By Scout Nelson
Minnesota has officially opened its application portal for those interested in growing or processing hemp in 2025. Managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), obtaining a license is mandatory for both individuals and businesses aiming to enter this sector.
Applicants have until April 30, 2025, to submit their applications, which are valid only for the calendar year. For newcomers and designated representatives, the application process includes submitting fingerprints and undergoing a criminal background check, emphasizing the state's commitment to regulated and safe agricultural practices.
It’s important to note that these licenses are specifically for those looking to grow and process industrial hemp, not for adult-use or medical cannabis, nor for the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Those interested in adult-use cannabis should refer to the Office of Cannabis Management.
The licensing requirements for 2025 include passing a criminal history background check for all designated representatives and a mandatory THC regulatory test for every hemp lot before harvest, costing $100 per sample. The MDA will continue its practice of conducting random inspections at processor locations to ensure compliance.
The fee structure remains unchanged from previous years. The minimum fee for a grower's license is $400, while processors will need to pay at least $500. Additionally, there is a 5% license surcharge to aid the MDA's technology upgrades, enhancing online services and application processing efficiency.
Applicants growing hemp indoors past December 31, 2024, must renew their licenses before they expire at the end of the year to continue their operations without interruption.
For further details or queries about the MDA’s Industrial Hemp Program, individuals can contact the department via email or phone.
This initiative follows Minnesota's transition from a hemp pilot program, which ran from 2016 to 2020, to a fully-fledged, federally approved state plan that started in 2021.
This plan governs the production and regulation of hemp, maintaining strict controls on THC levels to distinguish legal hemp from marijuana. This regulatory approach ensures that all practices within the state's hemp industry meet national standards for safety and quality.
Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Education