News

Prop 1 opens door to industrial hemp in Michigan

An extension educator says a ballot proposal in Michigan must pass for industrial hemp to become commercially produced in the state.

James DeDecker with Michigan State University tells Brownfield recreational marijuana and legalizing industrial hemp production are both part of Michigan’s November proposal even though the ballot language does not mention industrial hemp.  “It may create opportunity in Michigan for farmers to diversify their crop rotations and consider producing a new crop that has already a decent amount of demand in the United States but we’re currently importing all of the industrial hemp products that are consumed here.”

He says legally, Michigan can research industrial hemp now, however permitting through the Drug Enforcement Administration has been difficult.  A new provision in the 2018 Senate Farm Bill would legalize industrial hemp at the national level and remove barriers.  “The pairing of Proposal 1 and the Hemp Farming Act of 2018 would really be a combination that would create opportunity across the board, all 50 states, for industrial hemp research, education and commercial production.”

DeDecker says industrial hemp is produced for its fiber, seed and pharmaceutical purposes.

AUDIO: Interview with James DeDecker