forge one's own path that Joy exemplified throughout her life. Joy's legacy will not be measured solely by the laws she helped change, the organizations she led, or the awards she received, but by the love she gave, the sons she raised, the people she inspired, and the better world she worked tirelessly to create. She will be deeply loved, profoundly missed, and forever remembered.