National Hemp Month
The importance of National Hemp Month allows us to highlight the usefulness of the plant to both humans and our environment.
SAINT PAUL, MINN, July 12, 2022 – July is National Hemp Month. Hemp is one of the world’s most useful and versatile plants. It was initially banned in the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 and restrictions were tightened in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. However, hemp is now being recognized again.
When it comes to classification, hemp and marijuana are the same plant but are different names for the same genus. In recent years, forward movement in the legal process is changing how people view and access hemp. The importance of National Hemp Month allows us to highlight the usefulness of the plant to both humans and our environment.
Industrial hemp is grown for its fiber, seed, and can even be used as a dual-purpose crop. Below is a non-exhaustive list of products and uses:
Fibers
- Textiles: clothing, shoes
- Industrial textiles: rope, nets, carpet, tarps
- Industrial products: paper, building materials
Leaves
- Farm and landscaping: mulch, composting, and animal bedding
Hemp Oil
- Foods: oil, food supplement; birdseed
- Personal care: soap, beauty products, moisturizer
Seeds
- Seed cake
- Protein flour
Minnesota Hemp Program
The 2014 Farm Bill contained a provision to allow state departments of agriculture to administer pilot programs to study the growth, cultivation, and marketing of hemp. In 2015, the Minnesota Industrial Hemp Development Act (IHDA) (MINN. STAT. 18k) became law. This allows the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to create a hemp pilot program. The Minnesota Hemp Pilot Program operated from 2016 through 2020.
The 2018 Farm Bill officially legalized hemp cultivation nationally for commercial purposes and removed it from the Controlled Substances Act. On October 31, 2019, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the Interim Final Rule (7 CFR part 990), which formed the regulatory framework for all hemp cultivation nationwide. Each state and tribal authority are required to submit a plan to the USDA for approval to regulate hemp within their jurisdictions. The Minnesota State Plan was approved in July 2020 and became effective January 1, 2021.
On January 15, 2021, the USDA released the Final Rule (86 FR 5596). The Final Rule contains key changes from the Interim Final Rule based on comments from states, growers, and others in the hemp industry. The revised Minnesota State Plan, updated to incorporate the federal Final Rule for commercial hemp regulation, was approved by USDA and went into effect on May 6, 2021. The Minnesota Plan can be viewed in its entirety here.
Excerpt from the Summary of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture 2021 Hemp Program Annual Report:
When looking back over the past six years of the Minnesota Hemp Program, hemp has dramatically increased in popularity, public awareness, and acceptance, and the overall program has expanded significantly. More investment in processing infrastructure, demand for products, and new innovations continue to foster a brighter future. In order to build a sustaining industry, it will also be important to continue to establish regulations that support farmers and processors while creating an equitable and safe marketplace for the increasing number of consumers who are purchasing hemp products.
NRCS Conservation Programs
These NRCS conservation programs are available for producers meeting requirements:
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program
- Conservation Stewardship Program
- Regional Conservation Partnership Program
- Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
Additional Resources
2018 Farm Bill - Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program
Hemp Plans for Tribal Entities in Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Agriculture 2021 Hemp Program Annual Report
Minnesota Department of Agriculture Hemp Program
USDA Agriculture Marketing Service: Hemp Rules and Regulations