Today, the simple answer is that hemp is grown all over the world. In the United States, hemp is commonly grown in Northern California, Colorado, Kentucky, Tennessee, Vermont, and Oregon, although many other states are also home to hemp farms. Hemp is grown in temperate zones as an annual crop from seed and can reach a height of up to 5 meters (16 feet). Crops grow best in well-draining sandy loam and require an average monthly rainfall of at least 65 mm (2.5 in) during the growing season.
Crops grown for fiber are densely seeded and produce plants averaging 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) tall with almost no branching. Plants grown for oilseeds are planted further apart and are shorter and with many branches. In fiber production, maximum yield and quality is achieved by harvesting soon after plants reach maturity, indicated by full blooms and free pollen shedding of male plants. Although sometimes raised by hand, plants are most often cut about 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the ground.
As a result, shelled hemp seeds serve as food for human consumption, while whole hemp seeds are used as food for animals. Hemp producers may be eligible for FSA farm loans, such as operating, property, beginner farmer and farm storage facility loans. Growers can now purchase coverage if they have a contract to purchase insured hemp and comply with all applicable state, tribal, and federal regulations. The survey found that 82% of hemp producers are men and 52% of respondents reported that agriculture is their primary occupation.
The report also contains additional information on the characteristics of the hemp producer, including years of operation of a farm, age and breed. Unfortunately, for the time being, UK farmers are missing out on hemp, a crop that seems to only become more lucrative. Hemp seeds contain high levels of protein and significant amounts of fiber, vitamins, omega-3 and minerals. Under both programs, hemp will be insurable if grown in containers and in accordance with federal regulations, applicable state or tribal laws, and the terms of the crop insurance policy.
Information on regulations for hemp cultivation in the United States is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service hemp production website. Although all three hemp, marijuana and hashish products contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound that produces psychoactive effects on humans, the cannabis strain grown for hemp has only small amounts of THC compared to that grown for marijuana or hashish production. The novel “hempcrete”, a composite material made of hemp and a lime binder, can be used similarly to traditional concrete in no-load applications. Some specially processed hemp has an off-white color and an attractive sheen and is used to make linen-like fabrics for garments.
The area planted with industrial hemp grown outdoors for all uses in the United States totaled 54,152 acres. There is also interest in the production and marketing of hemp extracts, in particular cannabidiol (CBD), due to their possible uses in cosmetics, health products and food. Growing hemp on an industrial scale is currently next to impossible, which means that CBD must be imported from abroad in all circumstances except most niches. .
