Industrial Hemp Coming to NC

By Loretta Boniti
Source: twcnews.com

RALEIGH -- North Carolina farmers may soon have a new crop to consider.

A last minute law passed by state legislators opens up North Carolina to get into the industrial hemp industry. 

This could means more jobs and opportunities for the state.

“North Carolina being such an agricultural state, it just makes sense,” said Davidson Co. State Sen. Stan Bingham.

Bingham is a long time proponent of industrial hemp in North Carolina.

For many, images of hemp conjure up thoughts of marijuana. But those associated with the hemp industry say the differences could not be more clear. Most specifically, that one can get you high, the other simply cannot.

Now, North Carolina farmers could get a chance to expand into this marketplace.

“No one is making money growing tobacco,” said Thomas Shumaker with the NC Industrial Hemp Association. “No one is making money growing soy beans. No one is making money growing corn this year. Hemp is a crop that our farmers can grow, and it’s an alternative.”

In the final days of this year's legislative session, lawmakers introduced and approved a law which says industrial hemp production is legal in North Carolina.

There are some I's to dot and T's to cross, making sure the production is in line with federal law which was approved a few years ago. But this was a big step forward for those interested in the industry.

“Thomas Jefferson is quoted that anywhere tobacco grows well, hemp will grow well,” said Shumaker.

Before being banned, North Carolina was one of the top hemp producing states. It is poised to be ready to jump right back into the business again. And with over 25,000 uses for the plant, from textiles to food, supporters say the market could be vast.

“Of course all of this is already being used, it is being imported from China,” said Bingham. “So it will be a good opportunity for North Carolina to take over the market and take it back from China.”

It's a market that could mean some big bucks for the state.

“Some reports indicate hemp is a billion dollar industry,” said Shumaker. “My guess is it is a $500 million industry for the next 10 years."