Grow Hemp in West Virginia
1) What conditions are ideal for hemp production?
Hemp is best adapted to well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Hemp does not grow well on wet soils or those with a heavy clay content. Hemp is sensitive to soil crusting and soil compaction, which can occur on heavy clay soils. Ideally, hemp should be planted in May to early June in most areas of West Virginia.
2) How can I apply to be hemp grower in West Virginia?
Updates upcoming for 2022 later this summer.
2021 Hemp Cultivation & Processing Application
This application is outdated and for reference only. New version will be available later this summer. Submitting this application will not count as your 2022 application.
Industrial Hemp Application Process
Industrial Hemp Licensees
3) How do I register to Manufacture hemp in West Virginia?
Manufacturers of hemp products and extracts.
Manufacturer Registration of Hemp Products Form
The manufacturer of all hemp products, including hemp fiber products, available for distribution in West Virginia shall register annually with the Department. This includes products manufactured in West Virginia, another state, or another country.
Annual registration fee of $200 per product. The annual fee for hemp product registrations shall be capped at $1,000 per manufacturer for products that are manufactured and sold in West Virginia.
Hemp fiber products, such as rope, fiber, hempcrete, paper, and other industrial uses, are exempt from the $200.00 annual fee and certificate of analysis but are subject to all other registration requirements. Hemp products that are not consumed, inhaled, ingested, absorbed, come in contact with the skin, or otherwise have an effect on the health of humans or animals are exempt from the $200.00 annual fee and certificate of analysis but are subject to all other registration requirements.
4) What are the requirements if I want to sell or distribute hemp?
Distributor or seller of hemp products or extracts.
Seller / Distributor Registration Form
All retail facilities (including on-line retailers) are required to register with the Department to sell hemp products or extracts in West Virginia. A registration fee of $100.00 shall be paid to the Department with the submission for application to sell and distribute hemp products in West Virginia. Retail establishments that sell only products that they manufacture themselves are exempt from the requirement to pay the fee to distribute, but are not exempt from the requirement to register annually.
5) What are the prospects of hemp in West Virginia?
155 acres of hemp were grown in West Virginia last year! And expanding rapidly!
A potential 2.1 Billion dollar industry!