Industrial Hemp event in Otis, Monday

By Tony Rayl
Source: yumapioneer.com

An informational meeting on industrial hemp will be held in Otis on Monday, February 1.
    It will be in the Otis School Cafetorium beginning at 6 p.m.

    An industrial hemp event, sponsored by Progressive 15, recently was held in Akron, followed by another one in Otis on January 6. 

    Monday's meeting is organized by Lana Rogers, in conjunction with the Town of Otis. The purpose of the Hemp Roadshow is to provide an opportunities for locals to learn how this versatile crop could be an economic driver for the local economies.

    Hear from experienced industrial hemp farmers about the planting, production and harvest of industrial hemp. Learn about the High Plains Hemp Co-op’s special price on viable seed, how to get registered with the State of Colorado, and what value-added products industrial hemp can be made into and it’s potential to bolster rural America’s economy. For more information visit www.highplainshempcoop.com. 

    Ashley Weber, president of the High Plains Hemp Co-op, will be the first presenter. Hemp Co-op board members include Bethleen McCall of Yuma. 

    Hemp farmer Leonard Roskop will make a presentation following Weber. Matt Silz, a hemp farmer from the Fort Morgan area will show footage over a hemp field videotaped from a drone later in the meeting.

    Casey Ives of Pure Vision Technology will have a presentation on industrial hemp processing. Grant Orvis, PhD, will have a talk on genetics, seeds, pollination, and the difference between hemp and marijuana.
 
    Lawyer David Bush will make a presentation about the legalities of hemp in Colorado.
    Industrial hemp was legalized a few years with the passage of Amendment 64, which also legalized possession of one ounce or less of marijuana by those 21 years or older.

    Hemp was a commonly-grown crop throughout the United States, including this area, decades ago before the federal government made it illegal.

    Hemp still is imported into the United States, where it still is legal to use it to make products. It just illegal at the federal level to actually grow it in the U.S. 

Colorado's law dictates hemp's THC level (the psychoactive ingredient that causes the “high” in marijuana) at 0.3 percent or lower.

    Hemp can be used for the manufacturing of many products. It can be used for construction, insulation, carpets, paper, rope, canvas, stucco and many more. Its seed can be used to make foods, cosmetics, fuel, paints, lubricants, and the seed cake can be used for animal feed, protein powders, gluten-free flour and beer making.

    Those who attend the hemp event on Monday can visit one-on-one with experts, ask questions and learn from exhibits, as well as the speakers. 

    Refreshments will be served. There is no need to make reservations, and no charge to attend.