1. How do I apply to grow hemp?
The 2025 application period is not yet open. The application requirements include: a criminal background check, South Carolina residency, and an application fee. Full details can be found here.
2. How many acres can I use to grow hemp?
The number of acres a Permitted Hemp Farmer can farm is not limited by state law. However, all acreage on which a farmer intends to plant must be on record with SCDA prior to planting or growing.
3. Do I have to be a South Carolina resident to farm hemp?
To be a Permitted Hemp Farmer, you are required to be a State of South Carolina resident. The address submitted on the application must be linked to a South Carolina address and is cross-checked with the results of the background check. Other proofs of residency may also be required by SCDA.
4. How do I apply to be a Hemp Processor?
Those seeking to process hemp in South Carolina must obtain a South Carolina Dealer and Handler License (NOT a Hemp Handler Permit) and a South Carolina Weighmaster License as well as a Hemp Processor Permit. Separate fees and requirements apply. The Hemp Processor application and other information are available here.
5. What if I’m not farming or processing hemp, but I’m still planning to work with hemp in some way?
SCDA has a permit category for hemp handlers. There are several categories of Permitted Hemp Handler:
- Warehouse/Storage/Drying Facility
- Transporter
- Laboratory
- Seed Dealer/Supplier
- Other (Broker, R&D, Sales Rep)
Separate fees and permit requirements apply. More information about the Hemp Handler Permit is available here.
6. Can I process hemp if I only have a Hemp Farming Permit?
No. A hemp farming permit does not allow a farmer/grower to process their own hemp or another farmer’s hemp. A separate processing permit is required and is a part of the South Carolina State Plan.
7. Can hemp be transported across state lines to be processed?
Yes. Per USDA’s interim final rule on hemp released in October 2019, states and Indian tribes may not prohibit the interstate transportation or shipment of hemp lawfully produced under a state or tribal plan or under a permit issued under the USDA plan.
8. Can I sell hemp plants to other hemp farmers?
Permitted hemp farmers who wish to sell hemp plants, clones or transplants to other permitted farmers or out of state must obtain a Live Plant Certification from Clemson University. For licensing information, please visit Clemson’s Nursery and Dealer Licensing page or contact Nursery Programs Coordinator Negar Edwards at 864-646-2126 or nedward@clemson.edu.
**All information is subject to change or being further clarified and cannot be considered legally binding. This information is for advice/planning purposes only.
SCDA is the regulatory department charged with administering the South Carolina Hemp Farming Program as authorized by SC Code Ann. 46-55-10 et seq. and the SC State Plan. Please be advised that SCDA is a regulatory body and is not in a position to offer business guidance, educate individuals about the production of hemp, or serve as a platform for participants to advocate for policy or law changes.
