In 2019, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed a bill that would allow approved Hoosier residents to commercially grow hemp for the first time in nearly 80 years. The bill allows Indiana residents to grow hemp, but only after they have gone through a specific application process.
The Indiana hemp program largely mirrors the situation that’s currently going on in most U.S. states. Each state must have its hemp cultivation program approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), as stated in the 2018 Farm Bill. Indiana legislators were quick to act back in 2019, and in fact were one of the first states to gain approval for regulated commercial hemp cultivation.
Additionally, the OISC in Indiana reminds would-be applicants that there is a licensing fee and a ‘fee per acre’ or ‘per square foot’ charge. While the process is quite regulated, it is indeed great news that commercial farmers now have the opportunity to grow hemp in Indiana.
At Pure Kana, we emphasize anyone interested in cultivating hemp to stick to the guidelines and application criteria before even considering planting a hemp crop. Some experts predict that Indiana will ideal for quality hemp yields, so it’s possible that hemp exports from the state will go on to be some of the most desired in the country. The OISC clarifies, however, that any company buying Indiana-grown hemp must be registered in the state.
As far as CBD products that are made from hemp, most Indiana residents know by now that there are no shortage of options available. However, quality is still very hit or miss, especially if you’re trying to find a good product in an Indiana CBD oil store.