Skip to main content
Tags: legalizing | weed | colorado | industrial hemp | facts

Legalizing Weed: 6 Facts About Colorado's Legalization of Industrial Hemp Farming

By    |   Thursday, 07 January 2016 05:09 PM EST

In addition to being one of the earliest states on board with the legalizing weed movement, Colorado is also one of the first states to legalize farming of industrial hemp. This crop can be used for an array of products, including food, transportation, clothing, and fuel.

Here are six facts about Colorado’s laws allowing industrial hemp farming.

Urgent: Should Marijuana Be Legalized in All States?

1. The law in Colorado defines industrial hemp as any part of the cannabis sativa plant containing less than three-tenths percent THC. THC, or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is the part of the plant that produces the “high” associated with marijuana. Contrary to popular belief, it’s impossible to get high by smoking or ingesting industrial hemp.

2. As a result of the law, Colorado is the first state to have a legal crop of industrial hemp in almost 60 years. If the crop follows in the footsteps of Canada's legal industry, it could have the potential to yield revenue of up to $390 per acre, The Denver Post reported.

3. Colorado is the only state to allow growing industrial hemp for both research and commercial purposes. Because of the federal laws surrounding industrial hemp, which make it legal to grow only by universities for research purposes, most states still do not allow commercial farmers to plant the crop.

4. The first legal hemp crop in the state will be the subject of an upcoming documentary. Farmer Ryan Loflin of Springfield planted 60 acres of industrial hemp on a field formerly used for alfalfa. A documentary film crew, which includes collaborators such as Hemp Cleans and Hemp, Inc., has been following his journey.

Vote Now: How Do You Feel About Marijuana Legalization?

5. Many new businesses in Colorado have sprung up in the wake of the legalization. While you’ve probably heard that legalizing weed has given birth to a whole new industry, the same is true for industrial hemp. Just a few of the permits for new businesses received in the state since the crop has been legalized include hemp coffee, paper, home building insulation, rope, batteries, and dietary supplements.

6. The state may randomly test crops to ensure that they contain no more than .3 percent THC. These measures are necessary to ensure that illegal marijuana plantations don’t spring up in the guise of industrial hemp farming, although recreational marijuana is now legal in Colorado.

© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


FastFeatures
In addition to being one of the earliest states on board with the legalizing weed movement, Colorado is also one of the first states to legalize farming of industrial hemp. This crop can be used for an array of products, including food, transportation, clothing, and fuel.
legalizing, weed, colorado, industrial hemp, facts
399
2016-09-07
Thursday, 07 January 2016 05:09 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.

PLEASE NOTE: All information presented on Newsmax.com is for informational purposes only. It is not specific medical advice for any individual. All answers to reader questions are provided for informational purposes only. All information presented on our websites should not be construed as medical consultation or instruction. You should take no action solely on the basis of this publication’s contents. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being. While the information found on our websites is believed to be sensible and accurate based on the author’s best judgment, readers who fail to seek counsel from appropriate health professionals assume risk of any potential ill effects. The opinions expressed in Newsmaxhealth.com and Newsmax.com do not necessarily reflect those of Newsmax Media. Please note that this advice is generic and not specific to any individual. You should consult with your doctor before undertaking any medical or nutritional course of action.

 
TOP

Interest-Based Advertising | Do not sell or share my personal information

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Download the Newsmax App
NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved