The Georgia Hemp Farming Act, signed into law by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp on April 30, goes into full effect tomorrow, October 1st.

Sponsored by Sen. Sam Watson and overwhelmingly supported in the Senate and House, the law introduces licensing requirements for hemp growers, processors, manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) oversees all aspects of the hemp industry, including cultivation, processing, testing, and sales within 500 feet of K-12 schools.

The legislation enforces new regulations on packaging, advertising, testing, and labeling of consumable hemp products, as well as prohibits sales to individuals under 21. Growers must provide detailed information on their cultivation sites, with a grower license fee of $50 per acre.

Those planning to process hemp must also obtain a permit with a $25,000 fee.