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Learning About Hemp – Never too old to learn something new!
Hemp is grown for fiber, seed, and oil. A species of cannabis sativa, hemp is the same plant as marijuana. The difference is in the THC content. THC below 3% is hemp; above 3% is marijuana. Their appearance is the same, the aroma is the same. The speaker passed around a big bud for us to smell. For many in the audience, it brought back memories of younger days and concerts. For me, it was the first time I’ve smelled it. It’s quite distinctive! The agent says whenever he leaves the field, he always has documentation on him in case law enforcement gets a whiff of him. He keeps a wary eye on dogs, especially if they have an officer attached to their leash!
In addition to the TCH, cannabis produces other cannabinoids such as CBD, Cannabidiol. When the flower is harvested the flower bud is sent to an extractor where the oil is collected. In NC, the growers’ contracts are for CBD oil used in fragrances.
For the state’s tobacco farmers, many of whom have seen their allotments decrease in recent years, the new crop is a good fit. The acreage, the drying barns, the planting and harvesting equipment are the same that are necessary for hemp. For the farmer making that transition, it is economically feasible. For others, it is a huge investment.
Like everything in agriculture, there is huge risk involved. The harvesting period is short and can be a throw-away due to weather situations. Thank God for the nation’s farmers.
This was an informative meeting and everyone, including many master gardeners, learned something about the hemp plant now being grown industrially in our state.