Grow Hemp in North Carolina
1) How is industrial hemp cultivated?
Industrial hemp is generally grown for; seed, fiber, or floral materials. Each is produced is in a slightly different way. For seed production, plants would generally be seeded at a high plant population similar to a small grain crop. Reported seeding rates are 25 to 40 pounds of seed per acre planted with a grain drill. For fiber, high seeding rates are generally recommended. The reason for high seeding rates and plant population is to limit lateral branching and facilitate harvest. Production of floral materials varies widely from greenhouse production to wider row spacings, which would resemble tobacco or horticultural crop production. Floral buds are harvested, so production systems that promote lateral branching and more numerous flowers per plant would be desirable.
2) How can I participate in North Carolinas hemp program?
Growers in North Carolina who wish to cultivate industrial hemp shall apply for a license to the Industrial Hemp Commission, which must be approved by commission members. The Industrial Hemp Commission is responsible for developing rules and applications for participating in the program. An application to become a licenses grower.
3) Are there any restrictions on the number of hemp acres or greenhouse sq. ft. that I can have?
Assuming you have a license to cultivate industrial hemp you can have as much or as little acreage and greenhouse sq. ft. that you want. Keep in mind that the more acreage and greenhouse sq. ft. that you have the more it will cost to obtain and maintain your license.
4) How much does an industrial hemp license cost?
For most, a hemp license costs between $500 and $600 dollars but this will vary depending on how many acres and greenhouse sq. ft. you intend to be licensed for
5) What is a hemp processor?
A hemp processor can be any number of things including but not limited to: a facility performing extractions and generating crude or distillates from hemp biomass, drying/curing/trimming services, facilities that package or repackage hemp/hemp products, facilities that take crude oil or distillate and formulate products ready for retail, facilities that package or pre-roll smokable hemp products, etc.
6) How do I register as a hemp processor in North Carolina?
You can navigate to the Industrial Hemp Processor page to find the registration form. Fill out this form and submit it back to us according to the instructions at the top of the page.