Good soil moisture is essential for seeds to germinate and young plants to become well-established. Michigan has many opportunities for farmers to sell their products, but some obstacles have prevented the state from becoming a major hemp producer. With 13,225 acres planted and 553 licensed producers, farmers have been unable to form a network as the state does not publicly include industry participants. However, there is no explicit law that prohibits smokable hemp, and farmers can sell it to licensed marijuana processors, so there is room for growth.
Florida appears to be one of the most promising states in the US when it comes to growing hemp. After suffering losses in various agricultural areas, the state has intensified its strategy to regulate CBD. Agricultural officials visit crops for the benefit of consumers, and these regulations give farmers an advantage over other states. The 16,000 authorized acres are expected to increase in the coming years.
North Carolina has a long tradition of growing tobacco, so it was well-prepared for the hemp boom that occurred after legalization. There are 16,433 licensed acres and many farmers are focusing on producing CBD oil and smokable hemp. This last product survived an attempt to ban it by regulators, thanks to pressure from the hemp producer community. Illinois agriculture industry welcomed the hemp industry with open arms and set to work with 26,264 acres planted; the state aspires to become one of the biggest producers.
However, they are not without difficulties due to last year's overproduction. Because of this, the state relaxed regulations on the sale of marijuana to processors and the use of CBD oil in food. The state has been resting on its laurels with respect to CBD regulations. There is still no legal framework for food additives with CBD and there is concern about cross-pollination with legal marijuana crops.
However, with 32,504 acres planted, California is on track to succeed in the hemp business, honoring its long agricultural tradition. Arizona has 34,000 acres planted, demonstrating its ability to grow hemp in different seasons, not just one season. In reality, hemp does not need very high-quality soil, but it does need other conditions for optimal growth. States that are too hot, too dry or flooded frequently are less ideal for growing hemp; however, they are not impossible. In the short term, successful and responsible hemp cultivation should include hemp as a rotational crop due to its sustainable insertion in large scale agriculture and nitrogen fixation and agricultural sanitation characteristics.
States located in the center of the East Coast such as Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina are ideal for planting hemp. States that are good for producing flaxseed oil are also very good for producing hemp since both plants have similar needs. Hemp also requires good soil moisture for seeds to germinate effectively and for plants to grow strong enough to produce. That means that Northern Plains states such as Montana, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin also offer pretty good conditions for hemp cultivation. But what makes outdoor hemp growing conditions good? A place with a mild climate is best for growing hemp; preferably a little humid (think of a place with at least 25-30 inches of rain a year).
