Grow Hemp in Michigan
1) Did the hemp grower application fee increase in Michigan? Why?
Yes. The new $1,250 fee for growers is prescribed in Public Act 220, the Industrial Hemp Growers Act, passed in 2020, as amended. This replaces the 2019 and 2020 pilot program under which growers were operating with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development under research and development purposes per Act 547 of 2014, the Michigan Industrial Hemp Research and Development Act, as amended. The increase occurred once Michigan began operating under the United States Department of Agriculture-approved state hemp plan on December 1, 2020. USDA requires the state program be self-supporting meaning no federal and state tax dollars do not support programmatic operations. MDARD encourages growers to ensure their business model covers licensing, sampling, and testing requirements. More information can be found at Michigan.gov/IndustrialHemp.
2) Is there a provision to grant exceptions to the grower registration fee based on number of plants grown or acreage?
No. The fee is a flat fee set in Act 220 of 2020, the Industrial Hemp Growers Act, as amended.
3) Does Michigan have testing requirements for CBD?
No. At this time, the only testing requirement prescribed by Michigan's industrial hemp law is testing of THC concentration. Specifically, all hemp grown must be sampled and analyzed before it is harvested to ensure it complies with the acceptable THC limits.
MDARD also has the authority to sample finished hemp products such as CBD, however; this would also occur only to ensure compliant THC concentrations.
4) I want to send hemp samples to a private lab to monitor my crop for THC and CBD concentration. Does Michigan require labs to be licensed for this purpose?
There is no license required for a lab facility to perform THC or CBD testing on industrial hemp for the purposes of monitoring concentration. However, be advised that based on the USDA's Final Rule published on January 15, 2021, and PA 220 of 2020, as amended, effective December 31, 2022, all labs performing THC testing on industrial hemp will have to be DEA-registered.
5) How can I apply for hemp licenses in Michigan ?
Hemp Forms
Hemp Grower Registration Application
Hemp Processor-Handler Application
Request for Industrial Hemp Preharvest or Remediation Sampling Form
Notice of Hemp Grower's Intent to Dispose Form / Michigan Cannabis Lot Disposal Options