New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets has opened applications for processing of industrial hemp for cannabidiol (CBD) extraction.
Cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in high levels in some strains of industrial hemp. The compound has been of special interest to researchers in relation to its potential for managing or treating a range of health conditions. As industrial hemp is very low in THC compared to its cousin marijuana, utilising it also helps address some of the tight regulations and stigma associated with cannabis.
New York already has a program in place for the use of industrial hemp for fibre, food and fuel applications. The Department notes 100 new research partners joined its Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program this year and approximately 3,500 acres of the state’s farmland are approved for industrial hemp research. The number of growers has now grown to 151 at the time of publishing and the program also has more than 29 processors registered.
This latest project involving CBD adds a new element.
“Applications can focus on research into the benefits and risks of CBD use for wellness purposes and to gauge its effectiveness,” says a Department release.
The cannabidiol project requires processors to source hemp from authorised growers within the state. Any products for human consumption must meet nutritional-supplement processing standards as noted in the CBD Research Partner Agreement.
Research Partners will be responsible for testing of the industrial hemp they use to ensure that the delta-9 THC content does not exceed 0.3 percent, on a dry weight basis. Results will need to be confirmed by a laboratory that has been approved by the Department to perform such testing. Hemp material above the 0.3 percent THC level will require destruction.
Any CBD product intended for human consumption or absorption will also need to be tested in the same manner as required by the New York State Medical Marijuana program with regard to cannabinoid profile and contaminants such as solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria and molds.
Research Partners will only be able to extract CBD from industrial hemp using human grade ethanol or CO2 extraction, and no product to which cannabidiol has been added to will be able to be sold as food.
Further information on the CBD processor program can be found here.
