Hemp processors are required to file a surety bond with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (DOA) as a licensing requirement. The Hemp Processor Bond assures the DOA and the State of Ohio that in the case of a processor’s insolvency or license revocation/suspension, the processor’s financial obligation to hemp cultivators will be fulfilled should there remain any shortcomings.
Jet Insurance Company offers this bond in accordance with the Department of Agriculture’s mission to support agriculture within the state by satisfying the obligations of a hemp processor when they have failed to do so.
The price of the bond starts at $25 per month or $250 per year, but is dependent on the bond limit needed and the hemp processor’s personal credit. The bond limit is based on how much raw hemp materials are bought by the processor. If it is $100,000 or less in materials purchased in a one year, the bond limit is $10,000; more than $100,000, the bond limit is $20,000. The chart below shows rates for an applicant with preferred credit at both bond limits.
Hemp Material Purchased | Monthly | 1 Year Term | 2 Year Term |
---|---|---|---|
$100,000 or less | $25 | $250 | $350 |
More than $100,000 | $40 | $400 | $700 |
With Jet, you can choose our exclusive month-to-month payment plan and won’t have to worry about renewing your bond while operating as a licensed hemp processor.
Applying for this bond is easy with Jet! Our online application only asks for the required information for the bond. Among this is general business information and a social security number in order to do a soft credit check (without any hits on your credit score).
Once the application is complete, it will be reviewed by a Jet underwriter. They will either come back with a quick approval (in most cases) or require some additional financial information to determine eligibility and rate.
The bond can be purchased online through a link we will send to your email. You will receive a digital copy of your bond and a receipt after processing. The bond form will need to be uploaded along with your license application through the portal. Additional documents may be filed to:
Ohio Department of Agriculture
Hemp Program
8995 E Main St
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
An active bond needs to be on file with the Department for the entire three years of the license term. When it’s time to renew your bond, Jet will send you a notice through mail and email. Within minutes, you’ll be able to verify the information for your renewal and submit payment for the new term.
With monthly payments, you don’t even need to worry about renewals — every automatic payment that goes through keeps your bond active. If your bond limit has increased or decreased, let Jet know right away and we will adjust the rate and make appropriate filings to the DOA.
As for cancellations, you can request to cancel your Hemp Processor Bond through writing. An email to [email protected] would work. Jet will notify the DOA of the cancellation and they will start the 30-day window before it is complete. Payment will continue until that date; then, monthly payments will end and annual bond terms may be reviewed for a prorated refund.
The Hemp Processor Bond exists so that when a hemp processor has their license revoked or suspended or goes bankrupt, hemp cultivators will not be left without payment. The best way to avert revocation or suspension is to prevent license issues with the Department of Agriculture. Hemp processors must oblige processor licensing regulations in Chapter 901:14-2 of the Ohio Administrative Code and meet the standards for hemp products in Chapter 928 of the Ohio Revised Code.
The State of Ohio can file a claim on the bond to fulfill the processor’s obligation to hemp cultivators. If a claim is filed against you, make sure to tell Jet right away! Our team will begin an investigation into the accusation to check if it’s valid as prescribed in the Ohio Administrative Code 3901-1. During this time, you will need to be open and honest in communications and provide any paperwork for your defense. Jet will also be communicative, responding within 21 days. The investigation can go up to 90 days, but additional time may be requested in 90-day increments.
If the claim is deemed valid, Jet is obligated to pay the claim on your behalf. Since your actions led to the filing of the claim, you are still responsible for paying Jet back in the amount that was paid out from the claim.