UNH Biology student, Ryan Spelman ’20, summarizes the state of northeast hemp production in 2020.  

Ryan shares his conversation with Dr. Cheryl Smith, Extension Professor & Plant Health Specialist Emerita from UNH’s Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems, and Extension’s Plant Diagnostic Lab Director. Dr. Smith provided insights into the legality of producing hemp in New Hampshire and what is in store for those who might like to get into this business.   

New Hampshire became the first state approved for licensing to grow hemp under the U.S. Domestic Hemp Program, with the first six growers receiving licenses in early 2020. Lawmakers laid this bill on the table in June 2020, as the creation of this federal licensing program and low demand for a state-run program made the passing of HB 1658 an unnecessary step in the legal production of hemp in New Hampshire.  

Resources: 

HB 1658 (2020) relative to the growth of hemp

UNH Extension update on hemp production in NH

Federal update on hemp production in the U.S.   

Cornell study on influence of growing practices on THC content in hemp crops