Center for Agricultural Hemp

First in Kentucky. First in the nation.

In 2014, the Hutson School of Agriculture planted the first legal agricultural hemp research plot in the state of Kentucky. The university was cited by Congressman James Comer as the first university in the nation to participate in the hemp pilot program. Since, then our interest and research into hemp has only grown.

Serving Students

Murray State University and the Hutson School of Agriculture engage our students with opportunities on the forefront of agricultural production and technology.

A new partnership

In 2019, Murray State University announced the establishment of a new Center for Agricultural hemp, which is held in partnership with several Foundational and Sponsoring Partners. The center will be administered through the Hutson School of Agriculture and will allow the university to provide opportunities for research, education, policy, and innovation within the hemp industry to our students and agribusinesses. This center would not be possible without the help of several great sponsors!

What is hemp?

Hemp, like marijuana, is a plant derived from the genus Cannabis. However, hemp must contain less than 0.3 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis plants that contain more than 0.3 percent of THC are classified as marijuana.

Hemp uses

Hemp can be used for a variety of products including:

animal feed
textiles
oil products
paper products
wood
insulation and more.

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a molecule found in the byproduct of hemp. CBD is non-psychoactive which means you cannot experience a "high." CBD oil has become a popular option for pain management.

2018 Farm Bill

In the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp was removed from the list of controlled substances and states were allowed to regulate the production of hemp. Kentucky has provided a plan to the USDA to ensure certain regulations and procedures are in place in the state regarding hemp production including information on where hemp is being produced in the state, ensuring that hemp produced in the state doesn’t exceed 0.3% THC, providing a plan of removal of hemp with higher than 0.3% THC, and putting procedures in place for those who violate the 2018 Farm Bill and state plan.

Mission Statement

The Murray State Center for Agricultural Hemp is a national leader in agricultural hemp development cementing its position in the forefront as a leader in research, education, policy and innovation within the hemp industry.