On Dec. 12, Congress passed the 2018 Agriculture and Nutrition Act, better known as the farm bill, which is awaiting President Trump’s signature. The important legislation amends the classification of hemp as a Schedule I drug.
This legislation defines hemp as all parts of the plant less than 0.3% THC, including derivatives, extracts and cannabinoids. Hemp is now deemed an agricultural commodity and is no longer classified as a controlled substance.
It is important for the public to understand that hemp is not legal to grow or process in Alabama until a plan is developed and approved by the United States Secretary of Agriculture.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will require participating states to include information on applicants, testing procedures, inspection of growing/processing facilities and disposal procedures.
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) will work in consultation with the governor’s office, the attorney general’s office and law enforcement agencies to create a plan of action regarding statewide regulation. Upon approval from USDA, ADAI will administer permits for growing and processing.
“I am happy that hemp production was addressed at the federal level,” said ADAI Commissioner John McMillan. “In 2016 we were tasked with administering the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act by the state legislature. The process has been complicated, but with the farm bill amendment we can move forward with a more unified plan.”
The 2016 Alabama law and subsequent rules approved by the department will be reviewed and amended to comply with the requirements of the new federal legislation.
To learn more about the program and to stay informed on the status, visit agi.alabama.gov.