Page 16 - Griffin Gazette Issue 3 - 2018

a new

crop

for you?

By Tami Van Gaal, Two primary segments of the cannabis Section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of
CEA Division arena, medicinal and recreational 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill) opened the
Leader marijuana crops, receive a great deal door for cultivation of industrial hemp on
of attention from both mainstream and a state by state basis, when grown as
Horticulture has industry media. Thirty states currently part of a research program associated
seen many trends permit medicinal and/or recreational with an institution of higher learning or
over the decades, marijuana production, and regulations state department of agriculture. Hemp
some small and vary widely by state. While some states is cannabis, but it’s different from
some large. As have relatively open regulations (e.g. marijuana. It all comes down to THC
states come on
board with programs allowing cannabis CA, OR, WA, CO, MI and OK), many content. Cannabis sativa with greater
states are more tightly regulated with
than 0.3% THC by dry weight is defined
production, the impact to horticulture limited opportunities for traditional as marijuana. C. sativa with less than
is incredible, affecting growers and growers to enter. Additionally, marijuana 0.3% THC by dry weight is defined as
suppliers in many ways. Many traditional production under cover (warehouse hemp. Industrial hemp has a long history
horticultural growers see these changes and greenhouse) can be a costly of use in fiber, textiles, animal feed and
and welcome the opportunity to be a endeavor for new builds and renovations. more. The most recent interest, however,
part of this new arena. The question is, Fortunately for those with interest, there is is for production of cannabidiol (CBD).
"What is the best way for my business to another way. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.
be involved?”

16 | GRIFFIN GAZETTE 2018