Minnesota State Wire

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has opened the application period for licenses to grow or process industrial hemp in 2026. Individuals and businesses interested in participating must apply online through the MDA website by April 30, 2026. Licenses issued will be valid for the 2026 calendar year.

First-time applicants and authorized representatives are required to submit fingerprints and undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process. The MDA emphasized that the hemp license is strictly for growing and processing industrial hemp. "A hemp license is for growing and processing industrial hemp only. The hemp license is not for the growth or sale of adult-use or medical cannabis. The application is also not intended for the extraction, manufacturing, marketing, or sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Adult-use cannabis and hemp-derived cannabinoid product information can be found on the Office of Cannabis Management website," according to an official statement.

For those involved in cannabinoid extraction from hemp, regulation has shifted to the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Starting in 2026, individuals interested in this activity will need to obtain a separate license from OCM.

Changes have been made to licensing fees for next year. The minimum cost for a hemp license is now $400, with an additional $250 fee per location added for growing or processing activities. There will no longer be a $250 processor-specific fee. Additionally, a 5% surcharge on licenses will continue to support updates to MDA’s technology systems aimed at improving online services and streamlining application processing.

Applicants must ensure all authorized representatives pass a criminal history background check before a license can be issued. Each lot of hemp grown must undergo pre-harvest THC regulatory testing by MDA staff; each sample collected will incur a $100 fee.

Although the deadline for new applications and renewals is April 30, 2026, those cultivating indoor hemp beyond December 31, 2025 must renew their licenses before they expire at year-end.

Questions about Minnesota's Industrial Hemp Program can be directed to MDA via email at hemp.mda@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-201-6600.

Industrial hemp and adult-use cannabis both originate from Cannabis sativa but differ in THC concentration; hemp contains less than 0.3% THC while higher concentrations are classified as marijuana. Minnesota transitioned from its pilot program (2016–2020) to operating under a federally approved state plan starting in 2021 that oversees production and regulation.