Anyone looking to grow hemp plants commercially in Maine must receive a license from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Visit this website for more information.
What is Hemp?
Hemp is low-THC Cannabis sativa that is grown for CBD, fiber, food, and more. It is legal to grow in the US, but it is regulated, and you need a license to grow it.
Considerations and Best Practices for Farmers’ Market Managers
Any person who wants to sell hemp products at a farmers’ market must be either,
- A licensed grower, or
- Sourcing their hemp from a licensed grower
If the licensed grower is selling unprocessed plant parts, then no further licensing is needed. Legal hemp must be grown under a state license and all lots of hemp harvested must be tested by the state at the end of the season to ensure that it contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Market organizers can ask hemp vendors for a copy of their hemp farming license and State of Maine COA.
If the hemp is altered in any way, the hemp food producer should seek out appropriate licensing from the state depending on what type of food they plan to make.
Mobile Vendor license – can be applied for via this link. This is required for all food vendors at market, aside from farmers selling only unprocessed produce.
Vendors wishing to prepare or serve food on site must obtain a license from the Department of Health and Human Services Health Inspection Program (HIP). Read more here.
Many thanks to Erica Haywood from LoveGrown Hemp in helping MFFM compile this information.