Agrozen Life Sciences, an Indiana-based hemp research and development company, Tuesday announced plans to open a new facility in Lebanon. Agrozen focuses on researching optimal strains for the cultivation, formulation, and extraction of cannabidiol (CBD) oil. The new location allows the company to combine its office space, labs, and research and development arms into one space.
“Agrozen’s mission is to research, develop, and distribute high-quality products and services that serve the natural plant-based industry,” said Brian Schroeder, Co-Founder of Agrozen Life Sciences. “With close proximity to Indianapolis and Purdue University, Lebanon is a great fit as we expand our research and development operations to better serve our customers and deliver our mission.”
Cannabidiol oil, more commonly known as CBD oil, is extracted from the hemp plant. Companies use CBD oil in tinctures, edibles, beauty care supplies.
“The City of Lebanon is excited to see Agrozen Life Sciences relocate to our area,” said Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry. “We look forward to welcoming more research and agribusiness companies to our growing community.”
Agrozen recently expanded its business operations when it launched Agrozen Labs and received certifications from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to become an approved analytical hemp testing laboratory. As one of Agrozen’s business units, the hemp cooperative testing laboratory works alongside the Seed Section of the Office of the Indiana State Chemist (OISC) where farmers can have their hemp crops tested to ensure it does not exceed the legal limit. This testing saves farmers money so they do not need to destroy an entire crop due to tetrahydrocannibaninol (THC) levels that are too high for commercially grown hemp crops.
Interest in the potential for the hemp market expanded when the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into federal law, removing hemp plants with a .3 percent or lower level of THC (the psychoactive component of the hemp plant) from the Controlled Substances Act.
“Agrozen is a welcomed addition to our agriculture and hemp industry in Indiana,” said Bruce Kettler, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “This accredited laboratory is a close and reliable source for our farmers and hemp processors to utilize for their hemp production and testing needs. I look forward to watching our hemp industry grow with the help of Agrozen.”
With a keen sense for agribusiness, Boone County is currently home to several large agribusiness companies.
“The Boone EDC targets agricultural, and research and development companies for Boone County and Agrozen Life Sciences checks both of those boxes,” said Molly Whitehead, Boone EDC Executive Director. “With our rich agricultural heritage and proximity to major markets, we believe Boone County and Lebanon are well situated for this type of growth.”
Agrozen’s family of brands is positioned to be at the forefront of the plant-based industry with a commitment to education, transparency, and outstanding customer service.