Many people across the country are growing their own marijuana, thanks to recent legislation changes. This includes states like Michigan and Colorado.

Recent clarifications, thanks to the Farm Act of 2018, also made the distinction between marijuana and hemp. These clarifications have made hemp cultivation legal, as well as the use of CBD across the country, as hemp is just marijuana plants containing less than 0.3% THC.

Now that CBD is legal, many are growing their own hemp. Wondering how to grow hemp in Florida? Keep reading our hemp growing guide below to see if you should invest time and energy into your own hemp growing operations. 

Is Florida Hemp Growing Legal?

Buying and using CBD is legal around the country, period. This is true so long as the CBD is derived from hemp plants, which contain less than 0.3% THC. It would make sense that anyone could grow hemp, since it’s not illegal, right?

Well, in Florida, it’s still a bit complicated. While consumers can buy CBD, they can’t grow their own hemp just yet. 

Growing hemp is reserved for commercial operations, and is limited in number across the state. Those looking to grow hemp need to apply for a limited cultivation license with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

How to Grow Hemp in Florida

Hemp plants are the same plants as marijuana plants but without THC. So they can be grown in the same conditions, with the same methods.

The bulk of Florida’s soil is perfect for the hemp plant, as it offers sandy soils with great irrigation. Hemp plants get big, so plant them no closer than three feet apart.

When buying hemp seeds, make sure to choose a cultivar suited to growth in Florida. Cultivars that excel in the Northwest, for example, won’t do great in Florida. 

As your plant matures, you’ll want to ensure you get rid of the male plants as soon as possible, since they don’t produce CBD and limit your CBD output. 

Also, be sure to test the CBD production in your plants weekly. You need to ensure your plants are going to remain less than 0.3% THC, or you can face more serious consequences. 

Should You Spend Your Energy in Florida Growing Hemp?

If you have a farm and receive a license to grow hemp, then by all means do so. Cultivating hemp on a commercial farm is a full-time business.

But those who are interested in home growing as a hobby, for personal CBD use will need to wait. You probably shouldn’t break the rules and grow your own. Especially when CBD is readily available across the state.

You can learn about CBD in Florida, where to find it, and what you can expect in the future in the sunshine state here. 

Get CBD the Easy Way

Now that you have an idea of how to grow hemp in Florida, you can decide if it’s right for you. Since cultivation is limited to commercial farms with the right license, home growing isn’t advised.

It’s too much work anyway since CBD is readily available across the state from dispensaries, grocery stores, health food stores, and more. 

Looking for more information like this? Head over to our blog now to keep reading.