Ready to grow Louisiana hemp?!

As we deal with getting permits from the ATC that were quickly enforced, I talked to Lester Cannon with the LA Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry about the progress of getting a license to grow industrial hemp in our home state of Louisiana! He was super helpful and concurred that we should be able to plant the first Louisiana hemp in years come spring of 2020!

This is such an amazing opportunity for Louisiana since hemp is such a beneficial crop that could boost our state's economy and local farmers! Hemp can sustainably make biofuel, plastics, hempcrete, and it actually takes out carbon dioxide from the environment, while being great pollinators for honey bees! Rumor has it by 2030 Lego will be fully transitioning their traditional plastic pieces to hemp plastic! 🌿 The green revolution is here and I cannot wait to be a part of it!

Our goal is to grow our very own local, Louisiana hemp for our full spectrum hemp oil 👌And we look forward to opening up our farm to those who are interested in learning and understanding the process of growing cannabis in the south! 🌿💚

Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry anticipates being able to start accepting applications by December 2019 for the Spring 2020 planting season. Louisiana does not intend to limit the number of applications accepted for the IH Program. 🙌

Here is some information that Lester sent me about obtaining an industrial hemp license in Louisiana! I hope it helps if you are interested!

The Industrial Hemp program will be administered through the LDAF’s Seed Programs Division, Lester Cannon Director. We can be contacted through email at industrialhemp@ldaf.la.gov or by phone at (225) 925-4733.

Below is the most current information concerning the program:

🌿The 2018 Farm Bill removed IH from the Controlled Substance Act, thereby legalizing the production of Ind ustrial Hemp (IH) on the federal level.

Act 164 making the growth and production of IH legal on the state level, pursuant to the requirements of the Federal Farm Bill of 2018, was signed by Governor John Bel Edwards on June 6, 2019. USDA must approve the State plan to finalize the legalization of The Act.

Louisiana must submit an IH plan to USDA for approval no later than November 1, 2019. It is USDA’s intent to accept and approve state plans to accommodate 2020 planting season.

🌿Time and resources allowing, it is the Department’s intent to have the plan approved and to have rules and procedures in place to accommodate the 2020 planting season.

🌿All applicants to grow, process, produce and/or transport IH will be required to possess a license and pass a background check.

🌿Information on procedures to obtain an IH license, production requirements, etc. will be placed on the department’s website soon. Check back periodically for updated information.

http://www.ldaf.state.la.us/industrial-hemp-program/ LDAF anticipates being able to start accepting applications by December 2019 for the Spring 2020 planting season.

🌿Louisiana does not intend to limit the number of applications accepted for the IH Program.

🌿Licensure for hemp-derived CBD products must be obtained through LDH, Alcohol and Tobacco Control (225)925-4041. http://www.atc.rev.state.la.us/ ....🤬

🌿You may view a copy of Act No. 164, The Industrial Hemp Act or “The Act” by following this link. http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1143697"