GITNUXREPORT 2025

Hemp Industry Statistics

Hemp industry rapidly expanding; global market to reach $13.8 billion by 2028.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The number of licensed hemp farmers in the U.S. rose from about 16,000 in 2019 to over 70,000 in 2022

Statistic 2

Hemp cultivation area in the U.S. increased by nearly 27% in 2022, reaching approximately 130,000 acres

Statistic 3

The average THC content in legally cultivated hemp in the U.S. is less than 0.3%

Statistic 4

China is the leading producer of hemp fibers globally, with over 70% of the world's hemp fiber production

Statistic 5

The average yield of hemp for CBD extraction can be around 10-12% CBD by weight

Statistic 6

In 2022, the United States issued over 90,000 hemp cultivation licenses, a significant increase from previous years

Statistic 7

The European Union accounted for over 50% of the global hemp cultivation area in 2021, mainly for fiber and seed production

Statistic 8

The top states in the U.S. producing hemp in 2023 included Colorado, Illinois, and Kentucky, with each state cultivating over 15,000 acres

Statistic 9

Hemp cultivation for CBD can produce yields of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 pounds per acre, depending on farming practices

Statistic 10

The number of hemp farms in Europe increased by 20% in 2022, with France and the Netherlands being leading producers

Statistic 11

Hemp bio-composites are used in automotive manufacturing, reducing vehicle weight by up to 20%

Statistic 12

The total number of hemp-related patents filed worldwide exceeded 500 by the end of 2022

Statistic 13

Hempcrete, a sustainable building material made from hemp, is gaining popularity with an annual growth rate of 9.2% globally

Statistic 14

Hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) has demonstrated antioxidant and neuroprotective properties in numerous scientific studies

Statistic 15

Hemp biomass can generate up to 15,000 kWh of electricity per acre annually through biomass conversion

Statistic 16

The global hemp market was valued at approximately $4.6 billion in 2020

Statistic 17

The U.S. hemp industry generated over $824 million in retail sales in 2020

Statistic 18

Hemp fiber is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 19

The demand for CBD derived from hemp is projected to reach $23.7 billion globally by 2024

Statistic 20

The U.S. hemp industry employed over 40,000 people in 2021

Statistic 21

Canada’s hemp market was valued at approximately $120 million in 2020

Statistic 22

Hemp-derived CBD products make up about 60% of the total CBD market share in the U.S. as of 2023

Statistic 23

The global hemp seed market size was valued at $1.39 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 24

Hemp-based bioplastics are projected to grow at a CAGR of 20% over the next five years

Statistic 25

The U.S. imports over 80% of hemp biomass used domestically, mostly from countries like Canada and China

Statistic 26

The global market for hemp-based textiles is projected to reach $750 million by 2025

Statistic 27

The global demand for hemp-derived biofuels is projected to increase by 14% annually through 2030

Statistic 28

The global hemp protein market is expected to reach $2.45 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.4%

Statistic 29

The U.S. hemp market for pet products is estimated to reach $250 million by 2026, with a CAGR of 9.5%

Statistic 30

The global market for hemp-derived dietary supplements is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% through 2028

Statistic 31

The U.S. retail sales of hemp-based beverages increased by 15% in 2022, totaling approximately $150 million

Statistic 32

The global hemp market is projected to reach $13.8 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 16.4%

Statistic 33

The average price of hemp seeds in North America was approximately $4.50 per pound in 2023

Statistic 34

The U.S. hemp industry contributed approximately 455,000 metric tons to the global supply chain in 2022

Statistic 35

The number of hemp start-ups in North America increased by 35% from 2019 to 2022, indicating rapid industry growth

Statistic 36

The total manufacturing output of hemp-derived CBD products in the U.S. was valued at over $4 billion in 2022

Statistic 37

Hemp cultivation worldwide is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% from 2023 to 2030, driven by increasing demand for sustainable materials

Statistic 38

The retail market for hemp-based topicals and skincare products in the U.S. was estimated at $300 million in 2022, expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2027

Statistic 39

The global hemp oil market is projected to reach $865 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 8.5%

Statistic 40

Hemp seeds contain about 25-30% protein, making them a significant plant-based protein source

Statistic 41

The global demand for hemp-based cosmetics is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% through 2027

Statistic 42

The average retail price of hemp flower in the U.S. is around $200 per ounce as of 2023

Statistic 43

In Europe, the demand for organic hemp products increased by 12% in 2022

Statistic 44

The fastest-growing segment within the hemp industry is CBD products, with an annual growth rate of over 20% in recent years

Statistic 45

Hemp oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it a popular dietary supplement

Statistic 46

The number of hemp-based personal care products on the market increased by 45% from 2020 to 2023

Statistic 47

Hemp-derived THC-free CBD products account for around 40% of the U.S. CBD market share in 2023

Statistic 48

The popularity of hemp in sustainable fashion is rising, with over 25% of eco-conscious brands integrating hemp textiles into their collections as of 2023

Statistic 49

Industrial hemp crops can sequester approximately 1.63 tons of CO2 per hectare annually

Statistic 50

Hemp has a water footprint of approximately 300 liters per kilogram of fiber produced, which is lower than many other natural fibers like cotton

Statistic 51

The use of hemp paper can reduce deforestation by up to 70% compared to traditional wood pulp paper

Statistic 52

Hemp packaging materials are increasingly adopted in the FMCG sector, with an estimated CAGR of 9% from 2022 to 2027

Statistic 53

Hemp-based construction materials can reduce building energy consumption by up to 30%

Statistic 54

Hemp-based bioplastics can decompose within 90 to 180 days under industrial composting conditions

Statistic 55

The use of hemp in paper manufacturing can lower deforestation rates in the forestry sector by up to 70%

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Key Highlights

The global hemp market was valued at approximately $4.6 billion in 2020
The U.S. hemp industry generated over $824 million in retail sales in 2020
The number of licensed hemp farmers in the U.S. rose from about 16,000 in 2019 to over 70,000 in 2022
Hemp cultivation area in the U.S. increased by nearly 27% in 2022, reaching approximately 130,000 acres
Hemp fiber is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2021 to 2028
The demand for CBD derived from hemp is projected to reach $23.7 billion globally by 2024
The U.S. hemp industry employed over 40,000 people in 2021
Hemp seeds contain about 25-30% protein, making them a significant plant-based protein source
The average THC content in legally cultivated hemp in the U.S. is less than 0.3%
Canada’s hemp market was valued at approximately $120 million in 2020
China is the leading producer of hemp fibers globally, with over 70% of the world's hemp fiber production
Hemp bio-composites are used in automotive manufacturing, reducing vehicle weight by up to 20%
The global demand for hemp-based cosmetics is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% through 2027

With the global hemp market projected to reach $13.8 billion by 2028 and witnessing explosive growth across sectors from CBD to sustainable textiles, the hemp industry is rapidly transforming into a powerhouse of innovation and sustainability.

Agricultural Practices and Cultivation Data

The number of licensed hemp farmers in the U.S. rose from about 16,000 in 2019 to over 70,000 in 2022
Hemp cultivation area in the U.S. increased by nearly 27% in 2022, reaching approximately 130,000 acres
The average THC content in legally cultivated hemp in the U.S. is less than 0.3%
China is the leading producer of hemp fibers globally, with over 70% of the world's hemp fiber production
The average yield of hemp for CBD extraction can be around 10-12% CBD by weight
In 2022, the United States issued over 90,000 hemp cultivation licenses, a significant increase from previous years
The European Union accounted for over 50% of the global hemp cultivation area in 2021, mainly for fiber and seed production
The top states in the U.S. producing hemp in 2023 included Colorado, Illinois, and Kentucky, with each state cultivating over 15,000 acres
Hemp cultivation for CBD can produce yields of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 pounds per acre, depending on farming practices
The number of hemp farms in Europe increased by 20% in 2022, with France and the Netherlands being leading producers

Agricultural Practices and Cultivation Data Interpretation

As hemp cultivation blossomed from 16,000 to over 70,000 U.S. farms amid a global fiber war led by China and Europe, the booming industry seems to be balancing on a low-THC tightrope while stretching across new fields in states like Colorado, Illinois, and Kentucky — proving that this once niche crop is now truly planting roots nationwide, even as it quietly establishes itself as a CBD cash crop with respectable yields and an ever-expanding license landscape.

Applications and Product Innovation

Hemp bio-composites are used in automotive manufacturing, reducing vehicle weight by up to 20%
The total number of hemp-related patents filed worldwide exceeded 500 by the end of 2022
Hempcrete, a sustainable building material made from hemp, is gaining popularity with an annual growth rate of 9.2% globally
Hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) has demonstrated antioxidant and neuroprotective properties in numerous scientific studies
Hemp biomass can generate up to 15,000 kWh of electricity per acre annually through biomass conversion

Applications and Product Innovation Interpretation

As the hemp industry rapidly expands—from cutting vehicle weight and pioneering patents to building greener homes, unlocking neuroprotective compounds, and powering sustainable energy—it's clear that this versatile crop is cultivating a revolutionary wave across technology, medicine, and ecology.

Market Size and Economic Impact

The global hemp market was valued at approximately $4.6 billion in 2020
The U.S. hemp industry generated over $824 million in retail sales in 2020
Hemp fiber is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2021 to 2028
The demand for CBD derived from hemp is projected to reach $23.7 billion globally by 2024
The U.S. hemp industry employed over 40,000 people in 2021
Canada’s hemp market was valued at approximately $120 million in 2020
Hemp-derived CBD products make up about 60% of the total CBD market share in the U.S. as of 2023
The global hemp seed market size was valued at $1.39 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2021 to 2028
Hemp-based bioplastics are projected to grow at a CAGR of 20% over the next five years
The U.S. imports over 80% of hemp biomass used domestically, mostly from countries like Canada and China
The global market for hemp-based textiles is projected to reach $750 million by 2025
The global demand for hemp-derived biofuels is projected to increase by 14% annually through 2030
The global hemp protein market is expected to reach $2.45 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.4%
The U.S. hemp market for pet products is estimated to reach $250 million by 2026, with a CAGR of 9.5%
The global market for hemp-derived dietary supplements is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% through 2028
The U.S. retail sales of hemp-based beverages increased by 15% in 2022, totaling approximately $150 million
The global hemp market is projected to reach $13.8 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 16.4%
The average price of hemp seeds in North America was approximately $4.50 per pound in 2023
The U.S. hemp industry contributed approximately 455,000 metric tons to the global supply chain in 2022
The number of hemp start-ups in North America increased by 35% from 2019 to 2022, indicating rapid industry growth
The total manufacturing output of hemp-derived CBD products in the U.S. was valued at over $4 billion in 2022
Hemp cultivation worldwide is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% from 2023 to 2030, driven by increasing demand for sustainable materials
The retail market for hemp-based topicals and skincare products in the U.S. was estimated at $300 million in 2022, expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2027
The global hemp oil market is projected to reach $865 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 8.5%

Market Size and Economic Impact Interpretation

Given the rapid ascent of the hemp industry, with a projected global market nearing $14 billion by 2028 and a CAGR of 16.4%, it's clear that hemp isn't just a botanical trend—it's a sustainable economic powerhouse that’s weaving itself into the fabric of global markets amidst a growing embrace of natural solutions and innovative applications.

Product Markets and Consumer Demand

Hemp seeds contain about 25-30% protein, making them a significant plant-based protein source
The global demand for hemp-based cosmetics is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% through 2027
The average retail price of hemp flower in the U.S. is around $200 per ounce as of 2023
In Europe, the demand for organic hemp products increased by 12% in 2022
The fastest-growing segment within the hemp industry is CBD products, with an annual growth rate of over 20% in recent years
Hemp oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it a popular dietary supplement
The number of hemp-based personal care products on the market increased by 45% from 2020 to 2023
Hemp-derived THC-free CBD products account for around 40% of the U.S. CBD market share in 2023
The popularity of hemp in sustainable fashion is rising, with over 25% of eco-conscious brands integrating hemp textiles into their collections as of 2023

Product Markets and Consumer Demand Interpretation

As hemp's multifaceted appeal—from a protein-packed seed to a booming CBD market and eco-friendly fashion staple—continues to grow at impressive rates, it's clear that this ancient plant is firmly planting its roots at the intersection of wellness, sustainability, and innovation.

Sustainability and Environmental Benefits

Industrial hemp crops can sequester approximately 1.63 tons of CO2 per hectare annually
Hemp has a water footprint of approximately 300 liters per kilogram of fiber produced, which is lower than many other natural fibers like cotton
The use of hemp paper can reduce deforestation by up to 70% compared to traditional wood pulp paper
Hemp packaging materials are increasingly adopted in the FMCG sector, with an estimated CAGR of 9% from 2022 to 2027
Hemp-based construction materials can reduce building energy consumption by up to 30%
Hemp-based bioplastics can decompose within 90 to 180 days under industrial composting conditions
The use of hemp in paper manufacturing can lower deforestation rates in the forestry sector by up to 70%

Sustainability and Environmental Benefits Interpretation

Harnessing hemp's remarkable environmental benefits—ranging from carbon sequestration and water efficiency to forest conservation and sustainable packaging—plants a fiberous future where eco-consciousness is truly woven into the fabric of industry.