Canadian hemp growing like a weed, experts ponder how to help industry blossom

John Cotter, 
Canadian Hemp Trading Alliance says Saskatchewan is by far the leading province in hemp production.

Canadian Hemp Trading Alliance says Saskatchewan is by far the leading province in hemp production.
Photo Credit: Anndrea Hermann , Supplied
EDMONTON – Canada’s small hemp industry is growing like a weed, but still faces some hurdles because of its illegal and potent cousin, marijuana.
This week, farmers, scientists, health food experts, retailers and fashion designers are meeting in Edmonton to celebrate hemp and discuss how to help products derived from the plant to blossom on world markets.
Kim Shukla, executive director of the Canadian Hemp Trading Alliance, says production in this country is forecast to almost double by 2015.
“That will translate to about $100 million to the Canadian economy,” she said from her farm near Steinbach, Man. “Saskatchewan is by far the leading province, followed by Manitoba and Alberta.”
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