University of Virginia researching hemp, medical marijuana

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — The University of Virginia is researching hemp and medical marijuana in collaboration with a plant biotechnology company.

Virginia biology professor Michael Timko says the research looks to renew the state as a leading producer of hemp and restore land depleted by tobacco and mining.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported Sunday that the first successful harvest of hemp plants was completed.

The harvest is one of several private-public partnerships conducting the research across the state. It comes after the first year of a three-year, $1.1 million sponsored research agreement between the university and 22nd Century Group Inc.

Read More at Richmond.com