Consumers should know that hemp was first classified as a Schedule I narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule 1 narcotics typically have no medicinal value but do have the potential for high abuse. However, the legal status of hemp was changed with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp and hemp-derived products, provided they contain no more than 0.3 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana. As a result, hemp producers became eligible for federal crop insurance programs and certain United States Department of Agriculture research grants. In addition, the law allowed states to establish their regulations for cultivating, processing, and selling hemp, leading to widespread acceptance in the country.

As of 2024, all 50 states in the United States allow producers to grow hemp, although regulations vary from state to state. Some states have more strict requirements regarding licensing, testing, and the product’s specific uses. Hemp production and its popularity still raise many questions for discerning consumers and producers.

Is this crop worth growing?

So, how did marijuana’s often-overlooked cannabis counterpart capture the attention of researchers and the public alike? Like many other crops, hemp production can be worthwhile if you carefully evaluate several factors and prepare adequately. If done right, it can be a profitable and sustainable venture. For example, hemp can be used for various products, including textiles, paper, biodegradable plastics, construction materials, food, and health products, such as cannabidiol oil. However, the market for these products can be volatile, and thus, one must consider many factors before growing the crop. Research is underway in many parts of the country to provide the needed information on hemp production, processing, and marketing.

What dangers does it pose?

As a plant, hemp is not dangerous to grow. The primary concerns are product quality, regulatory compliance, and individual sensitivities. When used properly and sourced from reputable producers, hemp and its products are safe.

Hemp versus Marijuana

Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) and Cannabis indica L. (marijuana) are both derived from the cannabis plant.

Hemp is a mixture of male and female plants with a THC concentration of 0.3 percent. It grows taller and the fiber is used for cloth, plastics, paper, and other products. The plant resin extracted from the flowers is used in cosmetics, such as oils, lotions, cleansers, and topical pharmaceutical products. In addition, hemp grain is ideal for animal and human consumption.

Marijuana, on the other hand, refers to a dried plant (leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds) that contains a THC concentration of more than 0.3 percent. A high THC product is approximately 15 percent. Marijuana, also known as weed, is primarily a recreational drug but has also been used for medicinal purposes to alleviate nausea, vomiting, migraine headaches, and nerve pain. Regardless of how it is used, hemp remains a highly regulated plant and current research is exploring other ways to use this popular plant.

Hemp Research

Before 2018, hemp research was hindered by the plant’s legal status. Now, scientists are delving into the many uses for hemp, some of which can even fight global warming. For example, a January 2022 review by the Bangladesh University of Textiles found that hemp is a promising renewable resource. “Hemp as a potential raw material toward a sustainable world: A review” points out that researchers believe hemp can be used as a cover crop to rejuvenate soils during crop rotation.

In addition, at Alabama A&M University, students used hemp grown at the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station, to create an active film packaging using hemp instead of plastic. The active film differs from regular film in that it fights germs rather than simply packaging food. The film also helps to ward off harmful microbes, which makes food safe and extends shelf life. More importantly, the product is biodegradable making it safer for the environment.

As researchers decode hemp and all its uses, the public must stay informed about the dangers and promise of the once-shunned crop.

More Information

Discover more about hemp at www.aces.edu. Keep up with current Urban Extension activities on Facebook at AlabamaExtensionAAMU.