What is the future of industrial hemp Kehrt REYHER, the CEO of HempToday and its publisher, spoke on the topic of policy, cannabinoid regulations, and market development. The keynote speaker at the event was KehrtReyher, publisher and CEO of HempToday. Lancaster Farming Industrial Hemp PodcastReyher – a journalist of over thirty years’ experience with international coverage – provided a unique analytical view on the future trajectory of this industry. She emphasized the differences between hemp products that are used for industrial purposes and those which have an intoxicating effect.
Policies and regulatory frameworks
The discussion was dominated by legislative attempts to clarify the status of products derived from hemp. Reyher discussed the Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr’s Lawful Hemp Protection Act. This bill seeks to regulate intoxicating synthetic hemp products, while still preserving the legal pathway for CBD-based products. A spokesperson for the CBD industry said that, according to an HempToday report. the legislation seeks a solution to market proliferation unregulated intoxicating cannabisoids, that, Reyher believes, have caused serious damage to hemp and the industry in general, as well as distracted policymakers away from the initial intent of 2018 Farm Bill.
Conversations also centered on the future regulation of CBD in the United States as well as Europe. Reyher highlighted that it is difficult to define “true hemp,” a term he defines as being a product that focuses on the fiber, industrial system, and food rather than products that are cannabinoid centric. He said that Australia and New Zealand had “more realistic hemp policies” than other regions. This was especially true in regards to the integration of industrial hemp and agricultural hemp.
Applications and Market Development of Industrial Hemp
Discussions extended to diverse applications industrial hemp There are more than cannabinoids. Reyher stressed the importance of hemp as a construction material, such hempcrete, hemp-based building systems and hemp bricks. He also stressed that hemp must find a place in larger markets for natural fibers and bio-based materials, where it can compete against flax and Jute.
The following are key areas of market development:
- Building Materials Incorporating hemp into building solutions
- Micro-Decortication: Modular processing systems at smaller scales to meet localized needs industrial hemp economies.
- Agriculture Integration Increase the use of hemp grain and fiber in animal feeds and other agricultural products.
Reyher stated that long-term industrial hemp success depends on robust infrastructures for manufacturing and processing, going beyond the primary focus of cannabinoid extract.
European Market and Research Initiatives
The European industrial hemp sector was also a focus, with particular attention given to the upcoming European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) conference in Poznań, Poland. The event was held at the historic Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants The Industrial Hemp Development and Research Zone (IWNiRZ) will bring together stakeholders to discuss the latest developments in industrial hemp. The event will bring together stakeholders to discuss advancements in bio-based materials and industrial hemp development. EIHA Conference The platform is used for discussions on policy, analysis of market trends, and to showcase innovations in the European hemp sector.
Reyher’s insight underscored Europe’s continuing support for industrial hemp and bio-based material development. This positions the continent as an important player in cultivating a hemp economy. This conversation emphasised the need to sustain efforts in the areas of journalism, policies, construction and agriculture, if we are to fully realize industrial hemp’s economic potential as a major agricultural and manufacturing sector.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Hemp Gazette is not a medical provider and does not offer diagnoses or treatment plans. Consult a healthcare professional before you make any decision regarding your health. Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia has not evaluated statements about the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids, hemp or cannabis. TGA regulates the access to medical cannabis in Australia.