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ST. LOUIS (KMOX) – The market for industrial hemp is expected to grow significantly in the next five years.
Hemp is an extremely versatile plant, legal in most states, including in Illinois.
“I think most people are aware it can be used for wellness,” said Rachel Berry, CEO of Illinois Hemp Growers Association. “But it can also be used for food for animals and people, has a lot of purposes and opportunity to get into textiles, plastic and building materials you name it.”
Berry, who joined Total Information A.M. Wednesday, says hemp differs from marijuana because of the THC level.
“Anything above 0.3% THC would be considered marijuana,” said Berry. “Anything under that is considered hemp.”
Berry, however, notes hemp farmers face more hurdles and restrictions than other farmers.
“You have to be licensed,” said Berry. “You don’t have to grow tomatoes, corn, or soy. You have to have inspections. There are things that come with growing this crop that don’t come with other crops.”
Berry says regulations are probably their biggest obstacle right now, with rules that varying from state to state, along with meddling from the marijuana industry.
Berry says most Illinois hemp growers are small farmers but more large-scale operations are getting into it.
“}]] Rachel Berry, CEO of the Illinois Hemp Growers Association, is a small-farm grower of hemp herself. She joins Megan as the industry attempts to gain more ground. Read More
