Florida Farmers, Hemp is Happening

Interested in growing hemp? Starting today, cultivation permits are available, now that the USDA has approved Florida’s hemp plan, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services office.

State officials believe that growing hemp can strengthen Florida’s agriculture industry and diversify the state’s economy. Industrial hemp, a Cannabis sativa L. plant, is not marijuana because it contains less than 0.3 percent total THC, the psychoactive chemical that get people high.

Industrial hemp is used to make CBD, used in food products, tinctures and oils. But that’s not all. Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, hemp seed is approximately 30% oil, 25% protein, and contains dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. An excellent source of lean protein for vegetarians and vegans, hemp seeds can be added to smoothies and sprinkled on salads and bowls.

The plant is also used for fiber, insulation, rope, paper, textiles, cosmetics, bioplastics and building material.

Last year, the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) started planting over 46 varieties of industrial hemp at four locations throughout the state, including Homestead’s Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC). Their preliminary research report found several varieties that showed promise, but no clearly superior variety that’s well adapted for South Florida.

Can the public plant hemp? Not yet. But you can stay on top of new about growing hemp here.