Hemp, a variety of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, has emerged as a significant agricultural commodity across the United States. It is legally distinguished from marijuana by its chemical composition, specifically requiring a concentration of no more than 0.3% of the psychoactive compound Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry weight basis. This versatile plant is cultivated for three primary purposes: its strong outer fibers, its nutritious grains and seeds, and the extraction of various non-intoxicating compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD). The plant’s rapid growth and adaptability to diverse climates have fueled its resurgence.
The Legal Foundation for U.S. Cultivation
The return of hemp farming was enabled by a significant federal policy shift, cemented by the passage of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill. This legislation formally removed hemp from the federal Controlled Substances Act, reclassifying it as an ordinary agricultural crop. Previously, all forms of Cannabis sativa were considered Schedule I substances, severely restricting cultivation and research.
The 2018 Farm Bill established a regulatory framework overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This framework delegated primary regulatory authority to individual states and tribal nations. States were required to submit plans for monitoring and controlling hemp production within their borders, including procedures for testing THC levels and licensing growers, allowing farmers nationwide to begin growing the crop under state-specific rules.
Geographic Hotspots: Leading Hemp Producing States
Hemp cultivation has expanded significantly since the 2018 legislation. In a recent year, the total planted area reached over 27,000 acres nationally, with more than 21,000 acres ultimately harvested. This production volume is highly concentrated in a handful of states that have embraced the crop.
The Mountain West and Plains states currently account for the greatest total acreage under cultivation. South Dakota has emerged as a leader, followed closely by Montana and Oregon. These states benefit from large tracts of agricultural land and climates suitable for large-scale production. California and Missouri also rank high in total planted acres.
While planted area fluctuates annually, the top states consistently represent a large portion of the national total. The concentration of production in these areas reflects a combination of favorable state regulations, established agricultural infrastructure, and advantageous environmental conditions.
Regional Variation in Cultivation Purposes
The location of hemp cultivation is heavily influenced by the specific end-product being grown, leading to distinct regional specializations. Hemp grown for cannabinoid extraction, often referred to as floral hemp, requires intensive cultivation methods similar to specialty horticulture. This type of farming typically uses closer spacing and requires significant labor for harvesting the cannabinoid-rich flowers.
Western states with arid, sunny climates, such as Oregon and California, have historically led floral hemp production, often alongside Kentucky in the Southeast.
Conversely, hemp grown for fiber and grain utilizes traditional row-cropping techniques and machinery, favoring large-scale operations in the Midwest and Plains. Fiber hemp is cultivated for its long, strong stalks, and the primary growing regions include South Dakota, Montana, and Missouri. These fiber crops are often planted densely to encourage tall, straight growth.
Grain hemp production follows a similar pattern, thriving in the traditional grain-producing regions of the Midwest, including the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Nebraska. The seeds from these crops are harvested for their nutritional value, yielding oil and protein for food products. The success of fiber and grain production in these areas is largely due to the compatibility of hemp with existing farm equipment and the well-established infrastructure for processing bulk agricultural commodities.