Grow Hemp in Maryland

To register industrial hemp growing sites and facilitate research into growing, cultivating, harvesting, processing, manufacturing, transporting, marketing, and selling industrial hemp for agricultural, industrial, or commercial purposes.

As of Nov. 1, 2020, MDA adopted regulations aligning with the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, establishing industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity.

Apply with the Maryland Department of Agriculture to register your grow site. For the Hemp Research Pilot Program, submit the PDF application and supporting documents by mail. For the Maryland Hemp Farming Program, complete the online application.

Yes. $550 per site for the Maryland Hemp Farming Program and $250 per site for the Maryland Hemp Research Pilot Program.

There is currently no limit to the number of growers or acres that may participate.

MDA does not source, order, ship, or approve seed procurement. Seed sourced from another state is the sole responsibility of the purchaser, who bears all legal liability for procurement and shipment. (Find the seeds you need to succeed here at CBD Seed Labs.)

Research indicates strong soil fertility with adequate nitrogen, proper planting depth, and pre-plant weed control are key. Evaluate harvest options carefully—many combines aren’t designed for hemp’s strong fiber and stalks.