Keeping up with hemp farming rules in 2025 can seem confusing, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The most important thing for anyone growing hemp is this: following the rules is key. Both federal and state laws must be followed at all times. The 2018 Farm Bill still serves as the main law for hemp, but rules continue to be updated as the industry grows. This article breaks down what you need to know to grow hemp legally and successfully in 2025.
Hemp Farming in 2025: The Rulebook and Changes to Know
Hemp laws keep changing each year as states and growers learn more about the crop. The rules in 2025 reflect lessons from past years and new efforts to make growing safe and fair. Understanding these updates is important if you want a smooth and legal growing season.
What Are the New Federal Hemp Rules in 2025?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets the main federal rules for hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill told the USDA to create rules for growing hemp, leading first to an “interim final rule” in 2019 and then a final version effective in March 2021. Those rules were improved based on feedback from growers and the 2020 season.
A major federal update in 2025 is about lab testing. Labs testing hemp must register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), but the USDA is giving more time on this rule. Labs now have until December 31, 2025 to get DEA registration. During this time, labs still need to follow all other test rules. This gives growers and labs more time to follow the new law.
How Do State and Local Hemp Rules Vary?
Even though the USDA creates the basic rules, each state and tribe can adjust them for their area. The 2018 Farm Bill lets each state or tribe submit their own plan to the USDA for approval. These plans cover how growers get licenses, how hemp is checked, and what happens if rules are broken.
If your state or tribe has an approved plan, you must get a license from them. If not, you can apply for a license directly from the USDA. This means different areas can have different rules. For example, Pennsylvania changed some rules for 2025, while Oregon added new deadlines and background checks. Always check with your local agriculture office or tribal authority before planting hemp.
Important Changes This Year for Growers
Besides the longer deadline for DEA lab registration, growers should know about other updates. Many states still require every lot of hemp to be checked within 30 days of harvest. Some states, like Pennsylvania, let certain “low-risk” growers skip some tests through a special program. Also, states like Pennsylvania update their banned or watched hemp variety lists each year. For 2025, nine new types are banned and 12 more are flagged as “concerning.” Check your state’s list often to make sure your hemp seeds are still allowed.
Who Needs a Hemp License in 2025?
Everyone who wants to grow hemp in 2025 needs an official license. This is required by law-growing without one can bring fines or even block you from future licenses.
License Rules for Hemp Growers
To be legal, growers must have a license from their state, tribe, or the USDA. Where you get your license depends on where your farm is. The first step is to contact your local agriculture office or tribal government to see how to apply. If they don’t have a program, the USDA’s program is available.
All hemp, by federal law, must have less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. If plants go above this limit, they no longer count as hemp and fall under strict marijuana laws.
Types of Hemp Licenses
| License Type | What It Covers | Extra Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Grower License | Growing hemp for fiber, grain, CBD, etc. | Basic license needed for most crops |
| Processor/Handler | Processing or handling hemp post-harvest | Sometimes separate application needed |
| Research Permit | Research-only growing | May need research plan or destruction plan |
| Seed License | Producing or selling hemp seeds | Extra license in some states, e.g., Oregon |
It’s important to apply for the correct kind and follow each set of rules and fees. For example, research growers in Oregon provide a research and destruction plan before approval.
When & How to Apply for a 2025 Hemp License
When to apply depends on your state:
- South Carolina: January 1-February 28, 2025
- Oregon: By May 31 (late deadline July 31 with $250 late fee)
- Minnesota: 2025 license period is closed; 2026 opens in November
USDA applications are open year-round through the HeMP online platform. Be sure to fill out forms fully and submit all the needed papers, and check if your state offers forms in other languages.
Background Checks and Limits
No matter where you get your license, if you’ve had a felony drug conviction in the past 10 years, you can’t grow hemp legally. States like Oregon require background checks-and fingerprinting-for anyone in control of a hemp growing business. “Key participants” usually means anyone with lots of ownership or management power.
Permitting, Costs, and Financial Help
After licensing, growers face other money and paperwork requirements.
Fees, Renewals, and Application Deadlines
Permit costs and renewal dates are different everywhere. In Oregon, licenses expire each December 31-no fee refunds. If you apply late, you’ll pay extra. Pennsylvania has extra fees for permit signs. Always check your state’s website for exact fee details and due dates.
Special State Permitting Rules
Each state or tribe might want extra things, like maps or security steps. Research growers may need destruction plans. There are also required state reporting forms, such as harvest and destruction reports. Learning your state’s paperwork is important so you don’t miss anything.
Loans, Insurance, and Risk Protection
Hemp’s new legal status means growers can get help from USDA agencies like:
- Farm Service Agency (FSA): farm loans, reporting help
- Risk Management Agency (RMA): crop insurance
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): conservation support
Multiperil Crop Insurance is available in 27 states for hemp for fiber, grain, or CBD. There’s nationwide whole-farm revenue protection and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for areas where hemp crop insurance isn’t offered. Loans are available for startup farmers and storage costs. Explore these resources to manage farm risks.
Key Compliance Actions for Hemp Growers
Staying legal means more than getting a license. Keep good records and turn in required reports. Missing a report could bring large fines or suspension.
Reporting and Documentation Needed
- All hemp growers must report their planted acreage to the local FSA office within 30 days of planting (final deadline July 15).
- Include your license and location info for every field or greenhouse (“lot”).
- List intended use: fiber, CBD, grain, or seed.
- States may have more forms: plant, harvest, destruction, etc.
- Oregon requires extra steps if you discover hemp waste.
Keep all records handy for quick inspection.
Managing Your Growing Plan and Records
- Keep track of seed sources, growing methods, pesticide use, and harvest results.
- This information may help show compliance during checks, or if your crop fails a THC test.
- USDA’s “Hemp Production and Disposition Inquiry” survey goes out to permit holders-it’s voluntary but useful for improving hemp policy and support.
Best Steps for Reporting Hemp Acres and Production
Reporting your hemp acreage and production is a big part of staying legal. It helps officials understand hemp growing trends.
How to Report Hemp Acres Correctly
- Get your license or authorization number from USDA, state, or tribe.
- File an acreage report with FSA: include license, field/lot details, greenhouse locations, and use (fiber, CBD, grain, seed).
- Report within 30 days of planting-with a hard deadline of July 15.
- It’s a good idea to visit your local FSA office to get help if needed.
Hemp Sampling, Testing, and Enforcement in 2025
Staying under the legal THC limit is the most important testing rule for hemp. This is checked with official samples and lab tests.
How Hemp Sampling Works
- Sampling checks if your crop stays at or below 0.3% THC.
- If you follow the USDA program, use approved sampling agents.
- If under a state or tribal plan, follow their rules-which may differ slightly.
- Sampling usually must be done within 30 days of harvest.
Labs-not samplers-prepare and test the samples. Make sure sampling is timely to avoid issues.
THC Testing Standards and Limits
The law says hemp can have no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC, dry weight. If your crop goes over, it legally counts as marijuana. Labs send results through the USDA’s HeMP platform and must include all required info (farmer, lot, date, result, etc.).
The new lab registration deadline for DEA approval is December 31, 2025. Check with your licensing office about which labs may be used, since this can differ by program.
Enforcement and Common Mistakes
- If hemp tests above THC limits, the crop must be destroyed-usually after state or tribal approval.
- Common problems: growing without a license, late or wrong reports, or improper sampling.
- Penalties: fines, losing your license, or being banned due to a felony drug past.
Knowing the rules and following all steps helps keep your farm running.
Resources and Support for Hemp Growers in 2025
Hemp farming shouldn’t be done all alone. Several support programs and resources are here to help.
Government and Industry Support
- FSA: loans and help with acreage reports
- RMA: crop insurance
- NRCS: conservation programs
- State groups, grower associations, and university programs are also helpful for advice and networking.
Check your state’s hemp office for workshops and updates.
Where to Get Forms and Help
- Your state agriculture office or tribal government website provides the latest applications, forms, and instructions.
- For federal info, visit USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) website.
- For questions, use [email protected] or call (888) 721-HEMP (4367).
- You can also sign up for email updates from your state’s hemp program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hemp Farming Rules
What if Your Crop Tests Above the THC Limit?
If hemp is above 0.3% THC, you must destroy it, after getting approval from your state or tribal office. Don’t process or sell the crop. Failing to destroy it properly can mean heavy fines and losing your license.
Can You Ship or Transport Hemp?
Hemp can be shipped by the US Postal Service if all federal and state rules are followed, especially the THC limit. The rules might change depending on how and where it’s shipped. Keep copies of your license and recent lab test (COA) with the shipment. Some states need special transport permits for large amounts of raw hemp.
What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Rules?
Penalties depend on the offense and where it happens. Common penalties include:
- Fines
- Orders to destroy crops
- Loss or suspension of your license
If you have a felony drug conviction in the past 10 years, you can’t get a license. Not following the rules can cost you money and your right to grow hemp in the future.