On April 30, 2019, Governor Hogan signed HB 1123 into law. The bill, which was introduced by Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo and Delegate Andrew Cassilly, creates the Hemp Farming Program which authorizes the state to regulate commercial hemp farming according to the 2018 Farm Bill. Starting in 2020, Maryland farmers will no longer need to partner with universities to grow the crop.
Thanks to Delegates Fraser-Hidalgo and Cassilly!
We would like to express special thanks to Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo and Delegate Andrew Cassilly who lead the effort to pass hemp farming legislation. Delegate Fraser-Hidalgo deserves special thanks for leading this effort over the past 5 years and opening up a new opportunity for Maryland farmers and businesses.
2019 Hemp Applications
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has begun accepting applications to grow hemp for research in 2019. Applicants must partner with a university for this growing season as the regulations were created under the 2014 Farm Bill.