Hemp welcomed back into Minnesota crop mix on small scale

A once-banished crop could soon sprout legally again in select Minnesota farm fields.

Minnesota lawmakers have given a small nod to growth of hemp plants that lead to oils, lotions, seeds, rope fibers and other industrial uses. Even with this month's legislative approval, don't bet on a sudden hemp boom because federal restrictions on cultivation and sales are prompting a cautious approach from Minnesota regulators.

The state Department of Agriculture has signaled it won't rush to register growers beyond a pilot research project for now. Commercial production would depend on changes to federal policy.

Given the stage of Minnesota's limited growing season, authorized hemp planting probably won't commence until next year anyway.

At least 20 states have legalized industrial hemp production under prescribed limitations and commonly tied to research activities.