Advocates and the Colorado Department of Agriculture gave encouraging remarks for the revival of hemp as a cash crop during the Four States Agriculture Expo last week.<\/p>\n
Under Amendment 64 passed by voters in 2012, Colorado farmers are allowed to grow industrial hemp for commercial purposes. But there are some strict requirements, including registration with the CDA.<\/p>\n
Producers must register with CDA by May 1 if they\u2019d like to grow industrial hemp (Cannabis spp) during the 2014 growing season. The fee for commercial production is $200 plus $1 per acre. For research purposes, the annual fee is $100 plus $1 dollar per acre.<\/p>\n
\u201cI recommend starting out on the research and development level to see how it goes and better understand the crop in this climate. We don\u2019t know which strain is best for your area,\u201d said Michael Singer, an agricultural specialist with the CDA.<\/p>\n
Hemp crops can\u2019t exceed 0.3 percent THC, the psychoactive ingredient that reaches 10 to 20 percent in marijuana, a genetic cousin of hemp used for recreation and medicinal purposes.<\/p>\n
\u201cHemp does not get you high,\u201d said presenter and hemp advocate Karen Kreshner. \u201cYou could smoke a whole roomful, and it would not alter your consciousness.\u201d<\/p>\n
Inspectors will analyze one in three industrial hemp farms to insure the minuscule THC amount is complied with, Singer said. Non-compliance will result in the crop\u2019s destruction, but the grower can try again the next year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know there will be some trial and error, especially because there are very limited seed stocks for hemp right now,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
During the inspection, the registrant or authorized representative must provide the inspector with complete and unrestricted access to all industrial hemp plants, seeds and registration documents.<\/p>\n
Singer added that state regulations are farmer-friendly. \u201cAlso, a producer can have their hemp crop in different locations and on different properties as long as it is all recorded in the paperwork.\u201d<\/p>\n
Growing pains<\/p>\n
However, there are production challenges for hemp and problematic legal issues.<\/p>\n
Hemp has not been grown commercially in the U.S. since World War II. Because it is within the Cannabis plant family, the Drug Enforcement Agency considers it illegal under the Controlled Substance Act.<\/p>\n
However, the U.S. Department of Justice has issued guidelines that will, if followed, limit the likelihood of federal enforcement against commercial hemp producers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the state passed legislation legalizing the cultivation of industrial hemp, there are still many unanswered questions on the federal level,\u201d said Ron Carleton, deputy commissioner for the CDA.<\/p>\n
Growing hemp is becoming more accepted nationwide. Congress included in the 2014 Farm Bill a provision permitting research and development of hemp by universities. The provision specifically exempts hemp production by higher-education facilities from the Controlled Substances Act , the first decriminalization of hemp at the federal level in 70 years.<\/p>\n
Industrial hemp is typically used to make textiles, fuel, oil, soaps and paper, but there are many other applications, including as a durable and organic replacement for plastics.<\/p>\n
Under the CDA guidelines, industrial hemp must be processed into an industrial material prior to shipment out of Colorado. No part is allowed to be shipped out in raw plant form.<\/p>\n
It is unknown how many processing facilities will be available in Colorado at harvest. One local possibility being discussed is a pressing facility in Dove Creek that was used to process sunflower oil, but the plant closed down. Ag officials believe the machinery could be retooled to process hemp-seed oil.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no market until processing centers are built,\u201d said James McVaney, of Industrial Hemp in Colorado LLC. \u201cProducing hemp for seed oil is what I would recommend for this area.\u201d<\/p>\n
Textile use is a challenge because hemp\u2019s high tensile strength requires specialized equipment.<\/p>\n
Seeds in short supply<\/p>\n
Procuring seeds for hemp production is also a challenge, McVaney said.<\/p>\n
\u201cStock is limited, and shipping it into the state is illegal,\u201d he said. \u201cA grower last year on the Front Range is keeping all of his seed for his next crop.\u201d<\/p>\n
Officials warn that hemp seed that does exist in Colorado may be variable and have unknown THC levels.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a need for certified lab testing for hemp in rural agricultural areas,\u201d said Kreshner said. \u201cIt presents a another business opportunity that is unmet right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Federal laws prohibit hemp sampling to be delivered to Front Range labs by mail. They have to be driven, increasing the costs.<\/p>\n
Commercial producers also must grow strains specific to buyers needs, whether textile, oils, or paper, McVaney said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to find farmers willing to do the research and development, then we can attract processing plants,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Hemp is a short-season crop that is relatively drought tolerant because of a deep tap root. It grows well at higher altitudes, and prefers irrigation, requiring similar water needs as alfalfa. Seeds can be broadcast or drilled \u00bc to \u00bd inch.<\/p>\n
In Canada, the crop is generating $200 to $250 per acre, Kreshner said.<\/p>\n
Other states, most notably Kentucky, are aggressively pursuing a hemp economy, and have equipment retrofitted for hemp.<\/p>\n
\u201cColorado needs to jump on it early on so local farmers benefit, We deserve first dibs on this industry,\u201d Kreshner said. \u201cDr. Bronner hemp products have already said they would buy Colorado hemp.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pleasant View farmer Merle Root is interested in getting in on rebooted hemp business.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a ground-level opportunity. Getting registered and growing for research on a small plot is the first step,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n