Michigan Ends Industrial Hemp Program, Leaves Farmer Oversight to USDA

Michigan’s industrial hemp program is ending and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will oversee the regulation of hemp farmers in the state moving forward, according to a MITech News report.

The shift suggests big changes are coming for Michigan hemp farmers as they adjust to the USDA’s hemp cultivation rules, which include stricter protocols regarding pre-harvest THC tests, record-keeping, reporting, and compliance. Additionally, any testing must be conducted by a federally approved lab, the report said. The changes will take effect starting in 2025.

Blain Becktold, president of iHemp Michigan, an organization representing Michigan hemp farmers, seed cultivators, processors, manufacturers, and other hemp businesses, told MITech News the change will mean paying fewer fees to get state hemp permits — and that being associated with the USDA might bring more credibility to the versatile hemp crop.

“Now that more uses of industrial hemp products in the building and animal feed sectors are starting to emerge, this move (to USDA) may encourage farmers and processors to look again at the possibilities that industrial hemp could provide to their operations.” Becktold, via MITech News

Michigan first established its industrial hemp program in 2019 and the plan was later approved by the USDA in 2020. The bills establishing the program closely followed the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp.