GLOBAL HEMP INNOVATION CENTER
Harnessing the Future of Hemp
OSU’s Global Hemp Innovation Center (GHIC) is home to world-leading experts in hemp research, extension, and education and is the most comprehensive of its kind in the nation. GHIC is advancing hemp and its market potential fostering innovation across all segments of the hemp supply chain, leveraging the expertise of faculty from diverse disciplines who partner with federal and state agencies and industry sectors to help solve challenges in meeting the growing demand for food, fiber, chemicals, and other products made from hemp.
Prime Location
Oregon’s location on the 45th parallel is optimal for hemp growth. In fact, a unique hemp germplasm – the material used for breeding – was developed in the state over the past several decades. Oregon authorized hemp cultivation in 2009, but the Oregon Department of Agriculture didn’t license its first hemp grower until 2015. Just three years later, Oregon ranked 3rd in the United States in licensed hemp acres planted behind Montana and Colorado.
As the home to more than 220 agricultural commodities, Oregon farmers and producers have the diversity of innovation expertise to successfully navigate the future development of hemp. In fact, The state legislature sponsored a bill (HB 2740) that formed a commission similar to the existing 23 commodity commissions in the state, to direct funding for hemp research.
Leading Expertise
With the launch of the Global Hemp Innovation Center, OSU restores its original position as the nation’s premier hemp research institution. OSU was the site of the country's only hemp research center from the 1880s to the 1930s. We are the most comprehensive hemp research center in the nation with 65 faculty across 19 disciplines conducting research in 10 locations across the state and four locations around the world in Asia and Europe. As the only hemp seed certifier in the state, and one of only four in the country, OSU is able to provide growers access to a source of certified seed for planting in the state.
Global Reach
OSU’s Hemp research spans the globe with partners in Europe and Asia. We’ve strategically cultivated these partnerships over the past several years in areas that are at the same latitude as Oregon with similar growing conditions and complementary research areas. Our leadership in hemp was recognized by the National Academies of Sciences which tapped OSU to host the first international hemp symposium as part of the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources's 75th Anniversary celebration.
Comprehensive Research
OSU’s hemp research includes the most diverse and comprehensive team of collaborative leaders in critical disciplines that touch hemp, with more than 65 faculty representing more than 19 disciplinary areas across the entire university invested in understanding hemp. Serving as a hub, the Global Hemp Innovation Center at OSU connects plant research, food innovation, pharmacy, public health, public policy, business, and engineering.
National Hemp Symposium | National Academies of Sciences
February 9-10, 2021
On behalf of the National Academies of Sciences Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources (BANR), Oregon State University’s Global Hemp Innovation Center (GHIC) hosted our inaugural National Hemp Symposium. Follow the link below to see up-to-date information about future symposia.
OSU Hemp Field Day - Klamath Basin
October 1, 2021
Klamath Basin Research & Extension Center
6941 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OROregon Hemp Virtual Field Day
September 23, 2020
The Global Hemp Innovation Center at Oregon State University hosted the first annual Oregon Hemp Virtual Field Day. Students, Extension and researchers from across Oregon presented highlights of their work thus far in the 2020 season. We provided a view of hemp being grown in the principal regions south to north, west to east.
Virtual Cannabis Research Conference
August 8-10, 2022
The 6th annual 2022 Cannabis Research Conference (CRC) was held as an interactive, virtual experience. This multi-disciplinary, three-day virtual conference attracted attendees both nationally and internationally. The Cannabis Research Conference comprehensively explored the latest in cannabis science and innovation for applications in medicines, foods, materials, and textiles that can improve people’s lives and better society.
In The News
Since its inception in 2019, Oregon State University’s Global Hemp Innovation Center has prioritized building strong relationships with rural businesses including Native American tribal partners throughout the region.