College considers future career opportunities in Hemp

Imperial Valley College and Primordia agree that Hemp is misunderstood, but agree it can be very profitable for the valley – enough to consider a partnership. On Friday, they held a public forum to explore that option.

IVC President Dr. Martha Garcia said, “Eventually it would lead to high skilled employment specifically if Hemp is utilized for pharmaceutical purposes. The college is here to help prepare community members for emerging industries.”

Bill Gay, IVC Public Information, said it could lead to high paying job positions.

“Our job is to train students for careers and this is an emerging career and it’s one that provides a lot of opportunity,” Gay said.

Jerry Hart, IVC Board of Trustees President, said the industry is new, giving IVC students a head start.

“When something is new and fresh and you have an opportunity to get in on the ground floor it makes it easier for students to take advantage and possibly become involved at the ground level and become part of the industry itself,” Hart said.

Sutton Morgan, Co-founder of Primordia, said Hemp has industrial and medical applications. It is not marijuana.

“Hemp is defined as a cannabis plant having less than .03% THC. It means it doesn’t have the psychoactive component that marijuana does. Really have the ability to bring in revenues in production,” Morgan explained.

Morgan said the Hemp industry could generate millions locally. He said the industry is projected to be a $22 billion business nationwide in only a few years.

“Extending out to the other applications, the more industrial applications you really have the ability to bring in revenues in production,” Morgan said.

The partnership is still in the exploratory phase. If everything is approved by the college board and community, then activities could start as soon as a couple of months.

“Activities would be farming to start, crop production, understanding the agronomic implications,” Morgan said.