The Ohio Department of Agriculture will administer a newly-created hemp program after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 57.

Gov. DeWine signed the bill on Tuesday, which allows for the cultivation of industrial hemp and legalizes the manufacture and sale of CBD products derived from it. 

In a release from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Shelby Croft says the hemp program sets up a licensing structure for farmers who are interested in growing the crop and those interested in processing it. 

It also allows universities to grow and cultivate the crop for research purposes. ODA says it will also be testing CBD and hemp products for safety and accurate labeling to protect Ohio consumers.

For more information, ODA has created a web page to explain the hemp program.