By the numbers: Hemp gets its dueBy the numbers: Hemp gets its due

Hemp just might be having its day. It has become a top functional ingredient, and packaged products are selling like, well, weeds. Even the U.S. government has taken notice and loosened hemp-growing policies for the crop that’s become known as an environmentally friendly, sustainable and nutritious superseed. As retailers and industry supporters prepare for the fifth annual Hemp History Week June 2-8, know the numbers below.
 

$184 million

Sales of hemp food and body care products in 2013
 

22.4%

Rate of natural-channel sales growth last year
 

8

Position hemp held in the top 10 functional ingredients by sales volume in the 52 weeks ending Feb. 23; coconut oil ranked 10th   
 

1957

Last year hemp was legally harvested in the United States
 

1998

Year the U.S. began importing food-grade hemp seed and oil
 

2014

Year the Farm Bill allowed industrial hemp growth for research
 

10

Number of states that have defined industrial hemp as distinct from marijuana