Grow Hemp in Massachusetts
1) Does Massachusetts have a USDA-approved hemp state plan?
Yes. The Massachusetts Hemp Program is currently operating under a State Plan approved by USDA under the Interim Federal Rule on May 7, 2020. We are actively working to update our State Plan to incorporate the key provisions the Final Rule. However, until our revised state plan is approved, we will continue operating under the current state plan.
The Final Rule and accompanying guidance materials are available here at the USDA website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp
2) How do I obtain a license to grow or process hemp in Massachusetts?
Any individual or business that wants to grow or process hemp for commercial purposes in the Commonwealth can apply for a license through MDAR. For more information about applying for a hemp license, please visit the MA Industrial Hemp Program Licensing page.
3) How much does a license to grow or process industrial hemp cost in Massachusetts?
License Type: Grower / Processor / Dual Grower/Processor
Application Fee: $100 non-refundable / $100 non-refundable / $100 non-refundable
License Fee: $300 / $300 / $500
4) Where can I get Department-approved hemp seed?
The Department does not provide a list of approved hemp seed vendors. To qualify as an approved seed distributor, seeds must be accompanied by documentation demonstrating that that they will produce hemp with a THC level of no more than 0.3 percent. (Seeds at CBD Seed Labs are 100% USDA compliant)
5) Is it legal to manufacture delta-8 THC from hemp?
Because delta-8 THC is not naturally occurring in hemp (except for possible trace amounts), to produce delta-8 THC in commercial quantities it must be derived from hemp synthetically. While the Farm Bill did remove hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, it did not impact the control status of synthetically derived cannabinoids, thus delta-8 THC remains a controlled substance, regardless of the source. As a result, we do not allow hemp-derived delta-8 THC products to be processed or sold in Massachusetts.