Key Things to Know About Cannabis Agriculture

A few years ago, cannabis agriculture was prohibited because all the plants classified in the cannabis genus were considered to be illegal drugs. These plants mainly included hemp and marijuana. Since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill Act, cannabis agriculture is now legal, especially the industrial production of hemp. Farmers, however, have to strictly follow the laid down laws as specified in the act and acquire the needed permits before commencing cannabis agriculture.
Around the 1940s, hemp was one of the most important cash crops because of its multiple uses. It was used as a food crop, in the textile industry, and also in relieving chronic pain. In the 1970s, hemp production was stopped because of the close relationship hemp has with its cousin plant marijuana, bringing cannabis agriculture to a stop.
Several states have now legalized the production of hemp, especially after realizing how the CBD extracted from hemp can be beneficial. In this article, we look at the key things you should know about cannabis agriculture, but first:
What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?
Cannabis agriculture is largely centered on hemp production although a few states are also legalizing the use of marijuana. As mentioned above, hemp and marijuana are classified in the cannabis genus and these two plants look similar in appearance. Even the chemical compounds of these two plants are similar.
Both hemp and marijuana contain CBD (cannabidiols) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Hemp contains more CBD and less THC while marijuana has less CBD and more THC. CBD is mainly used for medical purposes, and although THC also has medicinal abilities, it also has psychoactive effects or mind-altering abilities. The fact that these two plants contain THC was the major reason why cannabis agriculture was stopped for some time.
Do I need any specialized materials to produce hemp?
Hemp farming is not as complicated as the conventional farming materials, equipment, and methods that can be used in hemp production. However, if you are looking to produce high quality hemp rich in CBD, you may require some additional settings or adaptations. Many of the hemp users prefer the hemp produced to be purely organic, which is a reason why you might need these additional adaptations. On top of that, hemp can be farmed in several ways each which may require a different adaptation or equipment.
Where can I get hemp seeds?
Hemp seeds can be sourced from Canada and Europe. Outside the US, you can get a lot of seeds, although the challenge of the THC limit comes up. Legal hemp is required to contain 0.3% of THC or below. A farmer can source hemp seeds, and during the harvest, the hemp can be found to contain a THC level of more than 0.3%. Because of the higher THC content, it is classified as marijuana and cannot be legally sold. Unless you find a way to extract only CBD, the whole harvest may be a waste.
How can a farmer get into about the cannabis farming?
Hemp production is now a lucrative business. This is because hemp produces CBD which is now used by a lot of people to treat several medical conditions. The CBD market is rapidly growing and many farmers are now into hemp production as they try to grab a share of this lucrative business.
If you are a farmer who wants to try hemp farming, you must first confirm from you state whether it has been legalized so that you do not find yourself at the wrong side of the law. There are some states in the US like Iowa which haven’t legalized hemp farming yet. Once you have confirmed that it is legal, you can proceed to apply for all the permits required in hemp production.