The hemp fiber segment will take years to develop the necessary infrastructure, logistics, and markets.  Thinking in 5- or 10-year increments is realistic, assuming the industry continues at the current pace developing products, processing, and manufacturing capacity.  This also assumes no progressive federal policy to help incubate the segment or strengthen hemp prices. States may also have a hand in helping to stimulate market growth, but timing is tough for state budgets.  Nonetheless, states like North Carolina have a significant pot of funds obtained from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with tobacco companies. These funds are administered through groups such as the

The Golden Leaf Foundation’s impacts…