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Farmers Face Barriers in Georgia’s Natural Hemp Industry
The cannabis industry has quickly become one of the most valuable crops in the U.S.—and hemp has played a big role in that growth. While 40 states allow some form of legal cannabis, Georgia’s hemp industry continues to face unique challenges that impact farmers, small businesses, and consumers alike.
In this final installment of WALB’s Going Green series, we take a closer look at the barriers Georgia hemp farmers face and why clearer state guidance is needed to keep this industry thriving. Hemp vs. Marijuana in Georgia
It’s important to remember: hemp and marijuana are both varieties of the cannabis plant, but they serve different purposes.
- Marijuana is grown primarily for THC (Delta-9), the compound known for psychoactive effects. In Georgia, marijuana is legal only for approved patients with a medical card.
- Hemp, on the other hand, is grown for CBD and other cannabinoids, offering natural wellness benefits without the same “high.”
Georgia law limits hemp plants to 0.3% THC at harvest, and hemp-derived products like gummies and beverages are capped at 10mg Delta-9 THC per serving. These rules have created a narrow but vital space for hemp businesses to serve people looking for relief from stress, pain, or sleeplessness—without needing a medical card.
Barriers for Farmers
In October 2024, Georgia enacted a ban on raw hemp flower, removing one of the most profitable outlets for local farmers. Before the ban, farmers could sell tested, approved hemp flower directly to consumers, processors, or other farmers. Today, their only option is to send crops to processors—creating delays, extra costs, and limited outlets.
As John Downs, a Georgia hemp farmer, explains:
“It’s been a tight struggle… You have to be passionate about it to be in it.”
With only one processor in the state fully equipped to handle hemp, farmers are left questioning whether they should apply for costly processing licenses themselves just to keep their crops moving.
Synthetic vs. Natural Products
Another barrier? The rise of synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8, Delta-10, and THC-P. While these compounds are legal loopholes under federal law, they’ve flooded the market—overshadowing natural hemp products that farmers grow locally.
As The Georgia Hemp Company’s co-founder, Joe Salome, puts it:
“The proliferation of synthetic cannabinoids has helped more people get used to our industry, but it’s also hurt the natural product industry.”
The Path Forward
What do Georgia hemp farmers want? Clear guidance and fair opportunities. Many believe the state should either:
- Relinquish hemp oversight to federal authorities, so Georgia aligns with most other states.
- Or explore new sectors like hemp fiber, which could boost industries such as flooring and textiles in Georgia.
Without direction, the state risks stifling an industry that has proven potential to support farmers, create jobs, and fuel innovation.
As Downs says:
“They’ve got to make a choice, because it’s just taking us further down in a hole every day that they don’t make one.”
Why It Matters to GHC
At The Georgia Hemp Company™, we remain committed to advocating for hemp farmers, educating consumers, and offering only the highest-quality products. Hemp has the power to improve lives—from CBD wellness support to responsible hemp beverages and beyond—but only if the industry is given the chance to grow.
We encourage our community to stay informed, stay engaged, and support Georgia hemp farmers and small businesses.
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