NORTH CAROLINA -- The hemp crop is making a comeback in North Carolina, after decades of restrictions. Its popularity is growing in both the fields, and in retail stores across the state.

• The federal farm bill of 2018 lifted all restrictions on the sale, transport, and possession of hemp products across the United States
• At this point, North Carolina has more than 500 growers. They're expected to plant more than 6,000 acres of hemp this year.
• Different parts of the hemp plant can be used for different products, like oils, seeds, skincare products, as well as clothing

The federal farm bill of 2018 lifted all restrictions on the sale, transport, and possession of hemp products across the United States.

Farmers across North Carolina began the permit process after that breakthrough.

At this point, North Carolina has more than 500 growers. They're expected to plant more than 6,000 acres of hemp this year.

Jamie Crumley, the president of Founder's Hemp, said, "I think the hemp industry coming to North Carolina is going to change the landscape for not only our farmers, but the entire agricultural section of our state."

Founders Hemp opened several "Everything Hemp" stores last year, and they expect to expand.

Different parts of the hemp plant can be used for different products, like oils, seeds, skincare products, as well as clothing.

Curmley said, "I think that there has been an overwhelming interest in hemp based on the history we've experienced in the state."

If you’d like to start growing hemp, you can apply for a permit with the North Carolina Hemp Commission.