Last Week’s Hemp Commentary 

Illicit MJ Grows in Oregon Believed to be Cartel Activity

Hemp production has become subterfuge for black market MJ growers in Southern Oregon.  There are roughly 6000 acres of hemp permitted there in 2021, the vast majority of which is cannabinoid hemp. Flower continues to be the strongest market for hemp producers, with craft extraction piggy-backing on this lucrative category.  

Even with market opportunity for hemp flower, many producers do not have access to this market, and do not have the sophisticated marketing and fulfillment operations that successful growers have. A minor portion of hemp growers have pivoted to illegal MJ production as a result of collapsing hemp prices and overall anemic cannabinoid markets, by our estimates a negligible group compared to the many MJ entreprenuers painting outside the line. Regulations in Oregon are ripe for exploitation.   

Speculat…