Photos of the Day: First legal U.S. hemp harvest in more than fifty years

Earlier this month, Melanie Asmar reported about the first legal U.S. hemp harvest in more than fifty years getting underway in southeastern Colorado -- one that wrapped up a week or so later. Photographer Ben Droz was on hand to capture the scene, and he's kindly allowing us to share...

By Michael Roberts

October 18, 2013

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Earlier this month, Melanie Asmar reported about the first legal U.S. hemp harvest in more than fifty years getting underway in southeastern Colorado -- one that wrapped up a week or so later. Photographer Ben Droz was on hand to capture the scene, and he's kindly allowing us to share images of this historic occasion, which supporters hope will mark the birth of a new and vibrant industry based on what Asmar describes as "marijuana's sober sister." Continue for more photos by Ben Droz of the first legal U.S. hemp harvest in more than fifty years. Continue for more photos by Ben Droz of the first legal U.S. hemp harvest in more than fifty years. Continue for more photos by Ben Droz of the first legal U.S. hemp harvest in more than fifty years. Continue for more photos by Ben Droz of the first legal U.S. hemp harvest in more than fifty years.

More from our Follow That Story archive circa October 1: "Hemp: First harvest in more than fifty years begins in southeastern Colorado."

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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