Buy Feminized Hemp Seeds For The State Of Michigan
CBD Hemp Seeds For Growing In Michigan
It is legal to grow hemp in Michigan under the state’s Hemp Ag Pilot Program. Those who wish to grow, process, and market hemp may only do so for research until the USDA adopts the state’s official commercial program. As such, applicants must register as a grower or processor and apply to their agricultural research program. Only those registered with the state may engage in hemp production, processing, and sales.
The first step to legally grow hemp in Michigan is to apply as either a grower or a processor-handler. The Hemp Grower Registration Application must also include a $100 license fee, whereas the Hemp Processor-Handler Application must include a $1350 payment.
Registrants must also include detailed information regarding any site location related to hemp development and processing. By submitting these applications, the applicants agree to abide by all hemp program regulations, including regular testing and reporting.
After submitting the application and all applicable fees, the applicant must complete the 2020 Ag-Pilot Program Application, thereby entering into a hemp research agreement. Registration also requires a clean criminal background proven with a certified Criminal History Report. The Criminal History Report must confirm that no key participants have had a felony conviction within the last ten years.
All hemp licensing expires on November 30 of each year. The Department will send renewal packets 60 days before the expiration date.
Any area related to hemp cultivation and processing requires clear signage around the perimeter. Signs must include the grower’s name and license number plus the phrase “hemp registered with Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.”
Growers must also report site changes to the Department using the Site Modification Form. The form must also include a $50 non-refundable site modification fee.
Michigan requires hemp crop testing to confirm THC compliance. Growers must contact the testing lab to schedule a time for sample removal by calling 1-800-292-3939 (for general information) or 517-284-0500 (to reach the lab directly).
On sampling day, a state-approved laboratory representative will remove samples from the top two inches of flowering plants. If hemp plants do not have flowers, the representative will reschedule sampling until flowers develop.
The technician will place samples in a paper bag and send them to the lab along with a completed Hemp Sampling and Testing Request Form.
Growers may transfer compliant hemp to processors as they see fit but must destroy non-compliant “hot” crops. If lab results suggest that a crop is non-compliant, the grower may request a secondary test to confirm or deny this. However, if the second test confirms non-compliance, the farmer must ultimately destroy the related crops. Testing fees are $125 per location plus an additional $125 for secondary testing.
Michigan does not oversee hemp seed sales in the state. As such, growers must be diligent when choosing the best hemp seed bank for their needs. They should seek seed suppliers with valid COAs and a history of success in the industry. Those who can guarantee high germination rates are especially valuable as hemp seeds are notorious for their relatively low germ rates compared to other agricultural crops.
Additionally, CBD hemp farmers should only buy feminized hemp seeds to protect their crops from potential pollination. Feminized CBD seeds produce large, resinous hemp flowers with no risk of pollinating males. Should a female hemp plant become pollinated, flower production will slow, thus reducing product quality and value on the open market.
Find out more about Michigan’s hemp program on their website or contact us to learn more.