The Alaska Department of Natural Resources released updated regulations on Thursday for the Alaska Industrial Hemp Program as the State takes on primary authority over regulation and production from the USDA, simplifies the application and registration process, and expressly prohibits the sale of hemp products containing delta-9 THC or non-naturally occurring cannabinoids.
The Alaska Industrial Hemp Program, housed within DNR’s Division of Agriculture, is intended to grow the knowledge of how industrial hemp production, cultivation and marketing may increase agricultural production in Alaska and contribute to the state’s economy. The program also tests and approves (“endorses”) which industrial hemp products may be manufactured and sold in Alaska, and collects comprehensive reports from all growers that are shared with the USDA. Examples of industrial hemp products include paper, ropes, linens, textiles for clothes, and CBD oil or lotion.
“These revised industrial hemp rules increase safety for Alaskan children and protections for the regulated cannabis industry in our state,” said DNR Commissioner John Boyle. “The Industrial Hemp Program was never intended to allow intoxicating products, which are rightfully regulated for the recreational market in Alaska by the Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office.”
Key changes:
- Removes all references to a “pilot” program
- Streamlines application and registration process
- Makes it illegal for growers, manufacturers and retailers in Alaska to sell industrial hemp products containing delta-9 THC intended for human or animal consumption
- Confirms the Division of Agriculture will not endorse any industrial hemp product containing delta-9 THC
- Various other conforming updates
“I’m proud of the Division of Agriculture team who undertook a comprehensive review of the original industrial hemp pilot program regulations, listened to industry and public comments, incorporated their feedback, and modernized the regulations,” said Bryan Scoresby, Director of the Division of Agriculture. “Adopting updated regulations eliminates a gray area in Alaska law, better reflects the intent of the Industrial Hemp Program, and will protect the health and safety of Alaskans.”
The new regulations go into effect on Nov. 3, 2023.
Authorized by the Alaska Legislature in 2018, the Division of Agriculture designed and conducted a pilot industrial hemp program supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Hemp Production Program. The division identified what varieties of hemp were best suited to commercial cultivation in Alaska, created a registry of hemp farming/manufacturing/retail operations in the state, and issued the original regulations in 2019.