Maryland

Maryland is accepting applications from growers interested in participating in the Maryland Hemp Research Pilot Program and from growers interested in growing hemp for commercial purposes through the Maryland Hemp Farming Program. 

MARYLAND HEMP RESEARCH PILOT PROGRAM - HOW TO APPLY:

1. Fill out the Industrial Hemp Site Registration Application
2. Obtain an FBI or state of Maryland criminal history check
3. Include maps (including the name, address, GPS coordinates)
4. Registration fee of $250.00 payable to: The Maryland Department of Agriculture
   Mail all documents (application, criminal history check, maps, and fee) to: Turf & Seed Section, Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, Maryland 21401

MARYLAND HEMP FARMING PROGRAM - HOW TO APPLY: 

1. Determine the type of hemp to be grown and farm operation.
2. Select a location where the hemp will be grown. Note: you must obtain the land owner's permission to grow hemp on the property.
3. Each key participant of the hemp production process must submit an FBI Criminal Background Check. Background checks may be requested here.
4. Register for a Maryland OneStop account and fill out Part 1 of the Hemp Production Application online.
5. Pay the $50 application fee online, or make a check payable to “Maryland Department of Agriculture” with “Hemp Grower Application” in the subject line. Checks can be mailed to:

   Maryland Department of Agriculture

   Turf and Seed Division

   50 Harry S Truman Pkwy

   Annapolis, MD 21401

6. Using the authorization number received from Part 1 of the application, register hemp site with the Farm Service Agency FSA
7. When the Maryland Department of Agriculture emails you to complete Part 2 of your application, you must submit information about the sites where you will be growing hemp, including the FSA field IDs and coordinates. You will be required to submit maps of the property used for growing as well. If the hemp will be grown on rented property, you must also upload a signed landowner agreement document.
8. Once Part 2 of your application is approved, you will need to pay $500 for each site address you register. Checks can be made out to “Maryland Department of Agriculture” with authorization number in the subject line and mailed to:

   Maryland Department of Agriculture

   Turf and Seed Division

   50 Harry S Truman Pkwy

   Annapolis, MD 21401

9. Once payment is processed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, you will receive your permit which can be accessed through your OneStop account. 

If you are seeking to establish or maintain a hemp business in Maryland, Contact the attorneys at Leaf Legal, P.C. to help navigate the licensing process and the upcoming shift in licensing practices.