What States Allow Hemp Growing and What Are the Benefits?

There are 11 states in the U. S. that legally allow hemp growing: Alaska, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, Vermont, Washington and Oregon. Each of these states offers unique advantages to hemp growers.

For example, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is incredibly supportive of the industry and works closely with hemp growers to get them started. Colorado's landscape, soil, elevation and climate make it an ideal place for hemp production. In Oregon, all hemp products can be sold. In New York, hemp growers have an advantage because manufacturers of cannabinoid products derived from hemp tinctures, topical products, pills, beverages and the like are prohibited from using hemp that is not grown in New York.

This gives New York hemp growers access to a huge and captive market of nearly 20 million people. Sensible and fair regulatory frameworks also help foster, strengthen and grow the hemp business. The Farm Bill guarantees that any cannabinoid derived from hemp will be legal only if that hemp is produced in a manner consistent with the Farm Bill, associated federal regulations, state association regulations and by a producer authorized. At least 47 states have enacted laws to establish hemp production programs or allow research on hemp cultivation.

Now, growers can grow hemp if they meet those requirements or if they do so in accordance with an approved state or tribal hemp production plan. However, farmers who engage in hemp at an early age must carefully evaluate the legal implications of growing, selling, and even transporting hemp in other states. In states that choose not to design a regulatory program on hemp, the USDA will build a regulatory program under which hemp growers in those states must apply for licenses and comply with a federally administered program. State legislatures have taken steps to establish state-licensed hemp programs and promote hemp as an agricultural product in recent years. Each state or tribal plan provides details on the practices and procedures that allow hemp producers to grow hemp in their jurisdiction and in accordance with federal laws.

Lloyd Pintello
Lloyd Pintello

Incurable pizza nerd. Coffee lover. Wannabe web enthusiast. General music lover. Infuriatingly humble sushi evangelist.