Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recently announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has launched a new database that allows Iowans to apply for or renew their hemp licenses online for the 2021 growing season. The deadline to apply for the 2021 growing season has been extended to May 1.

The hemp online licensing system is the latest in a series of technology investments by IDALS to make it faster and easier for Iowans to obtain their annual licenses.

"The Department is committed to investing in new technologies, like this online hemp licensing system, to continue modernizing our processes. It also allows the department to provide better customer service to Iowans applying for or renewing their hemp licenses," Naig said.

The new online system also offers benefits for law enforcement officials. Hemp licenses and certificates of analysis will include a QR code to make it easy for law enforcement to scan and determine the authenticity of the documents quickly.

Individuals who are interested in growing, selling or transporting hemp or hemp seed in Iowa must obtain an annual license. For detailed instructions on how to apply for a hemp license, visit iowaagriculture.gov/hemp.

The commercial hemp production program does not license cannabidiol (CBD) products for human consumption, extraction or processing in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals regulates consumable hemp products. Additional information for retailers and processors is available at dia.iowa.gov.

Growers are advised to do their research and confirm there is a viable, profitable market for commercial hemp production before they make an investment in seed and equipment. For more information about the state's hemp program, contact the program administrator Robin Pruisner at [email protected].

Source: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, which is responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and its subsidiaries aren't responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.