Industrial Hemp Program

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences has obtained approval from the Industrial Hemp Commission (IHC) for a permit to grow industrial hemp for research purposes. 

Our research in the CAES focuses on the following:

• Identifying the best hemp varieties for producing CBD in North Carolina
• Determining the varieties of hemp that will grow in various parts of the state.
• Assessing soil health and growing conditions
• Investigating the use of hemp in new energy technologies
• Exploring the various uses of hemp

We are happy to work with small-scale producers interested in growing industrial hemp. In order to work with the university, farmers must first apply for a permit. The application is available on the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website.

Several industrial hemp information sessions will be offered during Small Farms Week, March 24-30.

Are you looking for information on the NC Industrial Hemp Program?

Here is some basic information about the N.C. Industrial Hemp Program:

• You need a license to grow hemp in North Carolina. For answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the industrial hemp program in North Carolina and for an application to apply for a Grower’s license, please visit http://www.ncagr.gov/hemp/Application-FAQs.htm .
• To watch an informative video about the N.C. Industrial Hemp Program, please visit https://youtu.be/2Xj_LaUa4Ac?t=360 .
• No license is required to be a processor in North Carolina. However, the state does maintain a registration list of first-stage processors. There is no charge to be added to the registration list. For instructions on registering as a hemp processor, and to view the registration requirements, please visit http://www.ncagr.gov/hemp/ProcessorsInfo.htm .
• For information on getting hemp seed/clones for planting, please visit https://industrialhemp.ces.ncsu.edu/seed-sources-for-planting/ .
• To view the Hemp Connections "Want-Ads" page, please visit https://industrialhemp.ces.ncsu.edu/hemp-connections/ .
• To see the pending applications to be reviewed at the next Industrial Hemp Commission meeting, please visit https://industrialhemp.ces.ncsu.edu/pending-applications/ .
• For application-related questions, including how to make changes to your license, pay fees, or notify that your plants are flowering, please email IndustrialHempRequests@NCagr.gov .
• For more information about the permitting process, contact the Industrial Hemp Commission at (919) 707-3236.

For application-related questions, including to make changes to your license, to pay fees, or to notify that your plants are flowering, please email IndustrialHempRequests@NCagr.gov

For more information about the permitting process, contact the Industrial Hemp Commission at (919) 707-3236.