Industrial Hemp in North America: Production, Politics and Potential

Abstract

Most of the Western World banned the cultivation of Cannabis sativa in the early 20th century because biotypes high in ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the principal intoxicant cannabinoid) are the source of marijuana. Nevertheless, since 1990, dozens of countries have authorized the licensed growth and processing of “industrial hemp” (cultivars with quite low levels of THC). Canada has concentrated on hemp oilseed production, and very recently, Europe changed its emphasis from fiber to oilseed. The USA, historically a major hemp producer, appears on the verge of reintroducing industrial hemp production. This presentation provides updates on various agricultural, scientific, social, and political considerations that impact the commercial hemp industry in the United States and Canada. The most promising scenario for the hemp industry in North America is a continuing focus on oilseed production, as well as cannabidiol (CBD), the principal non-intoxicant cannabinoid considered by many to have substantial medical potential, and currently in great demand as a pharmaceutical. Future success of the industrial hemp industry in North America is heavily dependent on the breeding of more productive oilseed cultivars, the continued development of consumer goods, reasonable but not overly restrictive regulations, and discouragement of overproduction associated with unrealistic enthusiasm. Changing attitudes have generated an unprecedented demand for the cannabis plant and its products, resulting in urgent needs for new legislative, regulatory, and business frameworks, as well as scientific, technological, and agricultural research.

A call for weed research in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L)

“…As hemp appears to be sensitive to herbicides, it is critical that research be conducted to better understand the effect of pre‐ and post‐emergence herbicides on hemp growth and yields. We note it is not uncommon for crops that were introduced with great fanfare to fail to meet expectations, particularly with insufficient research efforts (Cherney & Small, ). We suggest that weed science studies, particularly those that examine potential yield losses due to weeds, be part of a larger effort to establish a research‐based framework for industrial hemp as its global acreage increases.…”

Processing, Nutrition, and Functionality of Hempseed Protein: A Review

“…Historically, the cultivation of hemp has been limited due to the presence of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Since 1990, dozens of countries have authorized the licensed growth and processing of the hemp cultivars with substantially reduced levels (˂0.3%) of THC (Cherney & Small, 2016). Canada, Australia, Austria, China, Great Britain, France, and Spain are among the most important agricultural producers of hempseeds (Rodriguez-Leyva & Pierce, 2010).…”

Hemp in the United States: A Case Study of Regulatory Path Dependence

“…As noted, marijuana and hemp are two distinct varieties of Cannabis Sativa L. Marijuana is grown for its intoxicating nature, which is largely caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the crop. By contrast, in order for cannabis to be considered "hemp," it must contain less than 0.3% THC (Cherney and Small 2016), although it can contain other chemical compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD), which is valued for its medical and therapeutic properties. 3 As such, consumers cannot become intoxicated by hemp, and industrial hemp has historically been grown for its seeds, seed oils, and fiber.…”

“…Heightened federal government restrictions eliminated processing facilities, which effectively regulated the hemp industry out of existence. Since then, commercial hemp production has remained minimal, with interest in the crop reappearing in the past few years (Cherney and Small 2016). Producers finally began to receive additional clarification from the 2014 Farm Bill, which legalized the growth and cultivation of industrial hemp for research purposes in states where the law permits such activity.…”

“…Despite this promise of growth, the modern U.S. hemp market is relatively small, and some agronomists express skepticism regarding the crop's long-term potential (Cherney and Small 2016). Hemp markets generated an estimated $688 million in 2016, with 24% coming from personal care products, 19% from food products, 19% from hemp CBD products, 18% from , 1996-2015, in $1,000 Source: Compiled by the Congressional Research Service using data from the U.S. International Trade Commission.…”