Hello,

We wanted to update you on the status of Ohio’s hemp rules. Hemp processor surety bonds. On Thursday, January 16, 2020 the rules were passed through the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). The rules will go into effect on Wednesday, January 29.  ODA will begin accepting applications for cultivating and processing shortly thereafter.  There are steps you can take now to prepare for the application process:

• Cultivators are required to register as an operator with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to ensure the land/tract is properly identified within the farm record system.  Cultivators will also be required to file a hemp planting report with the FSA.  To locate an FSA office, please visit the FSA website: https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?service=page/CountyMap&state=OH&stateName=Ohio&stateCode=39

Hemp Processor Surety bond

• Hemp processors need to obtain a surety bond. This can be done through an insurance agent.  All licensed processors who purchase raw, unprocessed hemp must demonstrate their financial responsibility in the form of a surety bond.  The bond must be in the amount of either $10,000 or $20,000 and meet the requirements found in OAC 901:14-2-07.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Ohio Department of Agriculture Hemp office at 614-728-2101 or email us at hemp@ohio.agri.gov. Hemp processor surety bond.

Sincerely,

David E. Miran, Jr. Esq.

Executive Director, Hemp Program

Ohio Department of Agriculture

8995 East Main Street

Reynoldsburg, Ohio  43068

hemp@agri.ohio.gov