Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Lincoln, Neb. - Cannabis is legally grown in Nebraska, except the crop serves a much different purpose from the typical assumption.
After 2 ½ years of asking, the federal government decided to let the University of Nebraska Lincoln experiment with industrial hemp for the good of farmers.
"It's a whole crop that still has a lot of value," UNL biotechnology Dr. Tom Clemente said.
Inside a secure greenhouse on the east campus, Clemente believes the little plants hold big potential.
"These are the seedlings we are starting with. So my lab is a biotechnology laboratory, and what we are trying to do is evaluate these different forms of cannabis. In this case hemp," Clemente said.
The hemp, from Italy, Canada and Nebraska's roadside ditches, holds little THC, the psychoactive chemical desirable among people who use cannabis recreationally.
It does contain plenty of medically sought after compounds, such as CBD oil, and strong tissue fiber used to make paper, rope and even biodegradable plastic.
"This has a bad rap because of its very close relative, if you will, that can get somebody a little bit high," Clemente said.
Hemp got a bad reputation in the late 20th century during World War II when the Department of Agriculture urged farmers in the U.S. to grow hemp, fearing supplies overseas would fall into enemy hands.
"We are trying to take old applications and modernize it," Clemente said.
If studies at UNL can create a profitable strain of hemp producing both CBD oil and valuable fiber, the hope is farmers who struggle with low corn and soybean prices could grow hemp to supplement their income.
"This is not meant to compete or take up the land from soybean areas or corn areas. This is going to be on more marginal land because it needs less input and less water," Clemente said.
Hemp is already grown in places like China and imported to the U.S.
Last year the industry sold $573 million in hemp-based products, leaders reporters.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: UNL Experiments With Hemp As Possible Alternative For Struggling Farmers
Author: Dave Roberts
Contact: 402-345-7777
Photo Credit: KETV
Website: KETV 7
After 2 ½ years of asking, the federal government decided to let the University of Nebraska Lincoln experiment with industrial hemp for the good of farmers.
"It's a whole crop that still has a lot of value," UNL biotechnology Dr. Tom Clemente said.
Inside a secure greenhouse on the east campus, Clemente believes the little plants hold big potential.
"These are the seedlings we are starting with. So my lab is a biotechnology laboratory, and what we are trying to do is evaluate these different forms of cannabis. In this case hemp," Clemente said.
The hemp, from Italy, Canada and Nebraska's roadside ditches, holds little THC, the psychoactive chemical desirable among people who use cannabis recreationally.
It does contain plenty of medically sought after compounds, such as CBD oil, and strong tissue fiber used to make paper, rope and even biodegradable plastic.
"This has a bad rap because of its very close relative, if you will, that can get somebody a little bit high," Clemente said.
Hemp got a bad reputation in the late 20th century during World War II when the Department of Agriculture urged farmers in the U.S. to grow hemp, fearing supplies overseas would fall into enemy hands.
"We are trying to take old applications and modernize it," Clemente said.
If studies at UNL can create a profitable strain of hemp producing both CBD oil and valuable fiber, the hope is farmers who struggle with low corn and soybean prices could grow hemp to supplement their income.
"This is not meant to compete or take up the land from soybean areas or corn areas. This is going to be on more marginal land because it needs less input and less water," Clemente said.
Hemp is already grown in places like China and imported to the U.S.
Last year the industry sold $573 million in hemp-based products, leaders reporters.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: UNL Experiments With Hemp As Possible Alternative For Struggling Farmers
Author: Dave Roberts
Contact: 402-345-7777
Photo Credit: KETV
Website: KETV 7
