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.

Hemp farmers tailoring new genetics for different growing regions throughout US

Published June 21, 2019

The breeding of hemp varieties is ramping up among plant breeders and at hemp farms with established research-and-development departments.

Verdict still out on how limited CBD hemp genetics perform across US

Published June 20, 2019 | By Laura Drotleff

As the number of states approving hemp production increases, so does the demand for certified, feminized hempseed and clones for CBD production.

Established hemp farmers and breeders are working to develop new plant varieties that will work in the unique climates and microclimates throughout the different growing regions within the U.S.

Hemp genetics, inputs to become more accessible after Farm Bill implementation

Published June 19, 2019 | By Laura Drotleff

When the 2018 Farm Bill passed in December, it opened up myriad new opportunities for hemp professionals, including better access to genetics.

But supply bottlenecks at the state level are sticking many farmers with varieties that have been certified within their state.

Hemp farmers still looking for CBD inputs should source with caution, experts say

Published June 18, 2019 | By Laura Drotleff

Hemp farmers looking to capitalize on the lucrative demand for high-CBD hemp varieties may still be able to salvage their 2019 season even though the industry is seeing a shortage in feminized seeds and clones.

Hemp production experts suggest planting non-feminized seeds and culling male plants early, or planting larger-sized clones later in the season, if farmers can find any available.

Shortage of CBD seeds, clones will leave some farmers out of hemp game this year

Published June 17, 2019 | By Laura Drotleff

Hemp planting season is here, and record numbers of farmers are excited to get started with a promising new crop.

But as some states are pushing to wrap up legislation to pass hemp cultivation laws in time for farmers to participate in the 2019 season, a big question is resonating across the market: Are there enough feminized hempseeds and clones to go around?

Judge denies South Dakota tribe’s request to grow hemp this year

Published June 11, 2019

The American Indian tribe that’s suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over delayed hemp regulations will have to wait until the lawsuit is concluded or the agency approves its hemp production plan, a federal judge has ruled. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe requested a temporary restraining order against the USDA and a preliminary injunction […]

Grocery chain Kroger adds CBD topicals in stores across 17 states

Published June 10, 2019

The Kroger Co. is one of the latest retailers to introduce CBD in its stores. The Cincinnati-based grocery store chain said that, starting this week, it will begin carrying topical products containing cannabidiol in its stores in 17 states. The products Kroger will carry contain no THC, a spokeswoman for the retailer told The Detroit […]

Minnesota hemp farmer suing state for revoking his license

Published June 7, 2019

Just as the hemp farming season gets underway, a Minnesota hemp farmer is claiming in a federal lawsuit that the state violated his constitutional rights by revoking his growing license and ordering him to destroy his crop. Luis Hummel, who runs 5th Sun Gardens in Lanesboro, Minnesota, filed suit after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture […]

Canadian cannabis giants stepping up investments in US hemp, CBD market

Published June 7, 2019

Two Canadian cannabis companies said this week that their strategy for expansion into the U.S. market includes – and will start with – hemp and CBD. Canopy Growth, a Smiths Falls, Ontario-based leader in the Canadian marijuana industry, said Tuesday it will open hemp processing facilities in seven U.S. states within the next year. Earlier […]

FDA hearing ‘little bit like a first date’: Q&A with ATACH co-founder Michael Bronstein

Published June 7, 2019 | By Laura Drotleff

As the hemp and CBD industry navigates the regulatory roller coaster resulting from the much-celebrated 2018 Farm Bill, the unknowns can cause anxiety for even the most confident of businesspeople. That’s why it’s invaluable to have guidance and perspective from those who know the legal landscape. Michael Bronstein, who co-founded the American Trade Association for […]

South Dakota tribe sues USDA over delayed hemp regulations

Published June 6, 2019

An American Indian tribe in South Dakota has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for failing to approve its plan for hemp regulation on tribal lands. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe claims that Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue violated the 2018 Farm Bill when he did not approve the tribe’s plan within […]

Global maker of natural sweeteners plans $60 million CBD investment

Published June 5, 2019

A Chinese sweetener company is moving into the hemp-derived CBD sector with plans to invest $60 million in a hemp processing facility in the Midwest. Layn Corp., based in the Guangxi province of China and best known for its stevia and monk fruit ingredients, plans to extract CBD from hemp, according to Food Navigator-USA. Layn […]