Cannabis as a new cash crop?

Don't look for most of your farming customers to start growing the cannabis plants, despite a recent report that the 2006 market value of marijuana produced in the U.S. exceeded $35 billion, topping such crops as corn, soybeans and hay. In the U.S., it is illegal to grow even commercial hemp, which isn't used for marijuana. However, in Canada, where it is legal to grow cannabis, about 24,000 acres of commercial hemp seed were planted in 2005, half conventional production and half organic production. Hemp plants use high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous requiring specialized or modified equipment for harvesting, and must be air dried. Growers are advised to have contracts with processors before growing hemp.

Once harvested, the value of commercial hemp lies in the plant's seed and fiber. The seed contains edible oil that can be used in cosmetics and cooking. The oil is low in natural fats and contains a mixture of fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) and gamma linolenic acid. The fiber produced is durable and can be used for making clothing, paper and building materials. In October, 2006, break-even yields for hemp are 10 bushels per acre for conventional production and 5 bushels per acre for organic production. John Ackland, a Saskatchewan grower, was happy his 2006 crop yield was 20 bushels per acre. "It's the only crop I know of that has a decent profit margin," he said.