The Conundrum of Encouraging the Growth of Hemp and Marijuana, While Avoiding Cross-Contamination

Mjbizdaily.com reported earlier this week that the State of Washington has eliminated a law requiring a 4-mile buffer between outdoor marijuana and hemp farms. This requirement was a substantial barrier to the state’s hemp industry, and its elimination will open significant tracts to potential hemp farming in Washington. But the whole point of this buffer, originally, was to prevent cross-pollination. Imagine that your outdoor marijuana grow is suddenly pollinated by hemp seeds from next door. This causes logistical issues and legal issues, and could also significantly devalue your crop. 

This controversy highlights the balancing act that every state is dealing with. Too much marijuana grow can lead to oversupply, which can cause the price per pound to fall precipitously. Cross-pollination with hemp farms can also decrease the value of a marijuana crop. And cross-pollination in the other direction can result in inadvertent illegal grows. But a lot of states (including Maine) also see potential in the hemp industry, and don’t want to discourage it. The State of Maine even seems to be taking steps to prop up our hemp industry by requiring that Maine hemp be used to create CBD for foods. So where’s the balance between preventing cross-pollination while encouraging hemp growers? 

As may be too often the case, I’m gonna stop with that question for now. Definitely send me a note though if you have any thoughts on this dilemma.