Championing hemp: Ontario builder promoting use of hempcrete

by PETER KENTER
Source: dailycommercialnews.com

Builders working with industrial hemp would like to get one fact out of the way — while the material is a member of the cannabis family, it contains only a negligible trace of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. When that same hemp is combined with lime and water it forms hempcrete, the cornerstone of traditional hemp construction and an excellent insulator.

Pictured above is a hemp hurd which is the soft inner core the hemp plant stem. -Photo: Stew Oliver

Hemp Technologies with head office in Winnipeg is one of the companies promoting the use of hemp as a food, biofuel and building material. Stew Oliver is a consultant to Hemp Technologies and one of the owners of The Enrix Group, an Orillia-based builder specializing in residential and small commercial construction, sustainable energy projects — and hemp building.

"While the name hempcrete sometimes inspires images of concrete blocks containing hemp, the process of building with hemp goes back far before modern concrete," says Oliver.

"It's a generic building product that might more correctly be called hemp lime."

Builders use hemp hurd, a product extracted from the pithy core of the plant, and mix it with lime using vertical shaft or pan mixers. It's poured into forms that sandwich a load-bearing stud wall and then slip-formed to any height. Conduits can also be inserted into the forms to accommodate wiring and plumbing.

"The material doesn't slump, demonstrates more flexibility than concrete and cures within a few hours," says Oliver.

"While it doesn't have notable load-bearing capacity, it weighs only one-seventh the weight of concrete by volume and helps to strengthen the stud wall. It's also fire retardant and resistant to termites, mice and other varmints."

Oliver estimates that a hempcrete wall eight to 12 inches thick can produce an insulating value of R-20 to R-30, depending on the mix.

"It also offers significant thermal mass," he says. "It holds onto heat in the winter and helps a building to remain cool in the summer."

Hempcrete is permeable to the atmosphere, allowing it to breathe and maintain indoor air quality through the curtain wall.

"You can eliminate the vapour barrier and all of the engineering required to accommodate it," he says. "You can go with the natural finish of the material inside, or you can finish the wall with magnesium oxide board, which is also permeable."

Traditional hemp building is being rediscovered in many European countries with some of the heaviest adoption in France. European buildings constructed with hempcrete have stood as long as 800 years.

"In Europe we're now seeing not only residential but commercial hempcrete building projects," says Oliver. "In England builders have used precast hempcrete panels to build Marks & Spencer department stores and breweries."

Residential hemp construction projects are permissible under Section 9 of the Ontario Building Code as alternative solutions. Oliver built his own home using hempcrete and is working on plans for other residential projects, including several contracts involving First Nations housing.

He's currently working with organizations such as CSA to have the product certified so it can be specified on commercial projects.

Canada eased restrictions on growing hemp more than a decade ago, while the U.S. is slowly following suit. Plants can be harvested at about two metres tall for food crops, but can be grown as tall as five metres for industrial applications.

"Canada is a North American leader in producing industrial hemp, with the greatest production in Alberta and Manitoba," says Oliver. "We're also seeing some interest in hemp as a cash crop in Ontario. Right now we're getting most of our hemp from Manitoba with some from Europe until we develop an established domestic supply line."

The up-front costs of building with hempcrete are slightly higher than building with concrete, but Oliver says costs are difficult to compare until more widespread adoption of hemp building sets a Canadian market price for construction-grade hemp.

"We're not going solve the world's problems with hempcrete," he says. "But with certification, and the right training for builders, we believe we can provide the construction industry with a renewable, energy-efficient product that offers a lot of benefits."

Photo

• 
  Hempcrete is permeable to the atmosphere, allowing it to breathe, maintaining indoor air quality through the curtain wall. It can eliminate the need for a vapour barrier.

  Photo: Stew Oliver

Fire breaks in Hemp rope factory

Source: seeandsaynews.in




Badiakda: Fire broke in a hemp rope factory in Charladka near Erpakatte here on Thursday morning March 26.

The factory was belonged to Ahmed of Kadavath. The fire was seen at around 9am. Three machineries, hemp ropes, fiber chairs and many other items reduced to ash in the incident. Fire personnel rushed to the spot and doused the fire. The reason for the fire is not yet known. 

Virginia: Governor Signs Hemp Cultivation Bill Into Law

Source: enewspf.com

Richmond, VA--(ENEWSPF)--March 26, 2015.  Democrat Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed legislation into law last week allowing for the cultivation of industrial hemp in accordance with state-sponsored research programs.

House Bill 1277 and Senate Bill 955 redefine industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity and allow for the plant's cultivation by licensed growers as part of a university-managed research program.

Over 20 states have adopted similar hemp laws. Last year, members of Congress approved language in the omnibus federal Farm Bill explicitly authorizing states to sponsor hemp research absent federal reclassification of the plant.

On Saturday, New Mexico lawmakers gave final approval to similar legislation. It now awaits action from Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.

Additional information on the status of marijuana law reform legislation in other states is available from NORML's 'Take Action' Center here:http://www.norml.org/act.

Hemp Sheets and Motion Sensors: Eco-Luxury Hotel Comes to South Beach

BY NIKKI TUCKER
Source: hauteliving.com

1 Hotel South Beach Cabana Pool

The Starwood Capital Group’s chief executive Barry Sternlicht has debuted its first eco-luxury brand hotel in Miami Beach, along with developer Richard LeFrak.

1 Hotel South Beach, the first property under the eco-luxury brand, has 426 guest rooms with an average of 700 square feet. Of the rooms, there are 84 studios and one oceanfront presidential suite. All rooms include a Nespresso coffee machine, yoga mats and glass terrariums. Also on the property are: four outdoor swimming pools, which include a 112-foot-long rooftop pool, 57 cabanas and daybeds. Guests will also have access to Tesla cars when traveling within a three-mile radius.

The new eco-luxury property will feature amenities with renewable and recycled products. There are restored woods for guest room headboards, hemp-blend mattresses, eco-friendly dry cleaning, LED lights, motion sensors to reduce electricity use and more. In addition, the pool deck was constructed with wood from the property’s original promenade.

The hotel will have three restaurants: the signature beachcraft, lobby lounge bar Tom on Collins, a poolside restaurant called the Sandbox and STK by the One Group. Tom Colicchio will oversee all food and beverage operations.

Later in the year, developers have plans to add an 18,000-square-foot gym and spa. Debora Aguiar, who also crafted the residences, will design the spa. Meyer Davis designed the interior of the LEED certified hotel, restaurant and gym.

In an interview with the New York Times, earlier this month, Mr. Sternlicht discussed his motivation for launching eco-luxury properties. He said, “I decided that if I was going to do something in hotels again that it had to be about more than another brand. We’re not a brand, but a cause. The concept is all about doing a little better every day. It’s a journey, but I think people will see that we’re designing luxury hotels but doing it in an ecologically sensitive and conscious manner.”

Starwood Capital will open 1 Hotel properties in Manhattan and in Brooklyn by the end of the year.

Rates for 1 Hotel South Beach will begin at $700 per night.

Mr. Sternlicht founded Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide in 1995. He left Starwood Hotels in 2005.

(Photo via 1 Hotel South Beach)

Hemp pilot projects finding fertile ground in Kentucky

by Dan Dickson
Source: bizlex.com

Cynthiana farmer Brian Furnish has a successful tobacco and cattle operation but wants to make life better for his family and many other Kentucky farmers who once depended on tobacco for their living.

“I’ve seen what’s happened with the decline of tobacco,” said Furnish. “Central and eastern Kentucky need a new crop. If we can build an industry around hemp here, it’ll be beneficial to growers.”

Furnish is also the chair of the Kentucky Hemp Industry Council, a 16-member group from around the state and nation that represents various stakeholder in hemp’s future, from farmers and crop processors to industries and retailers that want to process and sell hemp products. Hemp’s fiber and oil can be used in a multitude of goods, including food, paper, building materials, beauty products and much more.

Kentucky is entering its second year of industrial hemp pilot projects. The first round in 2014 produced a wealth of data about production methods, seed varieties, harvesting, processing techniques and uses for harvested hemp.

“We’re looking to conduct a wide scope of pilot projects in 2015,” said Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, a strong advocate for hemp and a Republican candidate for governor.

“There are more agriculture processors in Kentucky today making an investment in the state, signing contracts and hiring people. This is something we’ll be able to look back at and say ‘This was a good decision,’” said Comer.

Comer says one company that showed an early interest in developing the state’s hemp industry is Dr. Bonner’s Magic Soaps, a company selling hemp formulated soaps, organic bars, lip balm and body care products, according to its website. The company donated $50,000 to aid the hemp council’s work in promoting a future for hemp in Kentucky.

Comer says hundreds of others have applied for permits to participate in this year’s hemp pilot program. “There’s no shortage of farmers who want to grow hemp,” he said.

Lexington attorney Jonathan Miller is legal advisor for the hemp council.

“We would like to resume our leading role as the industrial hemp capital of the globe,” he said.

Miller and others have lobbied Congress and President Barack Obama’s administration to try to regain full legalization of hemp, which was banned 75 years ago, along with its intoxicating plant cousin, marijuana.

In the last year, no hemp has been commercialized in Kentucky. It remains in the experimental stage.

“When the day comes that commercial hemp production is open to all producers and processors in Kentucky, we want to be ready,” Comer said.

Numerous companies are trying to get in at the ground floor of what state agriculture interests hope will be the next hemp boom. Comer said a New York-based family, which he declined to identify, is interested in central Kentucky hemp for industrial textiles. The company reportedly already has contracts with the military to supply such items as utility belts, tents and truck covers.

“Every firm that comes to Kentucky wanting to process isn’t just a little day-dreamer,” said Comer. “They are big-time entrepreneurs with a lot of ability and net worth.”

Comer acknowledged that a year ago there was opposition to redeveloping Kentucky’s hemp industry.

“[Opponents] didn’t want to see a good idea, which is a problem we have in our state,” said Comer.

One prominent Kentucky company hoping to land some big hemp contracts is Caudill Seed, based in Louisville. Caudill is a seed and supply distributor serving the agricultural, turf seed, contractor supply and reclamation industries. The company has been in on the earliest discussions about Kentucky hemp with Comer and U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

“Anything that is good for Kentucky farmers is good for Caudill Seed,” said Carl Gering, who handles public relations for the company.

Caudill Seed wants to distribute hemp seed for Kentucky. Kentucky has a working agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to hold hemp seeds for its pilot projects. Caudill hopes one day someone other than the state will be allowed to possess them.

“A farmer in Lexington may say: ‘I need a certain variety of seed for strong hemp fiber,’ and we would like to be able to sell it to them,” said Gering.

The company already has seed cleaning equipment and could also produce hemp oil after crushing the seeds in a press.

From his central Kentucky farm, Furnish is optimistic about the future of hemp in Kentucky.

“Something good is going to happen, and fairly quickly. This is going a lot faster than I thought it would go.”

Eight oils that can heal your body

Source: zeenews.india.com


Using an adequate amount of the right kinds of fats and oils can 
play a pivotal role in slowing down the ageing of your body

Good fats provide the body with fuel alongside the feeling of fullness. These can also stimulate fat burning.

Studies show the value of supplementing our diet with additional essential fats to prevent and treat a broad spectrum of diseases.

Distinguishing good fats from bad fats can be tricky, so here are the top eight healthy fats and oils, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

• Coconut Oil: It has rightly earned the title of a 'superfood' and it is consumed in large amounts by some of the healthiest populations around the world. It is also brilliant for those looking to lose or maintain their weight. The fatty acids in coconut oil have been shown to speed up overall metabolism, helping people expend more energy compared with long-chain fats. It can also help with neurological disorders and can significantly benefit common skin issues. It also helps in reducing scars and marks on the body.
• Borage Oil: Borage seed oil has one of the highest amounts of linolenic acid and is widely used as an anti-inflammatory support for a number of conditions including eczema, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. It can be hard to track down, so try taking it in supplement format.
•  Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp oil or hempseed oil is obtained by pressing hemp seeds. It is named to be nature's perfect food due to its balanced concentrations of Omega fatty acids 3, 6 and 9. Studies have shown it can help support heart health and promote proper cardiovascular function. It has a beneficial effect on hair, skin and nails, with people who regularly use and consume hemp oil reporting thicker and shinier hair, softer skin and stronger nails.
• Flax Seed Oil: This oil contains the highest concentration of Omega 3 fatty acids and the right amount of consumption has been shown to improve cardiovascular health as well as exhibiting chemo-preventative effects against colon tumour developments.
•  Pumpkin Seed Oil: A great one for both men and women, research has found that it can significantly help improve prostate health due to its richness in zinc, and also help women with menopause as it can decrease blood pressure, hot flushes, headaches and other menopausal symptoms.
• Avocado Oil: This is known for its skin-boosting effects. In addition to its nourishing, moisturising and protective fats, it also contains significant levels of antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, which help keep skin supple and smooth.
•  Omega 3 Fish Oil: Arguably the best type of fat, the fats produced by oily fish contain the highest concentrations of Omega 3 fatty acids which is proven to make a positive difference to heart and brain health as well as improving the skeletal system.
• Olive Oil: It is an integral part of the traditional 'Mediterranean Diet' which is associated with vitality, longevity and low incidence of chronic disease. Olive oil is prized for its health-promoting properties and is particularly helpful in promoting optimal cardiovascular function, maintaining good blood flow and bettering cognitive function.

Lawmakers Looking To Get In On The New Hip Crop -- Hemp

By REGAN MCCARTHY
Source: wfsu.org



Hemp is grown from the same type of plant as marijuana, but experts say it has countless uses that don’t include getting high. Lawmakers are considering a bill that would legalize hemp agriculture in Florida.

Sen. Jeff Clemens (D-Lakeworth) is sponsoring the bill.

“Let me start off with what this bill is not so everybody understands that this is an industrial hemp bill. This has nothing to do with marijuana, medical marijuana in its psychoactive form,” Clemens says.

Clemens has filed legislation to legalize the use of medical marijuana in years past, but this year he says he’s focusing on a different use for the cannabis plant.

"Hemp can be cultivated for the use in a list of wide-ranging products including foods, beverages, cosmetics, personal care products, nutritional supplements, fabrics, textiles, paper, construction and also insulation materials,” Clemens says.

And the variety of plant grown for those purposes is different from the kind used for marijuana. First it has a much lower level of THC, so Clemens says a person would likely get no euphoric effect from using it as a drug. And he says the two varieties tend to look a lot different. Cannabis plants grown for marijuana are less fibrous. They’re grown for the buds and flower.

"Those farmers who are wanting to grow industrial hemp do not grow the same varieties because they don’t have the interest in the psychoactive properties. They have interest in the kind of plant they can use for all the different types of things I talked about before – textiles, paper, construction materials--those kinds of things. That requires a very sturdy type of plant and it grows vertically." Clemens says.
 

And lawmakers like Sen. Eleanor Sobel (D-Hollywood) say they’ve noticed some of the positive effects hemp can have.

"I use towels that have hemp in them and they are terrific! Really. I’ll tell you why. Because in this state you buy towels in the store and they don’t dry. I mean they’re wet after you dry yourself, but hemp towels dry,” Sobel says.

Meanwhile others are touting the plant’s health benefits. Hemp seeds are said to be super foods filled with amino acids. Robert Clayton conducted a study on behalf of the Florida Hemp Industry Association. He says he eats hemp seeds three times a day. But he says agricultural is where the plant’s major pluses come in.

“Hemp can earn as much money per acre as corn – as the best corn acres in America. When sown in rotation with corn it can reduce their costs in the next rotation,” Clayton says.

And Clayton says vegetable farmers can use hemp as a cover crop. He says instead of losing money, farmers could net about $200 per acre when using and harvesting hemp as a cover crop. Under that method, Clayton estimates hemp would become a $200-million annual cash crop for the state.

And Clayton says Florida has a competitive advantage over the 20 or so other states that have approved hemp agriculture – its climate.

“We can get multiple crops per year. Places like North Dakota could only get one crop,” Clayton says.

The measure passed the Senate Agriculture committee unanimously. Next it heads to the Criminal Justice Committee. Meanwhile, a similar bill in the House is waiting for its first committee hearing.

States tell Feds to pound sand

By Michael Boldin
Source: personalliberty.com

The Internal Revenue Service gives subsidies when it wants. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Environmental Protection Agency redefine words on a whim in an effort to give themselves more power and more control over your life. “Legislating from the bench” has been superseded by this even more dangerous “lawmaking” by unelected, unaccountable federal agencies.

As Chapman law professor Ronald Rotunda noted recently, we “have come a long way towards governance by bureaucrats.” Some states, however, are taking positive steps in 2015 to thwart the effects of these unilateral — and wildly unconstitutional — acts.

The following is an overview of state legislation to thwart federal overreach that’s moving forward right now.

Farming

The total retail value of hemp products sold in the U.S. in 2014 was recently said to be at least $620 million. According to the Hemp Industries Association (HIA), a nonprofit trade association consisting of hundreds of hemp businesses, this includes items like nondairy milk, shelled seed, soaps and lotions, along with clothing, auto parts, building materials and various other products.

Federal regulations resulting in a de facto ban on hemp farming has created a situation where the U.S. is the world’s No. 1 importer of hemp, while China and Canada are the top two exporters in the world.

And while the Feds now “allow” hemp farming for “research purposes,” some states and individuals have taken action beyond what is permitted and are now harvesting crops for commercial purposes.

Hemp is already being farmed in both Colorado and Vermont. On Feb. 2, the Oregon hemp industry officially opened for business. One week later, the first license went to a small nonprofit group that hopes to plant 25 acres this spring. The Tennessee Agricultural Department recently put out a call for licensing, signaling that hemp farming will start soon there, too. A law by Gov. Nikki Haley in South Carolina in 2014 authorizes the same. Another passed this year in North Dakota is awaiting a signature from Gov. Jack Dalrymple.

Hemp farming bills have also passed the New Hampshire House, theWashington State Senate, and committees in Connecticut andMissouri. Legislation has been introduced and will be up for consideration soon in Texas, Florida, Maine and elsewhere.

Fine Hemp Brand "majotae" Launches First Line of Products

Source: uk.finance.yahoo.com


An example of majotae apparel: Keita Maruyama's dress (Photo: Business Wire)

Avex Group Holdings Inc. (TOKYO:7860), Japan’s leading entertainment company, launched the first line of apparel products made from majotae, developed jointly with Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings (TOKYO:3099). More than 30 fashion brands have designed women and men’s apparel made from fine hemp. These products are launched as part of Isetan Mitsukoshi’s JAPAN SENSES campaign

To celebrate, “majotae – the forgotten fabric” exhibit will start from April 1 to 6 at Isetan Shinjuku Main Store. Impressive hemp from the Edo period and selected majotae apparel will be showcased. Also on display are creative installations produced by three designers and artists expressing the future of majotae. At this exhibition, customers can discover the potential of this innovative natural fabric.

About Isetan Mitsukoshi’s JAPAN SENSES

Begun in 2011 and having continued for the past 4 years, the JAPAN SENSES campaign reaffirms Japan’s traditions, culture and aesthetics to offer customers new value.

Details of Special Exhibition: majotae – the Forgotten Fabric

• Exhibition of the history of taima-fu (Japanese hemp), and display of made-to-measure apparel and fabric available for purchase.
• Creative installations by Katsuya Kamo (hair stylist / make-up artist), Masaya Kushino (shoes designer), and Yuima Nakazato (fashion designer).
• For more details visit: http://www.miguide.jp/majotae/ (from March 25 10am JPN time)

About the majotae project www.majotae.com

Bringing back taima-fu, natural fine hemp, as Japan’s once and future fabric of choice.

Taima-fu (hemp fabric) has been an integral part of Japanese culture since the beginning of its history. However, due to significant restriction on cannabis cultivation after World War II, and apparent difficulties in spinning hemp threads which delayed industrialization, it is a rare fabric today. The majotae project brings this “forgotten fabric” back to our modern life. Natural fabric expert Shinichiro Yoshida, obi artisan Genbei Yamaguchi, and Avex Group have come together to infuse life into “majotae”.

Majotae’s quality is not only ideal for fine apparel, but has potential for other applications such as furniture, décor fabric and medical uses. Fashion apparel is the first example that this fabric could innovate our everyday life. (Taima-fu history and project vision: https://vimeo.com/109546616)

Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.

Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. (TOKYO:3099) is the largest department store operator in Japan. The company was formed by a merger in 2008 of two major department stores, Mitsukoshi (founded 1673) and Isetan (founded 1886). For more information, visithttp://www.imhds.co.jp/english/

Avex Group Holdings Inc.

Avex Group Holdings Inc. (TOKYO:7860) is a major general entertainment group in Japan. Founded by the CEO and representative director, Masato Matsuura, in 1988. Currently handles video distribution service, production business, live entertainment as well as music business. Traded 156.9 billion yen in FY 2013. Paid video distribution service subscriber base is among the largest in Japan. Established Avex International Holdings Singapore Pte. Ltd. in 2013. Other international offices include Taiwan and London. For more information, visit http://www.avex.co.jp/e_site/index.html

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20150322005038/en/

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE:http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=51063794&lang=en

Contact:

Inquiries concerning this announcement
Avex Group Holdings Inc.
Eriko Takahata, +81-3-5545-9262
Corporate PR
takahata-eriko@av.avex.co.jp

Hemp pioneer fields questions at Ag Expo

By Tobie Baker
Source: cortezjournal.com


Colorado hemp farmer Ryan Loflin talks with local industrial hemp 
advocate Sharon Stewart at the Four States Ag Expo.

An attentive audience of more than 50 local farmers and citizens quizzed America’s first modern-day industrial hemp farmer at the Four States Ag Expo.

As the three-day event came to a close on Saturday, Ryan Loflin fielded dozens of questions during a hemp awareness event Saturday afternoon. Loflin, a third-generation Colorado grower, owns and operates the Rocky Mountain Hemp Inc. farm in Springfield, Colo. In 2013, he became the country’s first hemp farmer in nearly six decades.

Have you sold your crop?

In response to the first and perhaps most important question posed, Loflin answered in the affirmative. He sold almost a ton of hemp stalks last year to an Oklahoma firm, which processed the woody fibers into foam insulation.

“It’s a brand-new product that’s not even on the market yet,” said Loflin.

Envisioning the launch of a hemp magazine printed on hemp paper, Loflin said he has also sold stalk to a paper manufacturer.

Sold to a California-based company, the flower material has been used to produce medicine for a friend suffering from cancer, he said.

He has kept the seeds his farm has produced on his farm, about 1,300 pounds of seed from a 7-acre crop last year, Loflin said. However, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized 2,500 pounds of seed he tried to import.

“I’m planting 40 acres this year, so I should have about 24,000 pounds of seed this time next year,” said Loflin.

What kind of harvesting equipment is needed?

Loflin explained this his first 28-acre crop was harvested by hand. Last season, he used a side sickle bar mower in order to better capture the flower material from seven-acres.

“If you don’t care about the flowers, and you only want to harvest the seed, then you can just use a combine,” said Loflin. “It’s very simple. We set the cylinder height to a wheat setting.”

For those only wishing to collect the fiber material, Loflin said a swather was adequate. Yet, a double-cut combine can harvest the seed and stalk in a single pass, he said.

For paper production, Loflin said an ordinary wood chipper could process the stalks for a paper mill.

Do you irrigate?

Because of seed issues, Loflin believes it’s too risky to attempt dry-land farming at this time. He said industrial hemp could survive on 10 to 12 inches of water annually, but the more water, the better the crop. For fiber production, industrial hemp requires 120-day growth cycle. Seed production requires closer to five months.

How much seed is needed?

Loflin recommended 20 to 30 pounds per acre, depending on the cultivar or strain. He said the seed should be planted no deeper than a half-inch. Loflin, however, advised farmers to proceed cautiously.

“Until we have federal legalization, it’s going to be a struggle,” Loflin said. “It’s definitely a high risk for farmers right now.”

How much does the seed cost?

Despite reports that unscrupulous suppliers were selling a single seed for $200, Loflin said fair market prices for industrial hemp seed was between $5 and $7 per pound. A single seed can produce hundreds of seeds.

“I won’t sell my seed for more than $10 a pound,” said Loflin.

Earlier this month, Colorado Republican Sen. Cory Gardner announced he was co-sponsoring the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015. If approved, the measure would not only legalize industrial hemp for commercial production, but it would also exclude the non-psychoactive cannabis plant from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act.

“We all need to contact our legislators and encourage them to federally legalize industrial hemp farming across America,” said Loflin.

The U.S. is the planet’s top consumer of hemp products, but the only industrialized nation in the world not growing the commodity, which is used in food, cosmetics, clothing and industrial materials.

tbaker@cortezjournal.com