By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has officially opened online applications for individuals and businesses interested in growing or processing hemp in 2024. A license issued by the MDA is mandatory for these activities. Applicants have until April 30, 2024, to submit their applications, with the license valid for the entire calendar year.
Prospective growers and processors can find the application on the MDA website. First-time applicants and authorized representatives are required to undergo a criminal background check, which includes fingerprint submission.
It's important to note that these licenses are exclusively for growing and processing industrial hemp, not for adult-use or medical cannabis, nor for the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products.
The MDA's licensing requirements include several key points for 2024. Every authorized representative of the applicant must clear a criminal history background check before a license is issued. Each hemp lot must undergo pre-harvest THC regulatory testing, incurring a cost of $100 per official regulatory sample collected by the MDA.
The department also oversees processors handling raw hemp for initial processing, including extraction and packaging, and conducts random inspections. The license fees remain unchanged for the year, with a minimum cost of $400 for a grower license and $500 for a processing license.
Growers with indoor hemp plants continuing past December 31, 2023, must renew their license before the year-end.
For any inquiries regarding the Industrial Hemp Program, contact the MDA at hemp.mda@state.mn.us or call 651-201-6600.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Minnesota, Business, Crops