The word “hemp” often has a negative connotation in states like Alabama where marijuana is illegal. The plant has many other industrial uses, however, and could eventually be a major cash crop for the state.

This week, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries announced it is accepting applications from farmers and universities interested in growing industrial hemp as part of a pilot program. The department is also taking applications from prospective industrial hemp processors.

The door to hemp production in Alabama was first opened by the 2014 farm bill, which defined how industrial hemp differed from marijuana. The bill also specified industrial hemp could be grown as part of a research or pilot project. Two years later, the Alabama Legislature passed the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act, which included the development of a licensing and inspection program for the production of industrial hemp.

What is it and how is it used?

Industrial Hemp is Cannabis sativa L., the same plant species as marijuana. Industrial hemp, however, has significantly lower tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, the psychoactive ingredient that makes one high, and is distinguished by its use and chemical makeup.

Hemp is most often processed for rope, yarn and fabric. The seeds, which can be eaten, can also be used to produce fuels, paints and detergent.

Commodity once again

The 2018 farm bill, which took effect this month, removed hemp from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s list of Schedule I drugs and instead treats it as an agricultural commodity.

The fact ADAI is seeking hemp growers does not change the fact that cultivation and use of marijuana is still illegal in Alabama.

“The pilot program will develop critical research data on industrial hemp production,” said Commissioner 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.”

Grow it here?

State Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, who chairs the Agriculture and Forestry Committee, said any Alabama farmer can apply to the program, but added the initiative was developed to help those in rural counties.

He said despite what the farm bill says, state law may have to be changed to transport raw hemp across state lines to out-of-state hemp mills.

“This has a chance to increase economic development in poorer counties,” he said. “Limestone County would not be prohibited (from applying) but I don’t see that as something our farmers would utilize.”

Crawford said it’s likely Limestone farmers make more from soybean and cotton production that they would from hemp. He added it’s also “terribly expensive” for a farmer to retool their operation to accommodate a new crop.

How to apply

Those interested in applying for an industrial hemp grower license may download an application at https://bit.ly/2AYf8ak. The completed form, along with a nonrefundable $200 application fee, should be mailed to:

Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Industrial Hemp Program, Attn: Christel Stewart, 1445 Federal Drive, Montgomery, AL 36107.

Upon notification that the application has been accepted into the program, applicants must submit a participation fee of $1,000 to the ADAI within 10 business days.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2CDi3p8 or call 334-240-7100.