Future of hemp

Hemp advocates foresee a bright future for hemp. As mentioned earlier, as a health food, hemp has become increasingly popular in America and abroad. Canada has been increasing its crop and exports, although Canada only grows hemp for seed and oil, not fiber. The real future for hemp remains under the surface, and prices remain too high for any significant consumer use.

Hemp laws are being passed around the United States in states such as Kentucky, Vermont and North Dakota. Pro-hemp laws have been passed in a dozen states, five in North Dakota (ND) alone. Under the new ND law, farmers no longer need permission from the DEA to grow industrial hemp, which now is distinguished from “marijuana”.[36] ND was very close to its first growing season, but the DEA delayed the applications too late to begin the season.

The bright future exists in the environmental merit of hemp. Hemp is sold alongside organic cotton for clothes and is becoming popular as environmental awareness becomes more prevalent. Hemp has been written about in newspapers and magazines across the country, though few people know about hemp and its various benefits and uses.

Hemp Plastic is a new technology based on 20-100% hemp fiber-based plastics that can be molded or injection molded. Demand for fiber-reinforced composites and other natural plastics could become more popular as oil prices rise and environmental awareness increases.

The increased demand for health food has stimulated the trade of shelled hemp seed, hemp protein powder and hemp oil as well as finished and ready-to-eat food products (waffles, granola bars, ice cream, and milk for example) using these derivatives as ingredients. The use of hemp oil in the manufacture of body care products has also increased.