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Search

Can I export hemp product to other countries?

Yes, certain hemp products may be exported to other countries, such as processed hemp foods, hemp grain, seed, fiber, etc. The requirements for export vary by the specific product and the importing country. Please contact the MDA’s Export Certification Program for more information.

No

The MDA Hemp Program only covers hemp cultivation, processing, and marketing within the state of Minnesota. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Domestic Hemp Production Program has federal oversight. Hemp is federally legal and interstate commerce is permitted. Please visit USDA's website for additional information.

The shipper should always carry a copy of the grower's license, a copy of the receiver's license, and the Fit for Commerce certificate or certificate of analysis from an accredited lab showing that the material was tested and is at or below the 0.3% Total THC threshold. 

Please contact the buyer and/or the receiving states' hemp regulatory program to find out specific rules or requirements that they might have. The shipper should always carry a copy of the grower's license, a copy of the receiver's license, and the Fit for Commerce certificate or certificate of analysis from an accredited lab showing that the material was tested and is below the 0.3% Total THC threshold. 

The Hemp Program does not provide grants nor do we facilitate granting opportunities. However, the MDA’s Ag Marketing Division does facilitate a variety of grants, which could be applied for and used by a license holder. Please visit the MDA’s Grant Opportunities page to learn more about this opportunity.

The Agriculture Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is a nonprofit created by the Minnesota state legislature to help develop new markets for Minnesota-grown agricultural products. They have resources and funding opportunities that are accessible to those who qualify for AURI assistance. Please visit AURI’s webpage to learn more.

Prices for hemp grain are widely fluctuating in the U.S. and in Minnesota specifically due to the infancy and constant development of the industry. According to the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Department, the average hemp grain price in 2015 in Alberta was $0.74 per pound. Typical returns for hemp grain in the U.S. have been between $0.40-0.70 per pound for conventional, and $0.75-1.00 per pound for organic. Due to the volatile nature of the current U.S. hemp industry, growers are advised to secure a contract before they plant.

For high-CBD hemp, the market is changing very rapidly for a variety of factors. There is an exploding demand for CBD products and also an exponential growth in the number of hemp growers and processors each year, not just in Minnesota, but nationwide. Prices for high-CBD hemp flower in 2019 ranged between $3.00-$4.00 per pound of flower, per percent of CBD. For 10% CBD flower, this would equate to approximately $10,000- $60,000 per acre. Please refer to the Hemp Benchmarks website for up-to-date information regarding spot pricing for hemp.

The Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Department reported an average total production cost for hemp seed grown on dryland in 2015 at $409 per acre. With an average grain yield of 1,074 pounds per acre, that amounted to $0.38 per pound of hemp seed produced.

In Minnesota, hemp seed prices are widely variable based on the variety and the source. Imported seed has additional shipping and customs fees above and beyond domestically produced seed. Farmers should also consider the possibility of needing to buy or rent new harvesting equipment if they grow hemp. In 2016, hemp producers in Minnesota reported costs per acre between $970- $2,500 per acre. In 2017, initial reports indicate production costs of between $300- $600 per acre (does not include land cost).

When growing high-CBD hemp, the initial seed or plant cost is very high. At $1- 5 per seed, and 1500 plants per acre, the costs for seed alone is $1,500- $7,500 per acre. Costs for planting clones can be $10,000- $15,000 per acre. The labor costs are very high compared to conventional farming as well.

The market for hemp in the United States is growing and remains variable as the industry continues to develop. We encourage interested individuals to contact a hemp trade association to learn more about marketing opportunities, such as the U.S. Hemp Grower Association, the Hemp Industries Association, or the National Hemp Association. Minnesota has several associations that can help as well, including the Minnesota Cannabis Association (formerly MN Hemp Association) and the Minnesota Industrial Hemp Association.

Yes, certain hemp products may be exported to other countries, such as processed hemp foods, hemp grain, seed, fiber, etc. The requirements for export vary by the specific product and the importing country. Please contact the MDA’s Export Certification Program for more information.

You can make food products from the hemp seed or grain. The FDA granted GRAS ("Generally Recognized as Safe") status for three commonly sold hemp seed derived food ingredients: hulled hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil. Products derived from the hemp seed contain only trace amounts of THC and CBD, which is why the FDA allows their sale. Please contact the MDA’s Food and Feed Safety Division at 651-201-6027 to find out more about legal hemp food products.

Visit the MDA's Hemp in Food FAQ for more information.

What food products can I make from hemp?

You can make food products from the hemp seed or grain. The FDA granted GRAS ("Generally Recognized as Safe") status for three commonly sold hemp seed derived food ingredients: hulled hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil. Products derived from the hemp seed contain only trace amounts of THC and CBD, which is why the FDA allows their sale. Please contact the MDA’s Food and Feed Safety Division at 651-201-6027 to find out more about legal hemp food products.

Visit the MDA's Hemp in Food FAQ for more information.

No

You can extract cannabinoids from hemp plants under your Hemp Processors license. You are responsible for ensure that Total THC levels in our final extracts are at or below the acceptable THC level.

The MDA Hemp Program does not regulate cannabis extracts, development and manufacturing of cannabis extracts or the retail and marketing of cannabinoid products. 

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management regulates the sale of hemp cannabinoid products for human consumption in Minnesota. As of July 1, 2022, this includes edible cannabinoid products which are intended to be eaten or consumed as a beverage by humans, contains a cannabinoid in combination with food ingredients, and are not drugs. More information can be found on the Office of Cannabis Managment's website.

Can I extract cannabinoids from hemp plants?

You can extract cannabinoids from hemp plants under your Hemp Processors license. You are responsible for ensure that Total THC levels in our final extracts are at or below the acceptable THC level.

The MDA Hemp Program does not regulate cannabis extracts, development and manufacturing of cannabis extracts or the retail and marketing of cannabinoid products. 

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management regulates the sale of hemp cannabinoid products for human consumption in Minnesota. As of July 1, 2022, this includes edible cannabinoid products which are intended to be eaten or consumed as a beverage by humans, contains a cannabinoid in combination with food ingredients, and are not drugs. More information can be found on the Office of Cannabis Managment's website.

No

You need an MDA Hemp Program Processor license if you are processing raw hemp material for commercial purposes. This includes extraction of cannabinoids and other materials from raw hemp.

Although the MDA requires a processors license for extraction of raw hemp materials, we do not regulate cannabis extracts, development and manufacturing of cannabis extracts or the retail and marketing of cannabinoid products. If you are not processing raw hemp materials but are purchasing hemp extracts from a processor and processing those extracts further (whether into products or otherwise), you do not need an MDA Hemp Processors license. However, you may be subject to licensure under other state or federal laws.

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management regulates the sale of hemp cannabinoid products for human consumption in Minnesota. As of July 1, 2022, this includes edible cannabinoid products which are intended to be eaten or consumed as a beverage by humans, contains a cannabinoid in combination with food ingredients, and are not drugs. More information can be found on the Office of Cannabis Managment's website.

Do I need a license for extraction?

You need an MDA Hemp Program Processor license if you are processing raw hemp material for commercial purposes. This includes extraction of cannabinoids and other materials from raw hemp.

Although the MDA requires a processors license for extraction of raw hemp materials, we do not regulate cannabis extracts, development and manufacturing of cannabis extracts or the retail and marketing of cannabinoid products. If you are not processing raw hemp materials but are purchasing hemp extracts from a processor and processing those extracts further (whether into products or otherwise), you do not need an MDA Hemp Processors license. However, you may be subject to licensure under other state or federal laws.

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management regulates the sale of hemp cannabinoid products for human consumption in Minnesota. As of July 1, 2022, this includes edible cannabinoid products which are intended to be eaten or consumed as a beverage by humans, contains a cannabinoid in combination with food ingredients, and are not drugs. More information can be found on the Office of Cannabis Managment's website.

No

At this time, hemp is not an approved ingredient for commercial animal feed other than for laying hens. There are various organizations and researchers throughout the U.S. that are studying the safety and value of hemp feed and conducting feed trials for eventual application to the FDA or AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). An individual farmer may feed hemp to their own livestock. Please contact the MDA Commercial Feed Program for more information.

Can I feed hemp to my livestock?

At this time, hemp is not an approved ingredient for commercial animal feed other than for laying hens. There are various organizations and researchers throughout the U.S. that are studying the safety and value of hemp feed and conducting feed trials for eventual application to the FDA or AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). An individual farmer may feed hemp to their own livestock. Please contact the MDA Commercial Feed Program for more information.

No

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