Farmers and ranchers operating in the United States have taken a keen interest in cultivating and using hemp, or so it seems, according to the results of a new Farm Journal survey.

The aim of the survey was to better understand what people’s perceptions of cannabis cultivation and consumption is, following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill – a law that officially legalizes hemp. Unlike cannabis, hemp contains no more than 0.3 percent THC.

Approximately half of the 950 farmers and ranchers who participated in the survey said they would consider growing some form of cannabis, while many said they would consider consuming it. However, at the current time, none of them are cultivating cannabis plants.

Prior to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, pro-pot group Vote Hemp released data suggesting that farmers in the U.S. were getting involved in state-run industrial hemp pilot programs, with over 78,000 acres scattered across 24 states last year. The amount of hemp being cultivated in 2017 was three times less than the 2018 figures.

With hemp now being legal, analysts are busy analyzing the sheer value of the market. Hemp Industry Daily predicts that hemp-derived CBD retail sales could top $1.1 billion this year.

Farm Journal Survey shows strong support for hemp cultivation

Respondents were asked to rate their level of agreement on topics relating to hemp cultivation, such as the cultivation of CBD-rich, low-THC medical cannabis and the cultivation of industrial hemp. They were also asked whether or not they’d be willing to try the green stuff.

A significant portion of 83 percent of respondents agreed with a statement saying that farmers ought to be included in the grow operations for industrial hemp projects. Further, 71 percent said they would be willing to grow industrial hemp themselves.

Seventy-two percent believe that farmers should also be included in the cultivation of medicinal-grade hemp that is high in the non-psychotropic cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD), but low in the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). More than half, 61 percent, agreed they would try using medical cannabis themselves.

Respondents were less enthused about feeding animals with edible cannabis products. Despite this, 60 percent of respondents said that farmers ought to grow cannabis for animal feed and 48 percent said they’d be happy to use cannabis for animal feed themselves.

The Farm Journal survey highlights the growing interest in hemp cultivation and uses among U.S. farmers and ranchers. Increased demand for hemp products is expected following December’s passing of the Farm Bill and thanks to this survey, it’s clear that farmers and ranchers are likely to step up and serve as a supply source.