The hemp industry in the United States has been a metaphorical roller coaster ride since 2018, when federal lawmakers approved the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp production and related products nationwide.
Since that time, hemp production has increased across the country. According to an April 2025 report from the United States Department of Agriculture, 45,294 acres of industrial hemp were planted ‘in the open’ in 2024:
The amount of industrial hemp ‘grown in the open’ is in addition to hemp that is cultivated ‘under protection.’ Hemp that is cultivated ‘under protection’ is grown in greenhouses or ‘hoop houses’ versus hemp that is cultivated in fields without the use of structures.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s report, the total area of licensed hemp cultivated ‘under protection’ in the United States in 2024 amounted to 3,520,323 square feet. Much of that floral hemp was either sold as raw flower, or made into hemp-derived products for state-level markets.
As seen in the image above, the State of Texas planted more hemp ‘grown in the open’ than any other state in 2024, having planted 4,900 acres. The next closest state was South Dakota, which planted 3,900 acres. However, it is worth noting that South Dakota harvested considerably more of its planted hemp (3,700 acres) compared to Texas (1,500 acres).
Nonetheless, sales of hemp-derived products in Texas have increased significantly in recent years. Unfortunately, Texas’ emerging hemp-product industry has come under fire this year, with state lawmakers seeking to ban hemp products containing THC. While the ban has yet to be achieved, the push for a ban continues. A recent poll demonstrates how unpopular a ban would be among Texas voters.
“A new poll shows that nearly 80% of Texas voters support keeping hemp-derived consumable products legal in the state, showing a stark divide between public opinion and efforts by some lawmakers to ban them.” reported KVUE in its local reporting.
“The poll was conducted between July 24-27 by McLaughlin & Associates, a Republican polling firm that has worked for President Donald Trump.” the outlet also reported. “In a survey of 600 likely Texas voters, the poll found an overwhelming 79% support the continued sale and possession of hemp-based products with additional regulations. Only 13% said they opposed legal sales, a 66-point difference.”
“In 2024, the value of hemp production in the open and under protection for the United States totaled $445 million, up 40 percent from 2023.” states the United States Department of Agriculture. “The value of hemp production in the open for the United States totaled $417 million, up 46 percent from last year.”
“The 2024 value of hemp production under protection in the United States totaled $28.7 million, down 13 percent from last year.” the Department also stated.