Renewed Interest in Growing Industrial Hemp

Hemp, or industrial hemp, is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. It was one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber 10,000 years ago.

Hemp is not a new crop in this country.

In the 1700’s American farmers in many counties were required by law to grow it because it was used for items such as cloth, canvas, sacks, paper, sails and clothing.

As a matter of fact, The Declaration of Independence was drafted on paper made with hemp. In addition, in 1840 Abraham Lincoln used hemp seed oil to fuel lamps in his house.

“Old Ironsides”, America’s oldest Navy ship, had more than 120,000 pounds of hemp fiber in its rigging. But, due to the introduction of steamships in the late 1800’s, demand for hemp diminished.

Then, in 1937 the Marijuana Tax Act placed a tax on all cannabis sales, which included hemp, ultimately discouraging production. The invention of the cotton gin made cotton easier and cheaper to produce, so hemp usage plummeted.

The 1950’s brought the introduction of inexpensive synthetic fibers, which further reduced the need for hemp.

The year 1958 was the last year the U.S., had a significant hemp crop.

Fast-forward to 1998 when the U.S. began to import food grade hemp seed and oil. The interest in growing hemp in New York started to make a resurgence.

In 2017, New York State and Governor Cuomo eliminated how many could be authorized to grow industrial hemp, offering the opportunity to farmers and businesses. Ten million dollars in grant funding was also offered to help with the costs in advancing the industrial hemp business.

Industrial hemp contains Cannabidiol (CBD), which can be used to manufacture over 25,000 products, including clothing, food, building materials and pharmaceuticals. 

While it is the same plant species as marijuana, hemp contains less than 0.3 percent of tetra-hydro cannabinol (THC), which is the ingredient that gives people the “high” feeling.

Industrial hemp (CBD) can be used in the making of products such as gels, gummies, oils, supplements and extracts.  

Industrial hemp can be used to help with a variety of conditions, including but not limited to, seizures, pain, mental disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, migraines, depression, anxiety and nausea.

Growing hemp in New York requires implements such as plows, discs, a fertilizer spreader and a water wheel (for planting and watering the crop). Plastic can also be laid for weed control. 

Amorim Pereira, co-owner of ALPS Farm, located in Candor, N.Y. and first year hemp grower, said, “The hardest part is that it is so labor intensive. All the plants are cut down manually and then the buds have to be removed by hand also.” Meanwhile, it must be hung in barns to dry down to certain moisture content.

“There is also a lot of equipment involved” states Pereira.

“By the time you factor in many large fans and in some cases dehumidifiers to aid in the drying process, it’s a lot of overhead.” Pereira did say they plan on planting again next year.  

Cub Frisbie, president of Tioga County Farm Bureau, stated that the Farm Bureau has a policy supporting the growing of industrial hemp in New York. 

You can view this policy at nyfb.org.