The Plant Health section regulates industrial hemp cultivation in Michigan for purposes ranging from fiber, grain, and microgreens, to floral material and cannabinoid production.
Below is a brief update from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) hemp grower registration for 2026:
RENEWING APPLICANTS:
MDARD mailed out 2026 renewal applications during the week of December 29, 2025, to all businesses registered in 2025. As a reminder, your current registration is valid through January 31, 2026. If you did not receive your renewal application, please contact 800-292-3939.
NEW APPLICANTS:
If you were not registered in 2025 and would like to apply for a Hemp Grower Registration, download an application online. Once your application is approved, your registration will be valid starting February 1, 2026. If you need a new registration covering any days before February 1, write this on your application and know you would need to apply again for a registration starting February 1.
Please be advised, MDARD will not issue registration unless all past sampling fees, testing fees, and administrative fines have been paid. If you need an invoice emailed to you again, please call 517-241-6001 (Accounting Service Center, invoicing and credit card payment) or 517-290-0077 (Plant Health Admin, invoicing).
Preharvest and remediation sampling performed by Plant Health Inspectors will continue to be charged as $150 per site visit. Testing of these samples by MDARD’s Geagley Laboratory will be charged at a new fee of $150 per sample beginning January 1, 2026.
Currently, several bills regarding hemp continue to be under consideration, and we will share updates as soon as more information becomes available. MDARD will continue to implement the state’s registration program for hemp growing until authorized by a legislative change to move the program to U.S. Department of Agriculture.
If you have any questions regarding the program, please call MDARD at 800-292-3939. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding.
Thank you,
MDARD Industrial Hemp Program
Hemp Grower Registration Notice to Municipalities
Please be advised, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will notify the appropriate local municipality(ies) when MDARD issues a hemp grower registration in their jurisdictions. Unlike laws and regulations regarding marijuana licensure, businesses do not have to submit paperwork to MDARD showing they meet or have necessary permits (for zoning, electrical, hazardous materials storage, etc.) to obtain hemp registration. Because municipalities may enforce distinct zoning ordinances on commercial or agricultural use of property, or other regulations or ordinances for hemp facilities, MDARD determined that notification to local municipalities of any registered industrial hemp growers in their jurisdiction should be performed to assist them with ordinance compliance efforts.
Please contact the following agencies accordingly:
