Regulations for the Kansas Industrial Hemp Research Program went into effect Friday, Feb. 8, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture is now taking license applications for the program.
Originally made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill, which included a provision allowing universities and state departments of agriculture to cultivate hemp — varieties of the plant cannabis sativa L that contain a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of no more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis — for research purposes if legal under state law.
Now the 2018 Farm Bill has removed federal restrictions on hemp cultivation and leaves planning the commercial roll-out of the product up to the states or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In Kansas, the Alternative Crop Research Act was passed in 2018 and charges the KDA with implementing the research program. Through the program, licenses can be acquired by industrial hemp distributors and processors as well as growers.
KDA officials wrote in a release that the “opportunity to grow a new crop in Kansas offers potential for diversification for Kansas farmers looking for an alternative crop, or for new farming enterprises interested in cultivating industrial hemp.
Those looking to take part in the program must submit an applications that includes a research proposal along with applicable fees, fingerprint cards, a waiver authorizing a state and national criminal history check as well as all other required attachments. State educational institution licensees will not be charged an application fee. All materials must be completed and submitted to the KDA by Friday, March 1, to be considered for a license.
You can find more information on the program and application process on the KDA industrial hemp website. Questions about applications or the program can be directed to KDA.industrialhemp@ks.gov or by calling 785.564.6700.
