Alabama producers interested in growing hemp in 2023 should be aware that permits are only available between Oct. 11 and Nov. 30.
Any production or cultivation of hemp without a grower’s permit acquired from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is deemed illegal.
Hemp is a large herbaceous plant that is grown industrially for seed, fiber and flower. All commercially grown hemp must contain less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.
Hemp farmers should also remember that Alabama Extension produces various resources in collaboration with ADAI. These include grower meetings that are available every winter, starting in January.
There will be six hemp meetings across the state. Refer to the Alabama Extension calendar to see when and where the events will take place.
Aspiring hemp growers should be ready to perform extensive manual labor and monitoring. The ongoing battle of hemp pests (i.e., insects, weeds and diseases) can be draining. There are approved products to combat pests that may be found on a hemp crop.
For more information on growing hemp in Alabama, search for hemp on the Alabama Extension website. Growers may also contact Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, with questions about Alabama hemp.