Maui’s First State-Licensed Industrial Hemp Farm Blessed on Earth Day
By Wendy Osher
In celebration of Earth Day, Pacific Biodiesel conducted a blessing today at the site of Maui’s first state-licensed industrial hemp farm.
Company founders say it took three years to obtain permits, and that there are still many restrictions in place on the crop.
“We are so honored to have been granted the first industrial hemp commercial farming license on Maui,” said Bob King. “The cultivation of industrial hemp offers a wealth of opportunity for our island, from health and wellness and culinary usage to textile and biofuel production. With this expanded farming operation, we are inspired to continue uncovering new ways to further our commitment to agricultural diversity and renewable energy in Hawaiʻi.”
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture granted the license to Imua Energy, LLC for the purposes of research on the growth, cultivation and marketing of industrial hemp. The sustainable farming operation is free of pesticides, herbicides, and GMO crops.
This Maui-grown hemp extract will contain the full spectrum of industrial hemp-derived cannabinoids, including CBD. IE has purchased a supercritical CO2 extractor to allow for production of pure, clean, quality extract with no further heating or distillation required. Premium hemp extract will be blended (per FDA requirements not to exceed 0.3% THC) with Pacific Biodiesel’s locally grown Hawaiian Macadamia and Maui Sunflower oils and will be incorporated this fall into the Kuleana Beauty products.