How To Grow Hemp Like A Pro

Hemp Field

Hemp has gained widespread acclaim for its versatility as it can be used for clothing, paper, and used medicinally. The versatility of this plant is the reason so many farmers have become intrigued by the possibility of growing hemp and learning how to start a hemp farm.

Hemp was made federally legal by the Farm Bill of 2018. A number of farmers then started applying for licenses as they began their research on how to grow hemp. 

Hemp is cannabis with under 0.3 percent THC which is negligible. A person would have to consume an inhumane amount of hemp to get even the slightest buzz.

The appeal of hemp is that it can reduce waste produced in the manufacturing of inorganic material. The fact that it is being used as a form of biofuel just speaks to the true versatility of hemp.

Is Growing Hemp Legal?

States differ on the laws when it comes to growing hemp. Nearly all states require licenses to grow hemp while others only allow universities to produce hemp. The last thing any farmer wants is to be charged with manufacturing a controlled substance.  

Before you embark on your hemp-growing journey, you need to look up your specific state laws. Hemp might be federally legal but is controlled in certain states. You need to follow state law as claiming hemp is federally legal isn’t going to keep you from getting arrested. Laws also differ when it comes to selling hemp and transporting it by state.

Hemp is still cannabis and might have a strong odor of marijuana leading to confusion of some law enforcement officers. You could be subject to a background check if you apply to grow hemp which can have fees associated with it.

A grower will also have to have their hemp checked to make sure it contains under a certain threshold of THC to be considered hemp rather than marijuana.

You’ll Need A Large Piece Of Land

Farming hemp is going to require a large piece of land of at least 50 acres to make it profitable. Personal growers can get by on far less but commercial farmers understand the more land the better when it comes to hemp. Security of the land is also very important as it could be suspected you are growing more than hemp.  

Hemp is truly amazing for farmers that do not want to contaminate their crops with pesticides. Organic farmers love to grow hemp due to it being pest-resistant and growing so fast that weeds are not an issue.

The lack of attention in terms of handling these plants to ensure their growth makes it a quite attractive option for a potential crop. Hemp can be a great plant to rotate into your crops as it is hearty and will not strip the soil of all of its nutrients.

Finding The Right Hemp Seeds 

The last thing a hemp farmer wants is to get seeds that result in plants with too much THC. There are seeds that are actually certified to have low THC levels. Do not risk purchasing seeds that are cheaper rather than going the certified route to ensure the success of your crop. 

The genetics of the seeds you purchase are also going to directly impact your overall yield. Certain strains of hemp yield far more than others.

Make sure the seeds that you select have a great yield and can thrive under the conditions the plants will be grown in. This is different than marijuana where people might start their plant in a cup then transfer it to the pot it will finish growing in.

You Might Need Special Machinery

Farming equipment will do the job most of the time with hemp but there are issues with clogging. Processing hemp stalks is something that needs to be done by a specialty company as it can damage traditional equipment.

Cannabis can be quite sticky which can lead you to need to make custom tweaks to your current equipment. Remember that you can unclog cannabis with rubbing alcohol quite easily when combined with some salt.

Drainage Matters When Growing Hemp

Drainage is going to matter when it comes to hemp. Warmer climates allow hemp to thrive but this can come with downpours in states like Florida or Louisiana. Avoid putting hemp seeds in pots as you want to put the seed where it is going to grow.

Hemp grows so quickly that you are going to be surprised as to how much the plant has grown in a matter of weeks. Figuring out how long it takes to grow hemp will matter on the seeds you purchased as the flowering phase differs by strain.

Get Your Hemp Tested At A Lab

Getting hemp tested by a lab might be required if you are growing hemp on the commercial level. For home growers, getting this tested can ensure you are growing hemp as a little too much THC can have you growing marijuana. The last thing you want is to get into any type of legal trouble.

Growing hemp with massive CBD levels can be quite profitable as deriving CBD oil out of the hemp is a possibility. CBD oil is a hot commodity in today’s world as it helps provide relief to people suffering from a number of medical conditions.

FAQs On Growing Hemp

Figuring out what to know about growing hemp is one of the first battles you’ll have. A hemp plant is relatively durable especially when surrounded by other health plants in a hemp field. Mold can still be a problem that can derail a crop and ruin revenue for a cannabis hemp business in the matter of a season. So whether you have a hemp garden or farm, the following questions and answers will be important:

• What Does Hemp Look Like?

Hemp looks like other forms of cannabis like that of marijuana. The two can be easily confused as the aroma is also similar.

• What Are The Best Hemp Seeds For Growing?

Going to an online seed bank that also sells marijuana seeds is important. You don’t want to rely on non-certified seeds which can land hemp growers in a bit of trouble. Other hemp farmers might be able to point you in the right direction unless you are required to purchase seeds from a specific place due to state laws.

• How Long Does It Take To Grow Hemp?

Hemp is going to take 90 to 120 days from seed to plant whether you are using industrial hemp seeds or seeds you have bred. This is comparable to marijuana which takes around the same amount of time from seed to harvest.

• Is Growing Hemp Legal?

Growing hemp does have different laws around the country so checking with your state’s laws is extremely important. There are quite a few hoops to jump through to be licensed to grow hemp. This also helps answer the question, can I grow hemp in my backyard?

• What Is Hemp Used For?

Hemp can be used for clothing, rope, medicine, and biofuel. The versatility of this plant whether you are growing hemp indoors makes it quite appealing.

• Can You Smoke Hemp?

Yes, you can smoke hemp as this is the way a number of people use it to medicate. There are plenty of edibles and topicals that include hemp. Skincare products are now using hemp-derived products as they can be a natural remedy. Hemp cigarettes have also found popularity as a way to break the addiction to nicotine cigarettes while providing relief as CBD has been known to do.

• Is Hemp Weed?

No, hemp is not marijuana although it is a cannabis plant. The THC levels are what differentiates hemp from weed. There are a number of hybrid strains that contain both high CBD levels and THC levels but this will be considered marijuana due to the THC.

• Does Hemp Get You High?

No, there are only trace amounts of THC which is the psychoactive compound in marijuana. For this reason, the federal government legalized hemp as it used to be illegal due to its relation to marijuana.

•  Does hemp have THC?

Hemp does in fact have under 0.3 percent THC and needs to have this level if it is to be considered hemp. All hemp is going to be tested by local entities if the business already is not sending their product to third-party labs.

• What is CBD hemp oil?

CBD hemp oil is derived from hemp and from marijuana as both forms of cannabis contain CBD. CBD has been linked with bringing people relief from a plethora of medical conditions. Even pets have seen relief from CBD oil as it can help with joint pain and anxiety in both humans and dogs. Always make sure you are getting your CBD from a reputable company though as you don’t want to fail a drug test due to THC levels being too high.

• Do hemp plants have buds?

Yes, there are going to be buds on hemp plants. This will look so similar to marijuana which is why testing is always important. Certified seeds and lab tests could be the only ways to prove you are growing hemp. The untrained eye will just seed the hemp as marijuana although the smell might not be as potent as some marijuana strains.

• How do I get started with hemp farming indoors?

For those that want to grow hemp for themselves, you are going to need the right growing setup. Not everyone can grow hemp outdoors as neighbors could report them due to thinking they are growing marijuana. You are going to need a reliable grow tent, a good lighting system, nutrients, and soil. The most important aspect of all of this is finding the right seeds as your entire crop could be crippled if you acquire seeds with poor genetics.

The cannabis industry does not just rely on marijuana as hemp is gaining ground in terms of popularity. The fact that it can be used for so many different industries can allow a business to expand their revenue streams. The cannabis industry is going to continue to grow and skilled cultivators can ensure job security for years to come.  

Learn How to Grow Hemp at Cannabis Training University

Growing any type of cannabis is going to take experience and attention to detail.

Figuring out how to grow hemp comes with researching state laws as you will find quite a bit of information online. Laws on how to grow hemp in NC are going to differ vastly from states like Iowa that have quite strict hemp laws in the past. 

CTU has classes that can help you cultivate the best hemp or marijuana of your life. Learning how to grow cannabis online provides you with the convenience of learning from home. Our faculty has put together extensive courses that can help you with every stage of the growing process.

Gavin Kushman

Gavin is a worldly adventurer and cannabis connoisseur, embarking on journeys that take him to the far corners of the globe to explore and document the varied effects, flavors, and histories of both renowned and lesser-known strains. From the misty high-altitude farms of the Hindu Kush highlands to the vibrant cannabis cafes of Amsterdam, Gavin's quest for knowledge spans continents. A recognized authority in the cannabis industry, he frequently lends his expertise to leading publications such as Cannabis Training University, where his captivating blog articles chronicle his unique experiences with different cannabis strains.