Industrial hemp
Is it worth growing industrial hemp?
Let’s bust the myths and legends around cannabis
Promotion of the cultivation of industrial hemp
Significant profitability of the undertaken project
Industrial hemp and real benefits
Cannabis cultivation and the law
Is it worth growing industrial hemp?
Our grandparents remember the years when the cultivation of flax, poppy and hemp was popular in the Polish countryside. For a period of time, some plants – including hemp – caused controversy and were not welcomed, which is why their cultivation was banned. Only certain species were allowed, and only on those farms where the owners had collected appropriate documentation regarding the purpose of their plantations. An example is high-morphine poppy, the purpose of which should be seen in seed science and pharmacology. Low morphine poppy seed, on the other hand, is expected in the food industry. What about hemp? After a long period of break in their cultivation, they are back in favor, given the interest in this plant in the world. Industrial hemp can be used in the textile, construction, pharmaceutical, automotive and cosmetic industries. Recently, hemp has played a large role in medicine.
Let's bust the myths and legends around cannabis
The number one rule we should follow when it comes to cannabis is,,You don’t know the product exactly, so don’t criticize in advance. Unfortunately, a lot of controversy arose around this plant, which significantly affected the collective subconscious. So let’s dispel some doubts in terms of nomenclature. If we talk about hemp in plant terms, we must assume that the name “hemp” refers to its three varieties.
- indica,
- sativa,
- Ruderalis
..and over seven hundred tribes.
In addition, we have more resinous varieties (rich in tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC – a psychoactive substance) and those containing mainly CBD (cannabidiol). The latter substance is antipsychotic and has beneficial effects on human health. In the context of this article, the most important is the classification into:
- hemp,
- cannabis,
- marijuana
Promotion of the cultivation of industrial hemp
In Poznań, the Institute of Natural Fibers and Medicinal Plants has started the promotion of hemp cultivation. The employees of the institute organized the so-called hemp program, which is a study on the world’s most valued varieties of industrial hemp. This is to motivate Polish agricultural producers to implement hemp species in their agricultural products that are most appropriate for a specific land class. If any of the Polish agricultural producers is interested in the cultivation of industrial hemp, the discussed program will certainly help in the implementation of hemp species appropriate for the type of soil.
The Institute helps in the preparation of the so-called contracting agreement. It also guarantees assistance in official notifications, and organizes support in the form of substantive training, as well as implementation in the entire agrotechnics. The Institute also cares about the production and delivery of the best quality hemp seeds to growers willing to cultivate industrial hemp. What is important, the employees of the institute ensure in the contract the purchase of the entire crop, while ensuring profitability. This is the only way to motivate agricultural producers to implement hemp cultivation.
Significant profitability of the undertaken project
Hemp cultivation experts are convinced that Poland abounds in a climate suitable for the cultivation of this type of plant. Not without significance, however, is the soil on which the industrial hemp plantation would be established. Certainly it could not be a low-class, sandy and element-poor soil. Acidic, marshy, podzolic and catchment soils are also not conducive to the proper growth of hemp seeds. Soil with a neutral reaction – the so-called wheat and beetroot – would be the most beneficial. There are many ways to use industrial hemp. Seeds are the main product of industrial hemp (fiber).
Industrial hemp and real benefits
From a fibrous variety, the estimated yield per hectare can be up to 1,000 kg / ha, and from an oil variety, the estimates are even more favorable. By growing industrial hemp, we can also successfully sell hemp straw, the value of which can be up to 1,600 kg per hectare. The total income per hectare (grain with straw) may amount to about PLN 20,000,000. In addition, agricultural producers can count on EU subsidies for the cultivation undertaken. Employees of the institute mentioned above offer assistance in the correct completion of applications and provide guidelines on the documentation necessary to receive an EU subsidy.
Cannabis cultivation and the law
In the case of growing this type of plant, the legal aspect is important. In Poland, the cultivation of hemp is regulated by the “Act on counteracting drug addiction (Journal of Laws of 2005, No. 179, item 1485, as amended)”. This act means that potential hemp producers are obliged to obtain a cultivation permit from the commune office appropriate for the place of planned cultivation.
