Is It Illegal to Grow Hemp? [Understanding the Legalities]

Hemp was one of the first crops cultivated by humankind. Archaeologists found evidence of hemp growing in modern-day China and Taiwan dating back 10,000 years! For the next 9,900 years or thereabouts, there were minimal issues associated with cultivating the crop.

However, in the 20th century, the American Government decided to ban hemp and marijuana cultivation. Both plants come from the same genus (Cannabis) and species. As a consequence, they are, taxonomically speaking, the same plant. However, hemp contains little of the THC cannabinoid that causes an intoxicating high. Its primary cannabinoid is CBD, which offers many potential benefits without intoxication.

Even so, the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 made hemp and cannabis illegal throughout the United States. Then, America used its international influence to ensure almost complete global prohibition. This was the state of play for another 80 years. Finally, there was a breakthrough in 2018. However, does this mean you can grow hemp at home in any American state? Read on to find out the answer.

We also outline the state of play regarding commercial hemp cultivation throughout the United States.

The Lead-Up to Legalization

Despite the ban, the U.S. grew the crop during World War II as part of its Hemp for Victory program. In 1957, farmers in Wisconsin planted the last commercial hemp fields of the 20^th century. The 1970 Controlled Substances Act classified hemp and marijuana as Schedule I drugs. This led to strict regulations on the cultivation of both crops and severe penalties for anyone caught growing it. The ban caused a shortage of hemp products, which led to the United States importing food-grade hemp seed and oil in 1998.

The 2004 Hemp Industries Association vs. DEA case led to a critical yet seldom mentioned development. The Ninth Circuit Court ruled in favor of the hemp industry. Its decision permanently protected the sales of hemp foods and body care products in the country.

In 2007, a pair of North Dakota farmers received hemp licenses, the first granted to anyone in half a century. The appetite for legal hemp grew. In 2014, President Obama signed a Farm Bill. It permitted research institutions to begin growing hemp in ‘pilot programs.’ However, it did not legalize commercial cultivation.

In 2015, the Industrial Hemp Farm Act was introduced in the House and Senate. It was the first of numerous attempts to legalize hemp fully. The following year, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded a Colorado farm an Organic certification for hemp. All roads were leading to legal hemp, and the big day finally arrived.

Did the Farm Bill of 2018 End Hemp Prohibition?

The answer is ‘yes’ in a federal sense. President Trump signed the Farm Bill (Agricultural Improvement of 2018) into law on December 20, 2018. It removed the hemp plant, along with its seeds and derivatives, from the Controlled Substances Act.

Although it allowed hemp growth throughout the United States, there was no obligation for every location to acquiesce. Each state has to submit its hemp program plan to the USDA for approval to implement the process. Once the USDA approves it, the state can proceed.

A couple of states continued to restrict hemp cultivation even after the Farm Bill became law. However, things have changed in recent times, as we’ll outline a little later on.

There are a few caveats mentioned in the Farm Bill. First of all, farmers must apply for an exclusive hemp growing license. Without it, they are breaking the law if they try to cultivate the crop. Also, all industrial hemp must contain a maximum of 0.3% THC. Unfortunately, hemp that exceeds this amount is destroyed.

This is devastating news whenever it happens. Apart from the cost of a license, hemp production is extremely labor-intensive. Newcomers to the industry must spend tens of thousands of dollars on new equipment and retrofits.

Growing the crop is potentially lucrative as at least 80% of hemp grown in America is for the CBD industry. Curiously, the Farm Bill of 2018 did not legalize CBD or any other cannabinoids. Nonetheless, it is sold in the vast majority of states. Now, let’s find out more about where industrial hemp is legal.

In What States Is It Legal to Grow Hemp?

By early 2020, industrial hemp farming was legal throughout the United States, except in Mississippi and Idaho. However, in June 2020, Mississippi lawmakers voted to legalize the crop in the state. This meant Idaho was the sole standout.

After a lengthy battle, proponents of hemp in Idaho finally achieved ‘victory’ in April 2021. Governor Brad Little signed H.B. 126 into law. This legislation legalizes the production, processing, research, and transportation of industrial hemp. As is the case in most states, Idaho farmers must follow the USDA’s final rule on hemp. The most important consideration is that the hemp can’t exceed a THC level of 0.3%.

Hemp cultivation is legal in all 50 states, with Idaho the last state to allow it.

Therefore, the answer to the question ‘can you grow hemp in the U.S.?’ is finally ‘yes.’ It is now legal to grow industrial hemp in all 50 states.

The Farm Bill relates specifically to commercial hemp growing. Therefore, it begs the question: Are you allowed to grow hemp at home?

Is It Legal to Grow Hemp for Personal Use?

Logically, the answer is ‘yes,’ right? After all, it is federally legal to grow hemp on huge farms as long as the crop contains less than 0.3% THC. Ever since December 2018, people around the U.S. have become excited at the prospect of growing hemp at home.

There were even ‘hemp meetings’ in different states. In these get-togethers, the hosts told attendees that they had the freedom to cultivate hemp outside in the same manner as they could grow tomatoes. This led to more than a few people pledging to spend thousands of dollars, creating a grow room indoors for hemp.

Not So Fast!

Unfortunately, the Farm Bill of 2018 did not address the issue of residential growth. The law was passed specifically to award the agriculture sector a new cash crop. The hope was that it would stimulate local economies and give struggling farmers a much-needed break.

As things stand, you are not permitted to grow hemp at home in states where cannabis cultivation is illegal. If you are caught cultivating hemp in these places, you are treated as if you have grown marijuana! Therefore, residents of states such as Georgia can’t grow hemp in their private residences.

If you live in a state such as Colorado or California, where it IS legal to grow cannabis, you are also allowed to grow hemp. However, it counts towards your overall cultivation limit. In Colorado, for example, you can cultivate a maximum of six cannabis plants. This means you can only grow six hemp plants at home and no marijuana. Alternatively, you can grow three hemp plants and three cannabis plants.

Wait, There’s More!

All of the above is only applicable for home growing. If you want to grow hemp outdoors, you need to apply for the commercial license issued by your state’s department of agriculture.

Even in states where cannabis cultivation is legal, the plants must remain out of public sight.

By the way, the approval process can take months. Apart from paying your fee, you also have to submit to a background check. There are also minimum requirements for square footage and acreage. You can’t grow ten hemp plants in a field and expect to get away with it! You even have to submit the GPS coordinates of your growing area to the federal government.

Is It Legal to Grow Industrial Hemp?

In a nutshell, it IS legal to cultivate industrial hemp in the United States. Every state has legalized the process as long as the crop contains a maximum of 0.3% THC by dry weight. However, you can ONLY cultivate hemp commercially once you receive the requisite permit from your state.

You can grow hemp at home but are bound by your state’s limits on cannabis plant cultivation. If it is illegal to grow marijuana in your state, it is illegal to grow hemp too! Also, you must keep your crop out of public view. You will face severe penalties for breaking your state’s laws.

How Can I Grow Hemp If I Don’t Have a Permit?

Without a permit for commercial hemp growing, your options are limited. However, residents of states such as Colorado, Oregon, California, and Washington are in luck.

These states produce lots of seeds or clones that enable you to grow CBD-rich marijuana plants. Recreational marijuana is also legal in all four states, so even if you can’t grow at home, finding high-CBD strains in a local dispensary is relatively easy. There are also many places selling industrial hemp plants, giving you a legal source of CBD.

Assuming that you are not a farmer, your best option is to grow genetically bred strains at home if it is legal to do so. For the record, high-CBD strains include:

• Charlotte’s Web
• Remedy
• Dancehall
• ACDC
• Sour Tsunami

Otherwise, you can buy CBD oil online. There are many sellers, and we cover some of the most reputable brands in our review section.

There is a lot of confusion and misinformation over whether or not you can purchase CBD oil in all 50 states. Technically, residents of a handful of locations risk breaking the law. In reality, a tiny fraction of people ever get into trouble, and thousands of CBD companies freely ship their products across the country without incurring the wrath of state authorities.

It is best to research your state’s laws on CBD oil and see if anyone has ever got into trouble for buying or selling the cannabinoid. Incidentally, please share any stories about legal issues and CBD that you have heard about in the comments!

Are Hemp Seeds Legal?

According to a growing number of people, hemp seeds are a superfood. They contain an array of nutrients, including protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. In general, you should be able to purchase hemp seeds in most states if their THC level doesn’t exceed 0.3%. This shouldn’t be a problem as hemp seeds contain negligible amounts of the compound.

However, bear in mind that in Idaho, for example, CBD products containing more than 0.1% THC are illegal. In Kentucky, products containing even trace amounts of THC are prohibited.

While hemp seeds contain little to none of the compound THC, it’s always advised to check the rules and regulations in your state.

Therefore, hemp seeds containing, say, 0.12% are technically illegal in both states. As a result, we urge you to check the rules of your state before even thinking about buying hemp seeds. That said, it is debatable whether such rules are likely to be enforced.

Incidentally, the USDA allows the importation of hemp seeds from Canada and several other countries. Yet this is only legal if the products have a phytosanitary certificate from the country of export that verifies the origin of the seeds. This documentation must also confirm that the seeds contain no plant pests.

Final Thoughts on Whether It Is Illegal to Grow Hemp at Home

Ultimately, the Farm Bill of 2018 applies to commercial hemp farming. Otherwise, you can only cultivate it in states where marijuana growing is legal. Even then, you have to adhere to the state’s maximum cannabis plant limit.

While it is unlikely that the police will raid a house in Colorado because you are growing eight hemp plants, you could technically get into legal trouble.

In reality, those who can grow a handful of hemp plants at home are likely better off sticking with high-CBD marijuana strains. Options such as Charlotte’s Web and ACDC will probably provide you with a far higher cannabidiol level.

If you intend on growing hemp, your only option is to send a commercial hemp cultivation application to your state’s department of agriculture. In this scenario, you are free to grow a significant amount. The trouble is, there are minimum limits that are likely too high for someone who only wants a dozen or so hemp plants.

On the plus side, every American state has now determined that growing industrial hemp is legal. However, the rules are not necessarily the same in every state, so check the rules before deciding to apply for a commercial license.