The Ohio Department of Agriculture Hemp Program is now accepting applications for hemp cultivation licenses. The application window will be open through March 31, 2023. New applicants and current licensees can apply through the hemp licensing portal on ODA’s website. All current cultivation and non-university research licensees must also complete the annual update form by March 31, 2023.

Background checks are required for applicants and key participants submitting an initial application - and - new key participants being added to an existing license. Please note that applicants and all key participants must obtain both a BCI and a FBI background check. Please visit one of Ohio’s WebCheck locations listed here to obtain a background check. Please select “Licensing for hemp cultivation and processing,” “hemp,” or  reason code “928 03” from the drop-down menu when visiting a WebCheck location.

ODA will process applications in the order they are received. ODA is not able to expedite review of applications. Please complete all parts of the application thoroughly and accurately to ensure the application is processed in an expedient manner. If any portion is missing, incorrect, or otherwise deficient, ODA will send an e-mail notifying the applicant of the deficiency. The application will only be considered once the deficiency is corrected through the online portal. Applicants have 30 days to correct deficiencies or the application is considered abandoned.

Please contact the Hemp Program at hemp@agri.ohio.gov or at (614) 728-2101 if you have any questions.