Could Hemp Help Save The Bees?

Bees are a powerful force of nature who creates pure and delicious honey, but that’s not even the best thing they do. Bees are nature pollinators and the very key to providing the world with many crops, including hemp. If bees did not exist, our entire ecosystem would decline because bees are critical pollinators that pollinate 70 out of 100 crop species that feed 90% of the world. Bees are responsible for pollinating an impressive $30 billion a year in crops alone. (1)

According to the Bee Informed Partnership’s latest survey released in January 2019, U.S. Beekeepers lost nearly 40% of their honeybee colonies, the highest loss since they started surveying 13 years ago. Bee colonies have been declining for many reasons, but one of those is lack of pollen, and that’s where hemp comes in. (2)

Hemp Benefits For Animals

Hemp crops flower between July and September, when bees need their source of protein and fat the most and when other plants aren’t producing. While hemp doesn’t produce nectar to make honey, it could give bees the boost they need to raise their young and survive. In arid areas of Colorado, where groundbreaking bee studies are being done, hemp is providing life-saving nutrients for the bees. Dr. Whitney Crenshaw, an entomologist with Colorado State University says, “it’s just shocking how valuable hemp is as a pollen resource for all kinds of bees.” (3) Introducing more pollen-producing crops, like hemp, is critical to the survival of bees.

So, why hemp? Hemp flowers are prolific pollinators and there are many parts of the country that don’t have a large number of flowering plants to feed the bees. Hemp is also superior to genetically modified crops like canola flowers since they don’t produce the same volume. Hemp is self-compatible as well, meaning it can grow several years in a row in the same fields. The best
part, however, is the growth of the hemp market and the dollars associated with that. Hemp boasts a $100 more per-acre profit than canola, thus being profitable and sustainable with less water needed for production. (4)

The Farm Bill of 2018 legalized the regulated production of hemp in the U.S. and with an estimated worth of $35,000-$50,000 per acre, it’s a win-win for the farmer and the bees. With the U.S. hemp market growing so rapidly and expected to triple by 2022, there’s a good chance hemp could be the savior of the bees.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

*Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or prior to using any CBD products.