North Carolina Industrial Hemp Program Registered Processors
What Is a Registered Processor?
Under the North Carolina Industrial Hemp Program, a registered processor is a person or business that has been authorized by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) to handle harvested hemp material. Processors transform raw plant materialsuch as stalks, leaves, flowers, or seedinto a variety of marketready products, including fibers, oils, extracts, edibles, and animal feed.
Registration ensures that processing activities comply with state and federal regulations, particularly the requirement that the final product contain less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It also provides a reliable tracking system that helps lawenforcement and regulators confirm the legality of the hemp supply chain.
Why Register?
- Legal compliance: Only registered processors may legally receive, store, or transform hemp in North Carolina.
- Access to certified material: Registrants can purchase hemp biomass directly from licensed growers.
- Market credibility: Being on the stateapproved list signals to buyers and partners that the processor follows best practices.
- Eligibility for state assistance: Some grant programs and technical assistance initiatives are limited to registered entities.
How to Become a Registered Processor
The registration process consists of several clear steps:
- Create an account on the NCDA&CS Hemp Online Portal.
- Submit an application that includes:
- Business name, address, and contact information
- Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- List of intended processing activities (e.g., extraction, fiber production)
- Facility layout and security plan
- Proof of liability insurance
- Provide a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) showing how THC levels will be monitored and kept below the legal threshold.
- Pass a background check for key personnel and owners.
- Pay the application fee (currently $200 for a twoyear registration).
- Await approval: The department typically reviews applications within 3045 days. Once approved, a registration certificate and a unique processor ID are issued.
Obligations of Registered Processors
After registration, processors must adhere to ongoing requirements:
- Recordkeeping: Maintain detailed logs of all hemp batches received, processed, and shipped. Records must be retained for at least three years.
- THC testing: Perform mandatory thirdparty testing on each batch before further distribution. Test results must be uploaded to the state portal.
- Security: Keep the processing site locked and limit access to authorized personnel only. Video surveillance is recommended.
- Labeling: All finished products must display the processors registration number, batch number, and a THC content statement.
- Reporting: Submit a quarterly summary report that includes total volume processed, product categories, and any incidents of noncompliance. < /ul>
Types of Processing Allowed
North Carolinas regulations distinguish between industrial and commercial processing. Registered processors may engage in any of the following activities, provided they stay within the THC limit:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fiber & Textile | Decortication, spinning, weaving, production of hemp rope or fabric. |
| Seed Processing | Cleaning, dehulling, oil pressing, production of hemp meal or protein powder. |
| Extraction | CO or ethanol extraction of cannabinoids for CBD oil, isolates, or broadspectrum products. |
| Food & Beverage | Infusion of hemp seed oil into sauces, bakery products, nutraceuticals, and beverages. |
| Animal Feed | Grinding stalks and leaves into feed pellets or adding hemp seed meal to livestock rations. |
List of Currently Registered Processors (as of 2024)
Below is a representative sample of processors that have completed registration. For a full, uptodate list, visit the NCDA&CS official processor directory.
- Blue Ridge Hemp Co. Asheville, NC Fiber & textile processing.
- Tar Heel CBD Labs Raleigh, NC CO extraction and broadspectrum CBD oil.
- Piedmont Hemp Seed Mill Greensboro, NC Seed cleaning, oil pressing, protein powder.
- Carolina Hemp Foods Wilmington, NC Hempinfused snacks and baked goods.
- Triad Animal Nutrition WinstonSalem, NC Hemp meal and pellet production for livestock.
- Mountain View Hemp Textiles Boone, NC Yarn spinning and ecofabric manufacturing.
- Coastal CBD Extracts Morehead City, NC Ethanol extraction for CBD isolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a processor also be a grower?
Yes. A single business can hold both a grower license and a processor registration, but the two activities must be documented separately. Separate recordkeeping and testing logs are required for each role.
What happens if a batch exceeds 0.3% THC?
The batch must be immediately quarantined and destroyed or returned to the grower. The incident must be reported to NCDA&CS within 24 hours, and the processor may face fines or a suspension of their registration.
Do I need a separate license for each type of processing?
No. A single processor registration covers all allowed activities, as long as they are listed in the original application and the SOP addresses each operation.
Are there any statefunded grants for new processors?
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture periodically offers lowinterest loans and grant programs aimed at expanding hemp processing capacity. Check the grant page for current opportunities.
How long does testing take?
Certified laboratories typically return THC results within 57 business days. Some labs offer expedited 48hour service for an additional fee.
Resources and Helpful Links
North Carolina Industrial Hemp Program Registered Processors and Reference File Download L...
North Carolina Statewide Technical Architecture and Reference File Download Link
North Carolina Science Festival Event Host Guide and Reference File Download Link
North Carolina Office Of The Commissioner Of Banks and Reference File Download Link