Colville Tribe will test hemp production on its reservation

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is testing the potential for industrial hemp production on its lands.

The tribe planted a 60-acre plot of hemp in July and will study the viability of raising hemp for seeds and fiber. The Colvilles are the first Washington tribe to be issued a permit by the state Department of Agriculture to research hemp production under federal guidelines.

The Colvilles are working with Doug Fine, author of “Hemp Bound,” which touts hemp’s potential as a source of energy and nutritious oil as well as fiber.

Hemp was a $600 million industry in North America last year, according to the Hemp Industries Association.

“We’ve seen successful hemp production in Canada and in states like Colorado and Vermont, so we’re pleased to begin this process,” said Michael Marchand, the tribe’s chairman.

The Colville reservation was documented as being suited for hemp production in the early 1900s. Hemp production for industrial purposes was unrestricted in the U.S. until the late 1930s.