Hemp Cultivator License Applications Extended to May 1, 2020

The Ohio Department of Agriculture administers Ohio’s Hemp Program and licenses individuals who grow and process hemp for fiber, grain production, and dietary needs in Ohio. The Hemp cultivator license applications are due to the Ohio Department of Agriculture on May 1, 2020. The initial application period was November 1 – March 31, however, the ODA extended the deadline to Friday, May 1, 2020. The application fee is $100, and the annual license fee is $500 per growing location. Licenses are valid for three (3) years.Individuals who have a felony involving a controlled substance within the last ten (10) years will not be granted a license.

Applications must include the address, map and GPS coordinates for each field, greenhouse, building or storage facility. The grower must provide the number of outdoor acres, indoor square footage and number of plants to be planted. In addition to the application, the applicant must have completed a background check.

If you have not completed your background check, the Ohio Attorney General’s office has guidance on whatbackground check locations are open at this time. Due to the COVID-19 virus, please call ahead before traveling to any location to verify they are providing fingerprinting services at this time. Please see their website here for more information: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Services-for- Business/WebCheck/Webcheck-Community-Listing.

To better assist you in completing your background check, please follow these instructions:

• With regards to what type of background check, please select a BCI only background check.

• If you are asked for a “reason code” please follow these instructions:

  • When asked for a reason code, please ask the WebCheck facility to select “Other.”

  • In the “Other” box, please write “ODAHempProgram-ORC928.03.”

  • When asked where to send the background check, provide the address below:

    Ohio Department of Agriculture Hemp Program
    8995 E. Main Street Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068

If you have any questions about Ohio’s Hemp Program or the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us.