November 09, 2022

Alabama Accepting 2023 Applications for Growing, Processing Hemp

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Alabama hemp growers, processors/handlers and universities may now apply for an industrial hemp license from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI). Applications will only be accepted online through the Kelly Registration System (KRS). The application period began Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, and the final day to apply for an industrial hemp license is Nov. 30, 2022, by 5:00 p.m. (CST).

In 2016, the Alabama Legislature passed the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act, Section 2-8-380 Code of Alabama 1975, tasking ADAI with the development of a licensing and inspection program for the production of industrial hemp. The program launched in 2019, after The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (i.e. Farm Bill) declassified hemp as a schedule I drug and deemed hemp as an agriculture commodity. This legislation defines hemp as all parts of the plant containing less than 0.3% THC, including derivatives, extracts and cannabinoids.

“This is the department’s fifth year to administer the hemp program. It has always been our goal to manage the program in a fair and timely manner to benefit Alabama farmers and hemp producers and to develop industrial hemp as an alternative crop,” says Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate.

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