Tenn. farmers can now legally produce industrial hemp

BY CHRIS RAMSEY
Source: tricities.com

The Tennessee Legislature recently passed legislation removing industrial hemp from the definition of marijuana in the criminal code according to information on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture website.

Farmers now have the option of growing industrial hemp on a limited basis. Producers must apply for a license through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

According to information on the TDA site, it is still considered illegal under federal law. This emphasizes the importance of only growing under a license and only using certified seed. More information can be found at the following website: http://www.tn.gov/agriculture/regulatory/industrialhemp.shtml.

The Tennessee law requires that levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, THC be .3 percent or lower. To insure this level, certified seed must be used. Random sampling of fields will be conducted to control the production of industrial hemp with illegal levels of THC.

While closely related to marijuana, industrial hemp is in the Cannabis species but has much lower levels of the mind-altering compound, THC.

According to facts gathered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, industrial hemp was a common agricultural crop in the early history of the colonies and the United States. Hemp was widely used in maritime industry with rope, sails, canvas, as well as sacks and paper.

Most of the hemp produced in the early history of the United States was produced by Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky. Demand for hemp declined with the arrival of steamships.

There was a slight resurgence in demand during World War II. State and federals limited hemp production due to its relation to marijuana. The development of synthetic fibers also contributed to the decline in its demand.

The world production of industrial hemp is estimated at 55,700 metric tons with China, Russia, and South Korea being the leading producers. A significant amount of hemp products comes from Canada.

Currently, there is not a commercial market in the U.S. The development of a market will require private investment, which could occur if there is enough demand.

According to the TDA website, Canada has been researching industrial hemp since the early 1990s. This will likely be the best source of production information until research information is developed in the United States.

Chris Ramsey is an agriculture extension agent in Sullivan County. His office is at 3258 Highway 126 in Blountville. You can reach him at 423-279-2723 or cwramsey@utk.edu.