The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is now accepting applications from eligible producers, farmers, and universities interested in growing industrial hemp.  ADAI is also accepting applications from prospective industrial hemp processors.

In 2016, the Alabama Legislature passed the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act, Section 2-8-380 Code of Alabama 1975, tasking the department of agriculture with the development of a licensing and inspection program for the production of industrial hemp.  As provided in Section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill, industrial hemp may only be grown as part of a research or pilot project.

Industrial Hemp is Cannabis sativa L., the same plant species as marijuana.  However, industrial hemp has significantly lower tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content and is distinguished by its use and chemical makeup.  Presently, in Alabama the cultivation and possession of marijuana is prohibited, and both the medicinal and recreational uses of marijuana are illegal. 

“The pilot program will develop critical research data on industrial hemp production,” said Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate.  “The Department’s objective is to establish a strong research pilot program under the 2014 Farm Bill provisions, which will allow producers to consider industrial hemp as a future alternative crop.” 

You can download an application for completion at www.agi.alabama.gov/s/industrial-hemp.

Source: The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.