Industrial Hemp in the United States: Status and Market Potential

by Economic Research Service

Industrial hemp has been the focus of official interest in several States. However, hemp and marijuana are different varieties of Cannabis sativa, which is classified as a controlled substance in the United States. With Canada now allowing hemp production, questions have been raised about the demand for hemp products. U.S. markets for hemp fiber (specialty textiles, paper, and composites) and seed (in food or crushed for oil) are, and will likely remain, small, thin markets. Uncertainty about longrun demand for hemp products and the potential for oversupply discounts the prospects for hemp as an economically viable alternative crop for American farmers.

Keywords: industrial hemp, markets, bast fiber, hurds, seed, oil

In this publication...

• Entire Report
• Frontmatter (Title Page, Contents, Executive Summary)
• Introduction
• Identification: Industrial Hemp or Marijuana?
• History; Industrial Hemp in Canada
• Plant Characteristics and Growing Requirements
• Harvesting, Retting, and Fiber Separation
• U.S. Hemp Fiber and Fabric Imports
• Fiber Markets
• Seed Markets
• Potential U.S. Production and Processing
• State Study Findings
• Conclusions
• References
• Appendix I: Health Canada--Commercial Production of Industrial Hemp
• Appendix II: Oversupply of Small, Thin Markets
• Appendix III: State Report Summaries