Our journey began in the heart of Nepal, where Dr. Michael Macri encountered a shaman in a local bar. Intrigued by the shaman's ability to outdrink him—a feat no one else had achieved—Michael struck up a conversation. The shaman revealed his secret: a rare, potent honey known as "Himalayan Cliff Honey," harvested from the high altitudes of Nepal. Fascinated, Michael delved deeper, studying the unique bees, the challenging mountainous terrain, and the traditional methods of harvesting this exotic honey. He discovered that the honey's distinctive properties weren't due to the bees themselves but to the nectar they collected from rhododendron flowers, which contain grayanotoxins responsible for the honey's intoxicating effects. With a passion for beekeeping and as owners of the largest apiary collective in the United States, we envisioned bringing this extraordinary honey to our homeland. After years of meticulous research and development, we identified Mount Lemmon in Tucson, Arizona, as an ideal location. Its unique climate and elevation closely mirror the conditions of the Nepalese mountains, making it suitable for cultivating rhododendron plants. Today, we proudly produce our own version of this remarkable honey in the USA. Our dedicated team cultivates rhododendron plants on Mount Lemmon, and our bees diligently gather their nectar. We then process this "mad honey" in our facility in Tempe, Arizona, transforming it into delightful products like chocolates, gummies, and other treats for everyone to enjoy. Our mission is to share the unique experience of mad honey, rooted in ancient traditions, with a modern twist—right here in the United States.
At Mad Honey, our core values reflect our dedication to quality, sustainability, and community.
We are committed to producing high-quality, authentic mad honey products. By cultivating rhododendron plants on Mount Lemmon and processing the honey in Tempe, Arizona, we ensure that each product meets rigorous standards, providing our customers with a safe and enjoyable experience.
Our dedication to environmentally conscious and sustainable beekeeping practices stems from our reverence for the earth and the communities we serve. We strive to minimize our environmental footprint by adopting eco-friendly methods throughout our production process.
We believe in the power of kindness and generosity to create positive change in the world. Our commitment to these values is reflected in everything we do, from offering high-quality products and services with exceptional attention to detail to providing real value to our customers and community.
We are guided by values such as responsibility, commitment, close relations, honesty, and innovativeness. These principles drive us to continuously improve and offer unique products that delight our customers.
"To cultivate and share the unique experience of mad honey, honoring ancient traditions while embracing sustainable practices, and delivering high-quality, authentic products that delight and benefit our customers." Our mission reflects our dedication to producing mad honey that honors its rich cultural heritage. By cultivating rhododendron plants on Mount Lemmon and processing the honey in Tempe, Arizona, we ensure that each product meets rigorous standards, providing our customers with a safe and enjoyable experience. Our commitment to sustainability and quality underscores our responsibility to the environment and our community. Through this mission, we aim to offer products that not only delight our customers but also contribute positively to their well-being.
Mad honey, derived from the nectar of certain rhododendron species, contains grayanotoxins, which can have significant physiological effects. While some seek it for its unique properties, it's crucial to be aware of potential safety and legal considerations.
Potential Toxicity: Grayanotoxins can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and in severe cases, hypotension (low blood pressure) and bradycardia (slow heart rate). These effects typically manifest within a few hours of consumption. While fatalities are rare, serious health complications can occur, especially if consumed in large quantities. Individual Sensitivity: Reactions to mad honey can vary based on individual health conditions and sensitivities. Those with existing heart conditions or low blood pressure should exercise caution, as grayanotoxins can exacerbate these issues. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming mad honey, particularly if you have underlying health concerns.
Regulatory Status in the U.S.: As of 2024, mad honey is legal to purchase, possess, and use in all 50 states of the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees its production, labeling, and sale to ensure compliance with federal food safety standards. However, consumers should ensure that any mad honey products they purchase adhere to these regulations to guarantee safety and authenticity. International Restrictions: While mad honey is legal in the U.S., it is banned in several countries, including South Korea, Australia, and Brazil. Travelers should be aware of local laws regarding mad honey to avoid legal complications when purchasing or transporting it internationally.
Sourcing and producing our Mad Honey within the United States offers numerous benefits to both consumers and the local economy. By cultivating rhododendron plants on Mount Lemmon in Tucson, Arizona, and processing the honey in Tempe, we ensure strict quality control and adherence to U.S. health and safety standards. This domestic production not only guarantees product purity but also supports local agriculture and beekeeping industries, fostering economic growth and sustainability. In contrast, importing traditional Nepalese Mad Honey presents several challenges. The lengthy supply chain can lead to potential issues with product authenticity, quality degradation during transit, and increased carbon emissions due to long-distance transportation. Additionally, consumers may face difficulties verifying the harvesting practices and purity of imported honey, raising concerns about potential contamination or adulteration. By producing Mad Honey domestically, we eliminate these uncertainties, providing our customers with a reliable, high-quality product they can trust.
Our Mad Honey is harvested from pristine, high-altitude environments, ensuring purity and quality.
Sustainably Produced on Private Land – Our bees thrive on contained land with no public access, protecting them from environmental contaminants and human interference.
Supporting a Healthy Ecosystem – By raising bees in this unique habitat, we contribute to pollination, which enhances local plant biodiversity and strengthens the surrounding ecosystem.
Ethical Beekeeping Practices – We prioritize the well-being of our bees, harvesting honey responsibly to maintain colony health and ensure long-term sustainability.