Growing hemp is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, with 11 states now legally allowing it. These states are Alaska, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, Vermont, Washington and Oregon. Each state has its own advantages and regulations for hemp production. Colorado is a particularly attractive option for hemp growers due to its landscape, soil, elevation and climate.
Delta County in western Colorado is said to be one of the best places in the world to grow hemp. Oregon is also a great choice as it allows the sale of all hemp products. However, some states such as California do not allow the manufacture of hemp-related products that people ingest, such as supplements and tinctures. The Oregon Department of Agriculture is praised for its regulatory and agricultural knowledge and works to ensure that hemp growers understand the rules and best practices for growing and harvesting hemp.
New York also has certain advantages for hemp growers. While they are allowed to sell their products anywhere, manufacturers of cannabinoid products derived from hemp are prohibited from using hemp that is not grown in New York. This gives New York hemp growers an enormous advantage over farmers in other states. Having a fair and sound regulatory framework is essential for fostering, strengthening and growing the hemp business.
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) provides information on how to obtain a license to produce hemp. The number of acres a permitted hemp farmer can farm is not limited by state law but any area on which a farmer intends to plant must be registered with the SCDA before planting or cultivating. The Farm Bill ensures that any cannabinoid derived from hemp is legal as long as it is produced in accordance with federal laws and associated state regulations by an authorized producer. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has released information to help industrial hemp producers identify pesticide products that can be used on hemp crops grown in Virginia. Farmers who engage in hemp must carefully evaluate the legal implications of growing, selling, and even transporting hemp in other states.
