Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Clarksville, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is leading the way for the state's industrial hemp pilot program.
Farmers were allowed to apply for licenses to grow the crop in 2015 with 54 approved growers for the year compared to 63 this year.
Last year's crop was unsuccessful due to "late seeding, weed pressure and fungal diseases" according to an email sent to The Leaf-Chronicle from the Deputy Director of Communications for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Samantha Jean.
She stated this year's crop appears to be doing much better.
Many people, however, still are unaware of the change in the industry's legal status in Tennessee.
Here are five things to know about hemp.
Hemp and marijuana are not the same thing.
Though both cannabis plants, the two do not have the same chemical makeup. Hemp contains low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, which is more commonly known as THC, one of the approximately 80 compounds found in the plant. THC is the compound which causes the high and psychoactive effects most people associate with marijuana.
The state removed hemp from its criminal definition of marijuana in 2014. Several pieces of legislature involved in this redefinition included H.B. 2445 and Public Chapter No. 916.
Hemp cultivated in Tennessee by private, approved farmers must not exceed THC levels of .3%
No market for domestic seeds yet
Though able to grow, farmers cannot buy seeds in the state or from other states with industrial hemp programs. Until domestic industrial hemp pilot programs are researched more, the seeds produced within the country are not stable enough to produce predictable results.
Many farmers import their seeds from other countries with established hemp industries like Canada, Italy, and Australia with the help of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The department secures permits for the farmers from the DEA.
The industry could help the economy
According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, hemp-based products - like fibers, building materials, health and beauty products to name a few - may generate $300 million in sales in the U.S. annually.
Still federally illegal
Because of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, the U.S. is the only industrialized country to not allow commercial hemp farming on a national level. Unlike Tennessee's criminal code, the act includes hemp in their definition of marijuana despite the difference in the plants.
The DEA still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, or "drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse" according to their website.
Tennessee Department of Agriculture regulates the industry
In 2014 with the passing of Public Chapter No. 916, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture became the overseer of the industrial hemp pilot program for the state. Farmers complete regular paperwork to submit to the department for them to better understand how the crop is doing. Farms are subject to regular testing of their plants to ensure the legal levels of THC are met.
The department also helps farmers legally acquire seeds and move their product by assisting them in acquiring proper DEA permits.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Five Things To Know About Industrial Hemp
Author: Ayrika L. Whitney
Contact: 931-552-1808
Photo Credit: Ayrika L. Whitney
Website: The Leaf-Chronicle
Farmers were allowed to apply for licenses to grow the crop in 2015 with 54 approved growers for the year compared to 63 this year.
Last year's crop was unsuccessful due to "late seeding, weed pressure and fungal diseases" according to an email sent to The Leaf-Chronicle from the Deputy Director of Communications for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Samantha Jean.
She stated this year's crop appears to be doing much better.
Many people, however, still are unaware of the change in the industry's legal status in Tennessee.
Here are five things to know about hemp.
Hemp and marijuana are not the same thing.
Though both cannabis plants, the two do not have the same chemical makeup. Hemp contains low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, which is more commonly known as THC, one of the approximately 80 compounds found in the plant. THC is the compound which causes the high and psychoactive effects most people associate with marijuana.
The state removed hemp from its criminal definition of marijuana in 2014. Several pieces of legislature involved in this redefinition included H.B. 2445 and Public Chapter No. 916.
Hemp cultivated in Tennessee by private, approved farmers must not exceed THC levels of .3%
No market for domestic seeds yet
Though able to grow, farmers cannot buy seeds in the state or from other states with industrial hemp programs. Until domestic industrial hemp pilot programs are researched more, the seeds produced within the country are not stable enough to produce predictable results.
Many farmers import their seeds from other countries with established hemp industries like Canada, Italy, and Australia with the help of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The department secures permits for the farmers from the DEA.
The industry could help the economy
According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, hemp-based products - like fibers, building materials, health and beauty products to name a few - may generate $300 million in sales in the U.S. annually.
Still federally illegal
Because of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, the U.S. is the only industrialized country to not allow commercial hemp farming on a national level. Unlike Tennessee's criminal code, the act includes hemp in their definition of marijuana despite the difference in the plants.
The DEA still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, or "drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse" according to their website.
Tennessee Department of Agriculture regulates the industry
In 2014 with the passing of Public Chapter No. 916, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture became the overseer of the industrial hemp pilot program for the state. Farmers complete regular paperwork to submit to the department for them to better understand how the crop is doing. Farms are subject to regular testing of their plants to ensure the legal levels of THC are met.
The department also helps farmers legally acquire seeds and move their product by assisting them in acquiring proper DEA permits.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Five Things To Know About Industrial Hemp
Author: Ayrika L. Whitney
Contact: 931-552-1808
Photo Credit: Ayrika L. Whitney
Website: The Leaf-Chronicle
