Hemp Production Has a Promising Future

May 3, 2018   

After 40 years of prohibition, Senator Mitch McConnell has introduced a bill to legalize hemp production across the country. The bill, which defines hemp as cannabis sativa at or below .03 percent THC, would make hemp farmers eligible for crop insurance and federal water rights.

If the bill passes as written, hemp would be regulated by the USDA just like any other agricultural commodity, instead of regulated by the Department of Justice and its Drug Enforcement Administration. The bill skipped the committee process and was fast-tracked to the U.S Senate. Head of the National Hemp Association, Geoff Whaling, described the proposal as exciting and historic.

The national hemp discussion has already begun to have an effect at state levels. On July 1 this year, a pilot program for growing industrial hemp will launch in the state of Connecticut, home of GrowSpan’s headquarters. The program will study the growth, cultivation and marketing of industrial hemp. On top of that, Alaska became the latest state to allow hemp cultivation last month. The governor of Alaska signed the bill into law with a pen made of hemp, noting that great opportunities for Alaskan farmers lie ahead.

Hemp is usually overshadowed, if not completely forgotten, amidst discussions on cannabis legislation. Many are unaware how useful hemp has been throughout history and how useful it currently is in states with hemp pilot programs. The stalk, fiber and seeds of hemp have a massive scope of practical applications, including but not limited to clothing, paper, animal feed, biodegradable plastic and construction materials. Considering its limited production scale, hemp industry sales topped an impressive $688 million in 2016.

In order to meet the needs of the developing hemp industry, GrowSpan has adapted greenhouses for hemp production. There are numerous stock and custom designs to meet any operation’s needs in virtually any region. Structures like the Series 1000 Commercial Greenhouse and the well-ventilated Series 500 Tall Greenhouses help maximize crop quality and yield. These hemp-specific designs along with many others will keep growers in production year-round and improve operational efficiency.

Automated accessories can be easily integrated into a GrowSpan greenhouse to ensure maximum control over hemp production. Fully automated systems and high-tech environmental controllers give growers total control over their environment, while reducing required labor.

GrowSpan Greenhouse Specialists work with customers one-on-one to create the ideal hemp greenhouse for their business. Growers receive expert guidance on every aspect of the design process, ensuring an environment where hemp can thrive and profits can be maximized.

To learn more about how GrowSpan can help you design and build your hemp project, call or Request a Quote now.