 Michigan hemp farming is legal in Michigan. Hemp Is A New Cash Crop For Michigan Farmers. Industrial hemp is a variety of cannabis Sativa (plant) that contains very small amounts of the psychoactive drug tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in its leaves, stalk, and seed. The crop can be cultivated for either fiber, seed, or cannabidiol (CBD). Michigan hemp is presently classified under controlled substances act as a schedule one substance and is grown under the state department of agriculture license. CBD derived from industrial hemp has a wide range of industrial applications. So It’s used in drug and food supplements in the US. CBD health benefits are being researched by many suffering from various diseases.
According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Michigan is one of the leading hemp-producing states in the US. In 2016, it produced only 31,922 pounds (14,246 kgs) of industrial hemp due to its restrictive legislation. In 2014, it produced 667 tons (489.7 metric tons) of dry matter harvested from 532 acres (220 hectares) with a yield of more than 1 ton/acre at a THC level below 0.3%. Industry experts predict the state will again produce over 1 million pounds by 2020.
Is Michigan Hemp Farming Profitable For Farmers?
Yes, industrial hemp is a profitable crop for farmers, just like any other cash crop. According to National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the total retail value of all hemp products sold in the US in 2015 was estimated at $688 million, with tonnage sold at 25,203. In 2016, the retail value increased sharply to $820 million, and the cargo sold increased to 43,568. According to data released by the American Hemp Association (AHA), US hemp food and body care sales were over $200 million in 2017. It is projected that it will exceed $1 billion in 2018. Hemp can be profitable for farmers if appropriately handled. The harvest season of 2018 started around the end of September and is projecting more than 1 million pounds.
What Are The Main Requirements For Setting Up Hemp Farm In Michigan?
According to the Michigan hemp farming law, every person who wishes to cultivate industrial hemp for commercial purposes needs a license from the state agriculture commissioner. They must pay $100 for the administrative fee and $500 for a state cultivator license. A farmer with an industrial hemp license can produce no more than 300 acres (120 hectares) per year. Moreover, the grower must comply with other federal and state laws governing agricultural chemicals, pesticides, and seeds. It is illegal to grow marijuana in Michigan. Hemp farmers must keep a record of industrial hemp production and processing to carry out their operations effectively.
Michigan Industrial Hemp Law Effective from January 17, 2018.
The Michigan agricultural act 286 of 1976 was amended in the year 2017. Effective January 17, 2018, the law authorizes the cultivation of industrial hemp for commercial or research purposes. The law also allows the state commissioner of agriculture and rural development to issue licenses to anyone over 21 years old. The person has to apply with a $100 administrative fee. Any licensed grower can cultivate not more than 300 acres (120 hectares) per year. The State department of agriculture will issue a hemp license to the applicant by April 1 of the following year. The maximum price for every industrial hemp seed is $1.00 per seed, with a minimum price of $0.75 per pound.Â
Michigan became a pioneer state in the US in terms of setting up a hemp-growing industry and opening up new avenues for farmers and entrepreneurs to earn huge profits. The agricultural development commissioner also has plans to set up a pre-grant registration program for hemp cultivators from all over the country. So that they can ensure their production and commercial or research goals. As well as commercialize their product for the market in states where it is illegal to cultivate industrial hemp.
Why Hemp Farming Is A Profitable Business In Michigan And Why People Love Michigan Hemp Farming?
Hemp farming is a highly profitable venture in Michigan. It is one of the fastest-growing industries in the state. The average yield per acre for a hemp farmer is $100,000-$125,000, and it can even go up to $250,000-$300,000 per acre if well cultivated in fertile land. The cost of production for cultivating industrial hemp is meager compared to other crops, as there are no pests or weeds that cause harm to the crop. The state government has also provided facilities and support to farmers applying for industrial hemp licenses.
So Heare Is The Five Reason Why People Love Michigan Hemp Farming
1. There is No Risk Of Weed Infestation
One of the big reasons why people love to Michigan Hemp Farming is that it is a very resilient plant that thrives even when other crops fail. It grows in different climates and successfully resists droughts and floods. This makes Michigan perfect for cultivating industrial hemp as it can withstand unusually drastic weather changes such as snow, hail, and drought. As it is a very resilient plant, farmers also need not worry about being charged with any criminal charge or being sued by the government after planting industrial hemp on their lands.
2. Hemp Farming Is Easy To Grow
Michigan industrial hemp farming is the easiest and most effective plant growth. Unlike other crops that require a lot of attention and care, farmers can easily integrate hemp into their farming as there are no special requirements for taking care of the plants. It is easy to grow and needs no more fertilizers or pesticides. So it can grow well on any soil, whether it is acidic or alkaline. Farmers also do not need to worry about any pest infestation or weed because they can easily control it without investing in expensive pesticides and herbicides.
3. Hemp Farming Is Very Profitable
The yield per acre is the highest among other crops. The average yield for a Michigan Hemp Farming is $100,000-$125,000, and it can even go up to $250,000-$300,000 per acre if well cultivated in fertile land. Moreover, the cost of production for cultivating industrial hemp is meager compared to other crops. As there are no pests or weeds that cause harm to the crop. The state government has also provided facilities and support to farmers applying for industrial hemp licenses.
4. Hemp Is Not Addictive, And It Is Legal To Grow Hemp In Michigan
Another reason why people love to cultivate industrial hemp in Michigan is that it is not an addictive substance. Though hemp and marijuana belong to the same family, it does not contain any THC that causes marijuana to be addictive. Moreover, the government of Michigan passed a law in 2017 that legalized hemp farming. Hemp seeds are very nutritious and rich in protein which helps prevent many health problems like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. It can be used for cooking and making healthy oils and creams, thereby contributing to a healthy lifestyle for everyone using these products.
5. Hemp Farming Is A Significant Business
The state government has legalized hemp cultivation for commercial and research purposes. Federal law protects industrial hemp from any weed infestation. The industrial hemp market is huge because many people depend on it now- from material and clothing manufacturers to beauty products, fuel makers, and more. It also has endless possibilities for being used as animal feed or even as medicine. This means that there will be a massive demand for the crop in the future, making it a promising business opportunity for Michigan farmers and others who have decided to grow industrial hemp on their lands.
Conclusion
Hemp is a very resilient plant that thrives even when other crops fail. The growing season of industrial hemp ranges from five months in the south to eight months in the north. The cultivation of industrial hemp requires no more fertilizers or pesticides and can be done even by an individual farmer with little knowledge. It is easy to grow and needs no more fertilizers or pesticides to grow well on any soil, whether it is acidic or alkaline. There are no pests or weeds that cause harm to the crop. Hemp farming is the easiest and most effective way to grow a plant.
