One of the fastest-growing hemp sectors bears a striking resemblance to the marijuana industry: dried and smokable hemp flowers. The growth of hemp pre-rolls and loose flower has roots in Europe, where cannabis enthusiasts have long embraced smoking low-THC cannabis, but its rise in the U.S. is catching longtime hemp industry watchers by surprise.
The 2018 Farm Bill has been signed into law. As of Dec. 20, industrial hemp — defined as all parts of the plant having less than 0.3 percent THC — is federally legal. This includes “derivatives,” “extracts” and “cannabinoids.” Kentucky, historically the nation’s top manufacturer of hemp, launched an innovative pilot program for farmers in 2014. This program was a basis for the hemp section of the law and should make Kentucky the epicenter of hemp in the United States.
The 2018 Farm Bill has been signed into law. As of Dec. 20, industrial hemp — defined as all parts of the plant having less than 0.3 percent THC — is federally legal. This includes “derivatives,” “extracts” and “cannabinoids.” Kentucky, historically the nation’s top manufacturer of hemp, launched an innovative pilot program for farmers in 2014. This program was a basis for the hemp section of the law and should make Kentucky the epicenter of hemp in the United States.
Cannabidiol—CBD—is a cannabis compound that has significant medical benefits, but does not make people feel “stoned” and can actually counteract th...