Title
Receive a Cannabis Program informational report on industrial hemp; and provide direction to staff concerning treating the uses associated with commercial industrial hemp as similar uses as commercial cannabis activities.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Receive a Cannabis Program informational report on industrial hemp; and
2. Provide direction to staff concerning treating the uses associated with commercial industrial hemp as similar uses as commercial cannabis activities.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Industrial Hemp Background
Industrial hemp, like cannabis, are both species of the Cannabis sativa plant. There are three main types (cultivar groups) of hemp grown for fiber production, oilseed production, and extracts, such as cannabidiol ("CBD"). Within each of those cultivar groups there are many different varieties.
There is a legal distinction between industrial hemp and other cannabis varieties based on the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol ("THC") present in the flowering tops. If the plant has no more than 0.3% THC, it is defined under the law as hemp. Fiber or seed varieties will have little or no THC or other cannabinoids. Among the medicinal varieties, there are some that have low THC and high CBD. The most important hemp research goal is to develop varieties that have high CBD but are consistently under 0.3% THC. Cannabis used for medical or recreation typically contains 20% to 25% THC. There are varieties of cannabis that can be grown as industrial hemp as they are low in THC and high in CBD. CBD production offers a much greater economic return than fiber or oilseed, and this has been the predominant interest for hemp production in Monterey County.
Fiber and oilseed varieties of hemp will have plants with male flowers. CBD hemp is grown as an unpollinated flower (sinsemilla), just as cannabis for medical or adult use, and pollination may destroy these crops because of pollen drift. Pollen drift could be a significant issue, depending on the ...
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