Maine farm using hemp to help clean up ‘forever chemicals’

WABI-TV5 • March 17, 2025

One family-run farm in Downeast Maine is helping not only their local community but tackling an environmental issue. Ben Edwards is the owner of Schoppee Farm in Machias. The 1,500-acre farm has been in his family for eight generations. Edwards, who has a background in biochemistry and medicine, reopened its doors six years ago. What once was a dairy farm is now being used to grow organic hemp. “Hemp is cannabis with less than 0.03% THC. So, any amount of our product is not going to hurt anyone,” Edwards explained. “Worst thing that is going to happen is you get a good night’s sleep.” In addition to growing hemp outdoors and selling natural products, Edwards is also researching how the plant can be used to clean up PFAS.