A hemp farming symposium hosted by Adams County drew a crowd earlier this month. ( Hyoung Chang, Denver Post file)

Expanded hemp production passes easily in Colorado Senate

DENVER — A Colorado bill to expand industrial hemp production has sailed through the state Senate and now heads to the House.

Senators voted 35-0 Wednesday to expand the number and size of farms growing hemp, marijuana’s non-intoxicating cousin.


Related: Getting hemp seeds still challenge for Colorado farmers


The measure would allow year-round hemp cultivation in greenhouses and strike a 10-acre limit on hemp for research and development.

Colorado just opened applications for hemp cultivation in March, with applications accepted until May. Agriculture officials say there is strong interest and that industrial hemp research and production should be expanded.

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Online: Senate Bill 184

This story was first published on DenverPost.com