Industrial Hemp Cultivation

The Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures (AWM) regulates the cultivation of industrial hemp – just like other crops – to ensure proper registration, planting, harvest, destruction, and sampling/testing for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). AWM also inspects nurseries that grow industrial hemp for proper licensing, pesticide use, and packaging, as well as invasive pests, hemp seed cleanliness, and stormwater compliance. The County has no jurisdiction to regulate agricultural odors or land-use matters in incorporated cities.

Registration

California law requires that all growers and breeders of industrial hemp register with AWM before cultivation. The Industrial Hemp Cultivation Program is administered at the State level by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). 

Registration applications can be found on CDFA’s Industrial Hemp Program website, under “Forms.”

All registrants must comply with California’s laws and regulations. Any cultivation without a valid registration violates the law.

For more information, please contact AWM's Industrial Hemp Cultivation Program at (858) 614-7786 or AgStandards.awm@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Resources

CDFA California Industrial Hemp Program

CDFA Frequently Asked Questions

California Industrial Hemp Law

California Industrial Hemp Regulations

For more info on cannabis, please see the County’s Socially Equitable Cannabis Program.