In order to legally grow CBD seed in Washington state, you must obtain a license. Unlike other crops, there are many restrictions surrounding the cultivation of industrial hemp. In an effort to oversee and regulate the industry, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) requires all hemp farmers to register with the department and obtain a license. Fortunately, this is a fairly simple and straightforward process. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps for getting started.
The U.S. hemp industry is projected to reach $26.6 billion by 2026. That means that now is a fantastic time to start growing hemp seed in Washington state. Here are the steps you must complete in order to obtain a license:
1. Complete an application and submit it in person or by mail to the Hemp Program. You will be asked to provide your personal information, business information, and information about your production site.
2. Pay the annual licensing fee of $1200.
3. Complete a criminal background check. In Washington, in order to be eligible for a hemp farming license, you must not have any been charged with any felonies in the last 10 years.
4. Submit a crop acreage report to the Farm Service Agency.
5. Wait for your application to be approved.
The WSDA also encourages farmers to provide information about their hemp seeds, including where they were sourced. You can provide this information on your initial application or when you submit a formal request for sampling prior to harvest. In Washington, you are not required to grow certified seed, and can buy seed from both domestic and international suppliers.
CBD Seed Co. is proud to be the nation’s most trusted supplier of high quality CBD hemp seed and clones. For more information on growing CBD seed in Washington, please contact our office.