Growing CBD Seed in South Carolina: Hemp Farming State Plan Highlights

In April of 2020, the USDA officially approved the South Carolina Hemp Farming State Plan. While it was already legal under state law for farmers to cultivate hemp, the USDA sign-off provides farmers with added reassurance and security. But there are certain guidelines that must be met. The new State Plan is much stricter than the previous pilot program, but it’s worth the price to be USDA sanctioned. Here are some important highlights from the new program.

Growing Hemp Seed in South Carolina: State Legislation

The South Carolina Hemp Farming State Plan outlines the rules and restrictions that farmers and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture must adhere to in order to cultivate hemp legally. This includes the processes for obtaining a license, permit requirements for farmers, processors, and handlers, sampling and testing protocol, plant disposal, record-keeping, and growing requirements.

Key Changes

The new hemp plan is similar to the state’s previously enacted pilot program. But there are some major changes. In general, it can be described as being much more detail-oriented and strict. Here are some of the key changes that farmers will need to look out for if they wish to grow CBD hemp seed in South Carolina:

• The new regulations call for stronger adherence to federal requirements for THC content. Plants that exceed this content may be destroyed.
• Farmers will be required to keep thorough regards regarding matters related to the production, sale, transportation, and distribution to hemp plants and seed. Details about reporting requirements can be found in the state’s official hemp plan document.
• The South Carolina Department of Agriculture will be required to test all hemp fields in the state prior to harvest. 2020 will reveal how difficult this task truly is.
• Testing must be conducted by DEA registered labs. If any sample is found to exceed THC levels, then it is assumed that the whole lot of plants does not meet requirements and must be destroyed. Farmers are responsible for paying all testing fees.

Of course, these are just some of the many changes that will be brought about by the new hemp program. We recommend reading the legislation if you have not already before planting seeds.

Stay Up to Date

Stay informed about important laws pertaining to growing CBD hemp seed in South Carolina. Call CBD Seed Co. today to learn more about our services or speak to an account manager.