EMAIL: laurad@staging-hempindustrydaily.kinsta.cloud
PHONE: 720.213.5963

Laura Drotleff

Laura has specialized in agricultural journalism for the past 20 years. Most recently she served as the editor of a B2B publication and multimedia properties focused on productivity, efficiency and profitability in commercial greenhouse cultivation. She has reported on multiple aspects of specialty crops including floriculture, fruit, vegetables, citrus and cannabis. She also has served extensively on various horticulture industry association boards. Laura is a Michigan State University graduate and is based in Cleveland, Ohio.

Navajo Nation accuses 33 farmers of growing illegal hemp, marijuana

Published October 29, 2020

A tribal nation in New Mexico is suing 33 farmers for allegedly violating sovereign law by growing hemp and marijuana.

Exclusive: CBD demand could drive 2020 sales of $2 billion, with threefold growth projected by 2025

Published October 26, 2020 | By Laura Drotleff

Consumers are already going gangbusters for CBD in every formulation imaginable. But the current use rate for hemp-CBD products isn’t even close to what it could be when the industry sees federal regulation, which will open up mainstream manufacturing and retail markets even further.

Growing hemp without soil? These universities want to hear from you

Published October 15, 2020

Researchers from seven universities and federal laboratories want to hear from hemp and cannabis growers throughout North America to help identify production issues, and research and outreach needs associated with producing specialty crops in soilless substrates.

SBA calls on USDA to change 5 ‘small business stifling’ hemp production rules

Published October 14, 2020

The U.S. Small Business Administration is asking federal agriculture officials to listen to farmers on five crucial elements of the proposed interim final rule for hemp production.

Exclusive: Hemp-derived CBD market for pets worth $60 million in 2020, with threefold growth projected

Published October 12, 2020 | By Hemp Industry Daily staff

CBD has already changed the game for makers of dietary supplements and beauty products. Now hemp-derived CBD has the opportunity and momentum to do the same for the enormous pets market. Two-thirds of American households currently have pets, and according to data from market analytics giant Nielsen Global Connect, hemp-CBD consumers are 10% more likely […]

Last chance to submit public comment on USDA’s final hemp production rules

Published October 7, 2020

Hemp farmers have one more day to share criticism about the looming national rules for hemp production.

Hawaii farmers worry USDA’s federal hemp program will be cost-prohibitive, less protective

Published October 5, 2020

The state of Hawaii will end its industrial hemp pilot program at the end of October, and instead steer farmers toward applying for U.S. Department of Agriculture licenses.

Pharma company, supplement chain retailer weigh in on CBD during White House meetings

Published September 28, 2020

As the hemp industry awaits guidance from food and drug regulators on whether CBD will be permitted to be used as an ingredient in food and dietary supplements, the White House Office of Management and Budget continues to meet with companies and industry advocates to gain insight.

Oregon’s top 20 agricultural commodities list doesn’t include hemp – yet

Published September 25, 2020

Oregon agriculture officials recently released the state’s top 20 commodities list – but despite earlier assertions that hemp will become a top crop, it isn’t even on the list yet.

Exclusive: Tobacco consumers more likely to convert to smokable hemp in coming year

Published September 24, 2020 | By Laura Drotleff

Entrepreneurs in the smokable hemp sector have reason to hope that tobacco consumers may convert at least partially to hemp products within the next year. That’s because 29% of cigarette and cigar users have indicated they are willing to try these products, according to research by Nielsen Global Connect, which was highlighted in Hemp Industry […]

Consumer packaged goods giant Unilever inks distribution deal with Canadian CBD maker

Published September 22, 2020

Neptune Wellness is partnering with consumer packaged goods giant Unilever as an import and stocking distributor and logistics partner in the U.S. and Canada.

Hemp farmers eligible for new USDA coronavirus relief funds

Published September 21, 2020

Despite missing out on earlier funding, hemp farmers are included in a new $14 billion coronavirus relief effort that will provide additional direct assistance for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs, federal agriculture officials announced Friday.