Hemp has been legal to cultivate since 2016 in Massachusetts. In 2018, the state established a permitting process and issued 13 licenses to grow hemp. In 2019, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has issued 102 licenses to grow and process hemp in the state.

In June 2019, Massachusetts House has passed a bill that expands the definition of agricultural land to include hemp so farmers can receive the tax and protection benefits as other farmers and allows farmers with agricultural deed restrictions on their land to grow hemp.

The Massachusetts Hemp Program is currently operating under a State Plan approved by USDA under the Interim Federal Rule on May 7, 2020. Under the state laws, any person intending to plant, grow, harvest, or process Industrial Hemp in Massachusetts must obtain a license issued by MDAR.

Currently, there are 3 different license types available for growers, processors, and those engaged in both growing and processing:

• Producer (Grower) – for qualified applicants interested in the growth and propagation of industrial hemp. Each license costs $100 per application plus $300 licensing fee per location.
• Processor – for qualified applicants interested in the processing of harvested industrial hemp into hemp products or hemp seed. Each license costs $100 per application plus $300 licensing fee per location.
• Grower and Processor – for qualified applicants interested in the growth, harvesting and processing of industrial hemp. Each license costs $100 per application plus $500 licensing fee per location.

Processors may only use Industrial Hemp from a Massachusetts licensed Grower, unless otherwise authorized by federal law, and will require documentation demonstrating that such federal authorization is permitted.

On October 4, 2021, MDAR released policy updates and guidance documents that give guidance to Massachusetts’ licensed hemp growers, processors, and cannabis retailers licensed by the MA Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) regarding the wholesale sale of hemp-derived products from MDAR licensed entities to CCC licensed entities, and the retail sale of hemp-derived products by CCC licensed agents (MA marijuana retailers).

In 2022, 11 grower, 43 processor and 39 dual licenses have been issued. According to the National Hemp Report, 26 acres were planted.

Massachusetts Hemp Industry Infographics

Massachusetts Cannabis Market