Grow Hemp in Alaska
1) What is the purpose of the State of Alaska Industrial Hemp Pilot Program?
The new law authorizes the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through the Division of Agriculture, to create an Industrial Hemp Pilot Program to research the growth, cultivation, and marketing of industrial hemp. The purpose of the pilot program is to increase the knowledge of how industrial hemp production, cultivation, and marketing may increase agricultural production in Alaska and contribute to our economy.
2) What are some commercial uses of industrial hemp?
According to the Congressional Research Service publication, Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity, published March 10, 2017, hemp is found in 25,000 products in nine submarkets: agriculture, textiles, recycling, automotive, furniture, food and beverages, paper, construction materials, and personal care. Its uses are numerous. Hemp is used in fabrics and textiles, home furnishings, construction and insulation materials, auto parts, and composites. Hemp is used in animal bedding, material inputs, papermaking, and oil absorbents. Hemp can be an alternative food and feed protein source. Oil from the crushed hemp seed is used in soap, shampoo, lotions, bath gels, and cosmetics. Hemp is also being used in nutritional supplements and in medicinal and therapeutic products. Hemp has also been promoted as a potential biodiesel feedstock and cover crop.
3) How do I apply for participation in the Industrial Hemp Program?
Once regulations for the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program regulations are adopted, interested parties will be able to apply to participate as registrants in the pilot program. Applications will be reviewed and approved by the Division of Agriculture in compliance with statutory and regulatory standards
4) Will there be fees associated with the industrial hemp pilot program?
Yes. All applicants for registration must pay a fee. The new law, Ch. 5, SLA 2018, requires that the cost of regulating industrial hemp in Alaska be completely covered by those fees. The regulations will address fee amounts.
5) As a registrant of the pilot program, will I be required to have my industrial hemp or hemp products tested?
Yes. All industrial hemp grown, harvested, or processed will require testing, paid for by the registrant, to validate compliance with the requirement that it not exceed the 0.3 percent THC threshold.