KENTUCKY HEMP LICENSING PROGRAM
Welcome to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) Hemp Licensing Program website.
THE 2023 HEMP LICENSE APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE HERE.
- 2023 Grower applications are due by March 15, 2023.
- Grower License renewals are due annually by March 15.
- Processor/Handler License renewals are due annually by December 31.
- KDA is accepting, new processor/handler applications year round.
- University research applications are also accepted year round.
- The KDA is hosting an online application on this webpage.
- The online application includes a mapping function that will automatically upload the GPS coordinates and includes the mandatory orientation.
Anyone interested in potentially growing, processing, or handling hemp in Kentucky may view the Grower Orientation or Processor/Handler Orientation presentations to get a full overview of the program. These orientations are also a component of the application itself and a requirement for licensing.
Full details for the Hemp Licensing Program, including applications and regulations, can be found on this website. The information is organized under 5 different “Program Pages” as listed below. You may also access the program pages in the right sidebar (mobile users scroll down) under the heading “Program Pages”.
*Hemp Licensing Program Overview. This page provides instructions for verifying licensing status as well as an annual overview of the program size and scope over the years. You will also find the Seed & Transplant Providers List and a list of Processors & Handlers for marketing purposes.
* Hemp and the Law. Here you will find all the hemp related Laws and Regulations, including Kentucky Administrative Regulations for growers, processors, handlers, and universities.
* Applications for the Hemp Program. Interested in joining the program? Visit this page for the Grower and Processor/Handler License Applications, as well as University Applications. The online application is now active.
* License Holders - Forms and Deadlines. License Holders will now be submitting all reports and requests through their online portal. This page continues to provide constant access to program forms for those who submitted a paper application, and a convenient list of deadlines. Also found on this page are the detailed presentations used during initial training of new license holders, guidelines for pesticide use and details of the THC sampling and testing procedures.
* Restrictions on Sale or Transfer. Planning to move hemp? This is your one-stop page for the hemp transfer rules governing the Kentucky Hemp Program.
If you have visited all of KDA’s hemp pages and still have questions about the program, please send inquiries to Hemp@ky.gov.
ADDITIONAL LINKS