Hemp Cultivation Opportunities and Perspectives in Lithuania

Hemp is one of the oldest cultivated crops. Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is environmentally friendly and helpful; it is especially suitable for use in crop rotation, not exhausting the soil, reducing its pollution by weeds. Their production meets the environmental principles. Not only the growth, but also the products from hemp are important for protection of the environment. Lithuania legalized hemp cultivation in 2014. The demand for hemp and their products is still developing in Lithuania. Hemp cultivation and processing is profitable, but all received potential income must be expanded into stalk processing to fibers; the processing and production to finished products would create higher added value. The plant for stalk processing into fiber and the possibilities of hemp final products use in production will create additional jobs in the country. The aim of this research is to analyse the possibilities and perspectives of hemp cultivation in Lithuania.