As with locally produced beef or any other product, the other reality is that consumers have to be willing to pay a premium price to support the alternatives, at least until a broader market is established. Part of the problem is the lack of a domestic source of hemp fiber. It we could get hemp products cheaper, I would think it would be an incredible alternative to cotton. Likewise, Hot Rags in the Glenwood Springs Mall used to carry a large line of hemp products but has had to scale back due to lack of consumer demand, said store manager Amy Anderson. However, the five stores Hot Rags has in Illinois do a pretty good business with hemp products, she said.
Education is a big part of it.
A domestic supply would bring the cost down, which would help. John Stroud is a staff writer for the Valley Journal in Carbondale. Lynn Burton, managing editor of the Valley Journal, also contributed to this report.