Can hemp be cultivated in Florida? Not without legal and environmental risks, UF study finds

The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has concluded a two-year pilot study to measure hemp cultivation possibilities in Florida. 

The project aimed to assess hemp suitability, develop management strategies and evaluate the invasion risk in Florida. The university monitored 50 different hemp varieties in outdoor and greenhouse growing environments.

Zachary Brym, an agronomy assistant professor at UF and hemp pilot project lead scientist, said that for now, the researchers were not able to identify one variety that would successfully flourish in Florida's climate. 

Hot and humid conditions, rain amounts during the summer, and the length of days all can hinder hemp cultivation in Florida.