Certified seeds and CBD help U.S. hemp industry take root

By Omar Sacirbey

America’s fledgling hemp industry recently got its latest boost when the Colorado Department of Agriculture created six varieties of certified domestic hemp seeds that U.S. farmers can buy to start their own crops.

Hemp cultivation also is benefiting from rising demand for CBD products and new applications for hemp.

The plant is used for medicines as well as products ranging from clothing to building materials.

Colorado’s seed program, unveiled last month, comes as hemp cultivation has been hindered by a dearth of seeds and…