A Quick Guide to Minnesota’s Hemp Pilot Program & Growing CBD Seeds

Minnesota is one of the top agricultural states in the U.S. and has a climate that’s well suited for hemp cultivation. While winters bring freezing temperatures and snow, summer is quite pleasant and is warm and mildly humid. Since hemp is a summer crop, this makes conditions in Minnesota nearly perfect for farmers.

Growing CBD seeds and clones in Minnesota is a relatively simple and straightforward process. However, it does require some knowledge of state laws. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most important aspects of the Minnesota Hemp Pilot Program.

When Was the Minnesota Hemp Pilot Program Established?

After the 2014 Farm Bill was passed, Minnesota went to work right away to begin establishing their state program for hemp production. The Minnesota Industrial Hemp Development Act (IHDA) was passed in 2015, which gave the Department of Agriculture the ability to begin executing a pilot program. Since then, farmers have been able to legally cultivate industrial hemp within state borders for research purposes.

Then, in 2018, the Agricultural Improvement Act was passed, allowing farmers to grow hemp for commercial purposes under a state program. Today, Minnesota’s hemp industry continues to flourish as demand increases for CBD products, hemp fiber, and cannabis products.

Important Facts about the Minnesota Hemp Pilot Program

If you are considering buying CBD seed to grow on your Minnesota farm, you must first become familiar with the legislation expressed in the Minnesota Hemp Pilot Program. Here are some important facts that every Minnesota hemp farmer should know:

• Minnesota is in the midst of negotiations with the USDA over its state plan
• You must apply for a license to grow CBD seeds, clones, and hemp plants in Minnesota
• The application period for the current program begins in September for the upcoming growing season
• All hemp farmers in Minnesota are required to obtain a criminal background check
• You cannot have received a felony related to a controlled substance in the last 10 years
• You must notify the Department when your plants are ready for harvest so that they can be tested
• Each grower and processor must pay a license fee. Growers also have to pay a fee for each growing location
• All farmers are required to take measures to maintain secure premises
• Licenses for hemp farming in Minnesota are valid for one year only
• The Minnesota Department of Agriculture inspects every growing field. If your crops test above THC limits, you can choose to either destroy them or request a re-test. There are fees associated with retesting.

Get Started with Growing Hemp in Minnesota

Start your journey off on the right foot. Call CBD Seed Co. today to buy high quality CBD seeds for your Minnesota farm.