Is Hemp is a Threat to the Tobacco Industry?
For decades, the tobacco industry has been a worldwide behemoth, racking up billions of dollars in revenue and boasting marketing with a far-reaching impact on global culture and society. However, there is a new rookie in the economic market: hemp. This newcomer rapidly has gained popularity since it was federally legalized in the United States, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. Now, hemp is poised to challenge the tobacco industry’s long-standing dominance. Hemp and tobacco are both plant commodities, but they have drastically different reputations. While tobacco has been a well-established commercial crop for centuries, hemp is a rising star that has gained momentum in recent years due to the versatility of the entire plant and its potential benefits not only for the environment but also for human health. The COVID-19 pandemic added to hemp’s popularity and shifted societal focus toward wellness , further boosting the plant’s influence. As attitudes toward sustainability and health-co...