Hemp (Cannabis sativa L., <0.3% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is legal to cultivate and process in Florida with appropriate permits administered by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Find permitting information here: fdacs.gov/hemp

Investigating an Emerging Crop for Florida Growers

The University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hemp Program aims to support the future viability and sustainability of the hemp industry through research & extension. Efforts include assessment of the crop, cropping systems, and their ecological and economic impacts. The UF/IFAS Pilot Project was conducted 2019-2021 with funding from industry support. UF/IFAS has also been sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to research crop nutrient applications to help improve crop production and protect Florida’s water resources. The initial UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Project was approved by the Board of Trustees at the University of Florida back in 2018 and was permitted in 2019 for cultivation. Research with hemp in both field and controlled environments continues at multiple UF/IFAS research facilities across the state in addition to on-farm efforts with project partners.  Grower education activities are also being offered virtually and in-person at UF/IFAS and industry-sponsored events.

What is Hemp?

Hemp is a Cannabis sativa plant that has been cultivated for 10,000 years as a fiber and grain crop with modern applications for textiles, building materials, seed oil, and essential oil. It is not marijuana as it contains total THC that does not exceed 0.3 percent per dry weight. THC is the psychoactive chemical that at higher levels defines marijuana.