Washington’s Industrial Hemp Research Program Continues To Grow

It’s only a few months old, but the Washington Industrial Hemp Research Pilot program continues to grow and expand.  Pilot Coordinator Emily Febles said since June they have worked to determine if hemp could be a a viable option for Washington.

“From the farming aspect and the production aspect and the marketing aspect, the whole sort of kit and caboodle of industrial hemp, whether that can work as a model for Washington state.”

Febles added Industrial hemp has not been seen in Washington in over 70 years, but has many positive possibilities, includes as a cover crop, seeds and oil, fibers and more.  She said she’s happy with the progress they’ve made in a short amount of time.

“One of the biggest successes is really working through this process to create something that has a historical nature to it but also is this sort of brand new program for the state and really exciting.  It’s also been very challenging there are so many unknowns.”

A handful of states exploring the idea of industrial hemp, which may not always serve as an example for the Evergreen State.  She said laws vary from state to state, making the process more challenging.

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