The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill established industrial hemp as an industrial commodity—no longer a controlled substance—in the state of Alabama. Farm Bill legislation defines hemp as all parts of the plant less than 0.3% THC, including derivatives, extracts, and cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol—or THC— is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. The cultivation and production of industrial hemp is illegal without a grower’s permit obtained from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI). Similarly, the sale of hemp plants (seeds, clones, or transplants) is illegal without a dealer’s permit from ADAI.

The ADAI, Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES) are partnering to provide growers with production information and growing guidelines. Applications for each growing season are available through the ADAI. Hemp applications will be open to growers, processors/handlers, and universities. Applications are only accepted once a year in November for the following growing season. The application period for 2021 has closed.

Alabama Extension professionals will be providing guidance to Alabama hemp growers through the cultivation and harvesting season. Extension personnel are able to collect or transport samples for identification or analysis if needed.