Hemp is a versatile crop that has been used for centuries for a variety of purposes. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a source of CBD and other cannabinoids. But in order to get the best results from hemp production, it is important to understand which states are the best for growing hemp. North Carolina, Colorado, Oregon, New York, Mississippi, Kentucky, Montana, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin are all considered to be among the top hemp producing states in the US.
Colorado has maintained its leadership as the largest hemp producing state with 40,391 acres planted. The advantages of the state go beyond simple rules. Among other things, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), which directs the industrial hemp program, is very supportive of the industry and works closely with hemp producers to get them started. Hemp clearly thrives as a result of Colorado's landscape, soil, elevation, and climate.
Growers describe Delta County in western Colorado as one of the best, if not the best, areas for growing hemp in the world. Oregon is one of the few states that allow the sale of all hemp products. Some states, such as neighboring California, do not allow the manufacture of hemp-related products that people ingest, such as supplements, tinctures and candies, which may harm farmers who grow hemp for cannabinoids, such as CBD. The Oregon Department of Agriculture is widely praised for its regulatory and agricultural knowledge, and works to ensure that hemp producers understand the rules and best practices for growing and harvesting hemp. New York hemp producers also have certain advantages. While hemp producers can sell their products anywhere, manufacturers of cannabinoid products derived from hemp tinctures, topicals, pills, beverages, and the like are prohibited from using hemp that is not grown in New York.
With a statewide population of nearly 20 million people, nearly tied with Florida as the third most populous state, it's a huge and captive market for New York hemp producers. Kentucky is by far the country's leader in hemp cultivation, legislation and research. Colorado and Montana have also made great efforts in planting and growing hemp. Colorado is one of those states that has extremely liberal laws when it comes to hemp as it is one of the few states that legalize recreational hemp. Northern Plains states such as Montana, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin also offer fairly good conditions for hemp. Hemp requires good soil moisture for seeds to germinate effectively and for plants to grow strong enough to produce.
Farmers as well as citizens of the state are doing everything they can to recover the former status of hemp. The agency is currently working on guidelines and regulations for growing hemp in this state in accordance with state and federal law. State residents can apply for a license after an appropriate background check indicating the region in which they want to grow hemp. In Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb just signed a bill on May 2 that legalizes the cultivation of industrial hemp in the state. The Department of Agriculture has a limit to the area cultivated on hemp plantations but anyone who meets the background check requirements can easily obtain a license to produce hemp. In Minnesota Hemp producers are required to follow a pilot program until the USDA approves the state plan.
Understanding legal advantages and difficulties is vital for everyone who grows or plans to grow hemp.
