Why it matters: The number of licensed hemp cultivators in Kansas has significantly decreased, with only 41 currently operating. However, this shift is not necessarily negative as the industry is now focusing on cultivating hemp for fiber or animal feed rather than CBD production.
What they are saying: Sarah Stephens, CEO of Midwest Hemp Technology, explains that the decrease in cultivators on the CBD side is being balanced by an increase in growers and acres on the fiber and grain side. Kansas Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kelsey Olson attributes the decline in hemp production to neighboring states legalizing recreational cannabis. Other hemp business owners in Kansas, like Melissa Nelson, are now focusing on hemp fiber and its use as animal bedding material.
The big picture: The hemp industry in Kansas has various paths for expansion, including hemp grain food products. The state has the resources and know-how to lead in this industry. However, Kansas Governor Laura Kelley has expressed that she does not have the power to legalize medical cannabis and prefers to push for legislative action.
What to watch: It would be worth monitoring the legislative actions regarding cannabis in Kansas. While Gov. Kelley supports medical cannabis and believes it would boost the economy and provide relief to patients, cannabis-related bills have not progressed in the legislature. The stance of neighboring states on cannabis also influences the hemp industry in Kansas.
Take: The article highlights the shift in the hemp industry in Kansas, with a decrease in CBD hemp production but an increase in hemp fiber and grain cultivation. This shift presents new opportunities for the industry in the state. However, the lack of progress on cannabis-related bills and the proximity of neighboring states legalizing recreational cannabis may impact the overall growth of the industry in Kansas.
