Hemp Growing Guide

Getting Started Hemp Varieties Climate & Conditions License Requirements Planting Practices Crop Management Harvesting & Processing

Getting Started with Hemp in Ohio

Hemp farming offers Ohio agriculturalists a promising opportunity, but success requires careful planning, regulatory compliance, and agricultural expertise. This guide provides essential information for prospective and current hemp farmers in Ohio.

Before You Begin

Before investing in hemp cultivation, consider these important factors:

  • Market Research: Identify your target market and potential buyers before planting
  • Capital Requirements: Assess startup costs and operating capital needs
  • Equipment Needs: Determine what existing equipment can be utilized and what new investments might be needed
  • Labor Availability: Consider labor requirements, especially for CBD hemp
  • Risk Tolerance: Understand the evolving market and regulatory landscape

Understanding Hemp Varieties

Hemp can be grown for three primary purposes, each requiring different varieties and cultivation approaches:

CBD Hemp

  • Grown primarily for flower production
  • Typically planted at wider spacing (4-6 feet)
  • Labor-intensive, often hand-harvested
  • Higher value per acre but higher investment
  • Currently the most common type in Ohio

Popular Varieties: Cherry Wine, BaOx, Suver Haze, Lifter

Yield Potential: 1,000-2,000 lbs dried flower per acre

Fiber Hemp

  • Grown for industrial applications (textiles, building materials, etc.)
  • Planted densely to promote stalk growth
  • Machine harvested similar to hay crops
  • Requires specialized processing equipment
  • Emerging market with growing infrastructure

Popular Varieties: Futura 75, Felina 32, CFX-1, CFX-2

Yield Potential: 3-5 tons of dry stalk per acre

Grain/Seed Hemp

  • Grown for food products and oil
  • Machine planted and harvested
  • Similar growing techniques to other grain crops
  • Established markets in food industry
  • Requires cleaning and processing facilities

Popular Varieties: Finola, CFX-2, X-59, Joey

Yield Potential: 800-1,200 lbs of grain per acre

Dual-Purpose Varieties

Some hemp varieties can be grown for both grain and fiber, potentially increasing revenue per acre. These dual-purpose varieties are becoming increasingly popular as they provide flexibility in marketing options.

Ohio Climate and Growing Conditions

Hemp thrives in Ohio's climate, but timing and environmental management are critical:

Growing Calendar

Late April - Early May

Soil preparation and field planning

Late May - Early June

Planting after risk of frost has passed

June - July

Early season growth and management

August

Continued management and monitoring

September - October

Harvest season (varies by variety)

November - March

License application window for next season

Optimal Conditions

  • Growing Season: 100-120 days depending on variety
  • Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil with pH 6.0-7.5
  • Water Needs: 20-30 inches during growing season
  • Temperature: Optimal growing temperature 60-80°F
  • Sunlight: Full sun exposure preferred
  • Climate Challenges: Heavy spring rains can delay planting; late season humidity can increase disease pressure

Ohio Hemp Growing Regions

Map of Ohio hemp growing regions

Northern Ohio

Cooler temperatures and shorter growing season. Better suited for grain and fiber varieties with shorter maturation periods.

Central Ohio

Balanced growing conditions suitable for all hemp types. Most processing facilities are centrally located.

Southern Ohio

Longer growing season favors CBD production. Hilly terrain in southeastern Ohio presents unique challenges and opportunities.

License Requirements

To legally grow hemp in Ohio, you must obtain a hemp cultivation license from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Here's what you need to know:

1

Application Window

Submit applications between November 1 and March 31 annually

2

Fees

$100 application fee and $500 annual license fee per growing location

3

Location Details

Provide detailed growing location information including GPS coordinates

4

Background Check

Pass a background check (no felony drug convictions in the last 10 years)

5

Minimum Acreage

Meet minimum requirements (at least 1/4 acre outdoor or 1,000 square feet indoor)

6

Testing Agreement

Agree to pre-harvest testing and monitoring by ODA

Hemp License Application Checklist Growing Sites Form Background Check Instructions

Important Note

Applications submitted outside the official window will not be considered. Plan accordingly to ensure your application is complete and submitted on time.