By Scout Nelson
Those who plan to grow or process industrial hemp in Minnesota for the 2025 season must submit a license application to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) by April 30. Each license remains valid through December 31 of the issuance year, and applicants must renew annually to stay active in the program.
So far, about 50 people have applied for the 2025 licenses, while there were 183 applicants in 2024.
These licenses apply strictly to industrial hemp, separate from adult-use or medical cannabis rules. Those aiming to produce or market hemp-derived cannabinoid products should note that the hemp grower or processor application does not cover these areas.
For more details on medical or adult-use cannabis, consult the Office of Cannabis Management website.
To obtain a license, interested individuals or businesses must complete the industrial hemp application available on the MDA website. First-time applicants and authorized representatives must also undergo a criminal background check and submit fingerprints. Once approved, license holders need to be mindful of several requirements throughout the 2025 growing season.
All authorized representatives designated by the license holder must successfully pass a criminal history background check before receiving a license. Additionally, each lot of hemp grown requires a pre-harvest THC regulatory test, with each MDA-collected sample costing one hundred dollars.
The MDA also issues licenses for processors who handle raw hemp and process it by extraction, decortication, devitalization, crushing, or packaging. Random inspections of processor locations will continue to ensure compliance with regulations.
Fees for new and returning applicants remain unchanged, apart from a five-percent surcharge that supports the modernization of the MDA’s technology systems. The minimum fee for a grower license is four hundred dollars, and a processing license starts at five hundred dollars. Any applicant must factor these costs into their budget for the season.
By adhering to these guidelines and deadlines, growers and processors can participate in Minnesota’s evolving hemp industry. Early application and careful planning help streamline the process and ensure compliance with testing, licensing, and inspection requirements.
This thorough approach ensures every participant stays compliant, preserving the strong reputation of Minnesota’s hemp sector.
Photo Credits:gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: Minnesota, General