Grow Hemp in Indiana
1) What are the Hemp regulations in Indiana?
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp and provided a federal framework for industrial hemp production. Under this framework, states desiring to regulate industrial hemp must have a state hemp plan approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The USDA has approved the Indiana State Hemp Plan for commercial growing and processing. In Indiana, hemp production and processing are regulated through the Office of the Indiana State Chemist (OISC). Read the full press release here.
2) How can I register to be a hemp grower in Indiana?
Register to grow hemp here. Current registrants can log into the portal here.
We also recommend reviewing Ten Questions to Ask Before Growing Hemp and the Indiana Hemp FAQ.
Explore the interactive map of hemp grown in Indiana here.
3) What does the term Certified Hemp Seed mean?
Certified Seed is produced from a crop inspected for trueness to variety (TTV), allowable weed limits, setback distances from other hemp fields where pollen could travel, and other stringent requirements (e.g., three-mile setback for seed production fields).
Indiana Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) oversees the certified seed program; AOSCA has created hemp certification standards, which ICIA has reviewed. Indiana is expected to participate in certified hemp seed production. (Genetics at CBD Seed Labs are 100% USDA approved.)
4) Where can I buy hemp seed?
Several hemp seed suppliers operate in states such as CA, CO, OR, ND, and KY. Indiana companies may move into certified hemp seed production and sales in coming years.
The OISC will list potential seed suppliers on its hemp website per SB 516. Always ask for seed lab reports and Certificates of Analysis to confirm compliance.
5) What soil types does hemp grow in best?
Anecdotally, hemp grows best in silt loam or sandy loam soils. Heavy clay may be suboptimal, and hemp generally dislikes wet soils.
6) Will there be a maximum number of Indiana hemp licenses?
Yes. Due to timing in prior program years, licenses were limited (e.g., 300 active licenses during a research year). Applicants typically needed a production contract, a letter of intent to buy, or to be a processor to apply.