During the 1800's up until the early 1900's and during World War II, Kentucky led the nation in industrial hemp production.  Since then, industrial hemp has been classified as a class one narcotic like its twin, marijuana.  During those production periods, hemp was a viable and commercially produced crop that created economic opportunities for farmers as well as other local community businesses and leaders.  Since the end of World War II however, production had ceased on all Kentucky farms.

In 2013,  the Kentucky state legislature enacted laws allowing for the resumption of Hemp Production when and if the federal government allowed it as well.  In early 2014, the federal government did allow for the inclusion of an "Industrial Hemp Pilot Project Program" in the Farm Bill.  This program was to be administered by individual state department's of agriculture or higher institutions of learning such as universities or colleges.

In 2014, the University of Kentucky 's College of Agriculture Food and Environment began its own research program into the production of industrial hemp.  Several departments within the College began a wide array of research into the field production, breeding, marketing, etc. of industrial hemp.  Much of that work continues in 2018.  Many collaborative efforts with other universities have also taken place.  Such institutions would include but are not limited to: Western Kentucky University, Murray State University, Kentucky State University, etc.. Results from this research are continually brought to the Kentucky farmer with many and various Extension functions such as Field Days, Farm Visits, Sponsoring State and National Meetings, Web Presence, etc..

The program has seen a dramatic increase in the numbers of acres plated around the state from roughly 33 acres in 2014 to over 14,000 acres approved in 2018  with over 200 growers participating in the program.  Commodities derived from the hemp plant can be grain, fiber, or floral material, all of which can be utilized to produce thousands of other products for the American consumer.

Numbers vary as to the economic impact hemp has had on the overall agricultural economy but it is in the millions of dollars.  This program will continue to grow and expand as research and field production give new and exciting answers to the age old question that our forefathers had... How do we grow hemp better????