The rules and regulations for the state’s industrial hemp program are now finalized and the first license for industrial hemp has been issued. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says there are a variety of licenses, including the grower license for the cultivation and handling of hemp.
“There are also seed licenses where you can bring in seed or be a dealer in seed as well as clones and that sort of thing, a transporter license, and a processor license,” said Strain.
As part of the process, applicants have to undergo a background check. Strain says it is important to have the regulations in place and says the rules are guided by federal law.
“That trumps our state law. There are a number of different rules and strict protocols so that we go hemp and not marijuana that is hallucinogenic,” said Strain.
Strain says the timing to have the regulatory framework in place is important to ensure growers are ready for the planting season between mid-April and early May.
“Plants are sensitive to photoperiods, that is one parameter that really has a great effect on the plant as well as temperature. We are going to be working with our farmers to help them in each step of the way,” said Strain.
