[C]BD, a little-known acronym just a few years ago, has gotten the attention of Vermonters, according to a new poll from researchers at the University of Vermont. And a third of residents have used hemp-based products such as CBD.
Nearly 80% of Vermonters polled by UVM’s Center for Rural Studies said they were aware that the cannabis or hemp plant is used to make cannabidiol or CBD, a compound that many say helps treat conditions like pain and anxiety.
Hemp is the non-psychoactive strain of the cannabis plant. Many Vermont farmers are introducing hemp to their fields this year as CBD gains popularity on its own and as an additive to food, beverages and other products. Cultivation of the plant was legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill.
According to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, there are more than 570 registered hemp growers in the state who are expected to cultivate 3,200 acres of hemp in Vermont this year.
The Center for Rural Studies said it polled Vermonters from around the state early this year and found that 75% of them support the expanding hemp industry. The poll found that 78.5% were aware of the connection to CBD, 70% were aware that hemp is used for clothing, and 58% were aware the plant is used for animal bedding, rope and garden fabric. Just 16% were aware that hemp can be used to make hemp concrete or plastic.
More than one third of the respondents said they had used hemp-based products such as CBD, and 19% said they had used hemp-based clothing, the center said.
Vermont officials this year established proposed rules for growing hemp in the state, and the state Agency of Agriculture is holding hearings on them at the end of June.
The state agency, which regulates the hemp industry, worked with Vermont growers and processors to come up with the rules, which lay out a preliminary framework that covers the hemp cycle from grower to processor and set out what permits are required. The fees would be tiered based on the amount of acreage.
Hemp growers, dryers and processors must register with the state agency each year.
