hemp

Hemp Program

The Georgia Legislature recently passed SB 494, which Governor Kemp subsequently signed into law. This law introduces substantial changes to the hemp industry. The Georgia Department of Agriculture is in the process of drafting the corresponding and required agency rules. Please continue to check this page for updates as information is available.

In the meantime, please utilize our Hemp Comments and Questions Form to submit any input on Georgia’s updated hemp statutes and the upcoming rulemaking process.

Highlights

  • Important Recalls

    On June 12th, 2024, the CDC issued an alert using the Health Advisory Network (HAN # 509) regarding several reports of severe illness potentially associated with consuming Diamond ShruumzTM brand chocolate bars, infused cones, and micro- and macrodose gummies.

    On June 28th, 2024, the manufacturer, Prophet Premium Blends, issued a recall stating that these products contain Muscimol.

    Prophet Premium Blends Recalls Diamond Shruumz Products Because of Possible Health Risk
    Prophet Premium Blends of Santa Ana, California is recalling Diamond Shruumz Infused Cones, Chocolate Bars, and Gummies (Micro- and Mega/Extreme-Dose), because such products contain Muscimol, a chemical found in mushrooms of the genus Amanita; Muscimol could be a potential cause of symptoms consiste
    www.fda.gov

     

    As of June 28, 2024, thirty-nine cases have been reported, including twenty-three hospitalizations across twenty states. Eight of these cases are in Georgia. 

    A variety of severe health effects have been reported after consuming Diamond ShruumzTM brand products, including seizures, decreased level of consciousness, and respiratory failure. Other symptoms people have experienced include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hallucinations, uncontrolled movements, abnormal heart rate (e.g., too fast or too slow), high or low blood pressure, excessive sweating or secretions, and flushed skin

    Contact your health care provider or Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) if you have symptoms.

    Additional Information

  • Important Deadlines

    2024 Hemp Program Deadlines

    2024 Annual Reporting 
    Hemp Licensees must report all Plantings, Harvests, and Disposals by December 1st of each year. We strongly recommend growers submit reports throughout the year to GDA. Remember, site reporting must be completed BEFORE renewing for 2025. Renewals will open on November 1st.

    FSA Reporting Due July 31, 2024 
    Licensed Hemp Growers are required to provide crop information to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). You must obtain your field numbers through your local FSA office by July 31, 2024. Please visit USDA FSA Offices in Georgia if you are unsure how to contact your local FSA office.

  • About this Program

    About this Program

    The Georgia Hemp Farming Act was passed in 2019. This Act allows hemp cultivation and processing within the state. Individuals or businesses may obtain a Hemp Grower License or Hemp Processor Permit and are subject to the Georgia Hemp Grower and Processor Rules. License or permit holders must renew every year they wish to grow or process hemp in.

    Upon obtaining a license or permit, holders are subject to additional program requirements including:

    • Sampling and Laboratory Testing
    • Disposal or Remediation of Non-Compliant Hemp
    • Compliance Inspections
    • Farm Service Agency (FSA) Reporting (Growers only)
    • GDA Planting and Site Reporting (Growers only)
    • Other requirements as described in the Act and the documents below

     

  • FSA Reporting

    FSA Reporting

    All licensed hemp growers in Georgia must report crop information to the USDA Farm Service Agency (or FSA). The deadline established by FSA for this information is July 31 each year. Please visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Georgia/index if you are not sure how to contact your local FSA office. You will need your FSA information for the GDA Planting and Site Reporting.

    Below is some basic information that producers need to provide when reporting acreage to FSA:

    • Crop and crop type or variety.
    • Intended use of the crop.
    • Number of acres of the crop.
    • Planting date(s).
    • Planting pattern, when applicable.
    • Producer shares.
    • Irrigation practice(s).
    • Acreage prevented from planting, when applicable.
    • AMS License Number- if not already on file with FSA
    • Other information as required.
  • GDA Planting and Site Reporting

    Reporting

    All licensed hemp growers in Georgia must complete planting and annual reporting requirements for each of the grow sites listed on a license. Reporting is required regardless of whether you grew or not that year. If you grew you will need to provide the Farm, Track, Field, and Sub-Field numbers you were assigned by your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).

    All site reporting will be completed on the Department’s Hemp Licensing System. Log in with your email and password. Site reports must contain the following information:

    • Planting
    • Harvesting
    • Disposal and remediation (if applicable)

License Types

Hemp Grower

You need a Hemp Grower license if you are an individual or business that wishes to grow hemp in Georgia.  If you grow hemp and process it yourself, you need both a Hemp Grower license and a Hemp Processor permit.

Hemp Processor

You need a Hemp Processor permit if you are an individual or business that wishes to process hemp in Georgia, including hemp that you grow yourself.

Licenses for this Program

Laws & Regulations

Contact Us

Growers and Processors

Resources