Paul McCartney reveals he grows hemp on his organic farm

The Beatles musician has revealed that he grows hemp at his farm, but keeps it hidden so that the crops aren’t stolen.

Paul McCartney, 79, switched to organic farming over 20 years ago where he grows hemp among peas, spelt wheat and rye.

He appeared on the most recent episode of the River Cafe Table 4 podcast hosted by British chef, Ruthie Rogers. The podcast, named after the restaurant, River Cafe, owned by Rogers, invites a different guest each episode to talk about their love of food, cooking and memories. Previous guests have included Victoria Beckham and Jake Gyllenhaal.

McCartney said: “We grow crops, I like doing things like spelt wheat, rye, we grow peas. We’re actually just getting into growing hemp, the funny thing with government regulations is you’ve got to keep it where people can’t see it because you get all the kids coming in and robbing it.”

“It’s organic. I went organic over 20 years ago. When I first bought the farm there were some fields where my farm guys would say, ‘There are no worms in these fields. There’s no life.

“That’s because basically all you did was put on pesticides and then put fertiliser in. I thought, ‘OK, that’s a challenge, we’re going to go organic’.”

Paul McCartney also produces a beer made from the hops that grow on his family farm, in Peasmarsh near Rye, which he distributes to friends.

Hemp is legal to grow in the UK if a licence is obtained from the Home Office. Unlike cannabis, hemp contains very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and can be used to make a number of items such as plastic, rope or concrete.

Paul McCartney and Beyonce

Paul McCartney is not the only celebrity who has turned to hemp farming, earlier this year, Beyonce Knowles revealed she has also started a hemp farm. She also turned to CBD to help with aches and pains as a result of her gruelling tour schedules.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar she said:

“I discovered CBD on my last tour, and I’ve experienced its benefits for soreness and inflammation. It helped with my restless nights and the agitation that comes from not being able to fall asleep. I found healing properties in honey that benefit me and my children.

“And now I’m building hemp and a honey farm. I’ve even got hives on my roof.”

Image credit: Paul McCartney, Instagram