The purpose of Maryland’s Hemp Program is to register industrial hemp growing sites and facilitate the research of industrial hemp in any aspect of growing, cultivating, harvesting, processing, manufacturing, transporting, marketing, or selling industrial hemp for agricultural, industrial, or commercial purposes.
As of November 1, 2020, the Maryland Department of Agriculture adopted new regulations that expand the state’s industrial hemp program. The regulations bring the state’s program into compliance with provisions of the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill and establish industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity.
Maryland growers interested in growing hemp have the opportunity to participate in two programs, the Maryland Hemp Farming Program or the Maryland Hemp Research Pilot Program.
- Maryland Hemp Farming Program-This new program, beginning in 2021, is for those interested in growing hemp for commercial purposes. Apply now online!
- Maryland Hemp Research Pilot Program-Growers interested in partnering with an institute of higher education or the Maryland Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp under a research program, must fill out a PDF application and mail the completed application and supporting documents to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401).
Important Notes:The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s role with industrial hemp is
limited to the registration of sites where industrial hemp is to be grown.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture
does not have jurisdiction over the processing, sale, or distribution of industrial hemp. The department
does not have referrals or market information at this time.
