Legality of Growing CBD Seed in Maryland & the State’s Industrial Hemp Program

Hemp plants grow well in most climates and therefore can be grown just about anywhere in the United States. This includes the state of Maryland. In Maryland, you can legally plant hemp seed on your farm for research purposes, but there are some rules that you have to follow. These are outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill, the 2018 Farm Bill, the USDA Interim Rule, and Maryland’s Hemp Pilot Program.

All four pieces of legislation are important for prospective hemp farmers to read before sewing CBD seed in the ground. But for the sake of brevity, we will only discuss the state’s pilot program in this article. Here’s what farmers should know about the Maryland Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program.

Who Can Grow Hemp Seed in Maryland?

At the time being, hemp cultivation in Maryland is restricted to research activities. Only institutions of higher education, individuals partnering with said institutions, or those registered with the Maryland Department of Agriculture can legally grow hemp within state borders. However, Maryland plans to expand its hemp program in 2021. Then, the state will most likely have a plan in place for commercial hemp cultivation, as required by the USDA Interim Final Rule.

Brief Summary of the Maryland Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program

If you are serious about growing CBD seed in Maryland, then you should read every word of the Maryland Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program carefully. Relying on this article alone is not sufficient to prepare you for the legal course which you must take in order to lawfully assume hemp cultivation. However, if you’re looking for some basic information, then the following summary may help provide some of the guidance you’re looking for:

• You must register with the Maryland Department of Agriculture in order to legally engage in hemp cultivation in the state.
• The Maryland Department of Agriculture does not assist farmers with the processing of sourcing hemp seed.
• There is currently no limit to the number of growers or acreage that can be involved in hemp cultivation in Maryland.
• You must develop a plan for your research project, no matter if you’re growing hemp for fiber, grain, CBD, or some other purpose.
• Farmers have to obtain an FBI background check in order for their application to be approved.
• Growers must adhere to the stipulations and requirements outlined in the Maryland Nutrient Management and Pesticide Regulations.
• In Maryland, hemp plants cannot contain more than 0.3% THC. If plants exceed these limits, they are no longer considered “hemp” and must be destroyed.

Buy CBD Seeds for your Maryland Hemp Farm

CBD Seed Co. is here to help you get the hemp seed you need to stay compliant and successful in your journey. Call today to place an order for CBD seed to be shipped to your farm in Maryland.