The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has opened the application process to apply for an industrial hemp license.

According to ADAI, hemp growers, processors, handlers and universities may apply for the license with the department through its online application process. The final day designated individuals and entities will be able to apply for an industrial hemp license is November 29, 2021.

The state legislature in 2016 passed the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program, which charged ADAI with the creation of a licensing and inspection program for industrial hemp production. Upon the passage of The Agriculture Improvement Act in 2018, otherwise known as the farm bill, the state’s program launched the following year.

Alabama hemp growers, processors/handlers and universities may apply for an industrial hemp license from the Department of Agriculture & Industries starting today, October 12, 2021. Application deadline is November 29, 2021 by 5:00 p.m. (CT). Apply at https://t.co/glmi1Fjlou. pic.twitter.com/6PyVoitgPq

— AlaAgriculture (@AlaAgriculture) October 12, 2021

The farm bill saw hemp receive a declassification as it was rescheduled as a schedule I drug as an agriculture commodity. Due to the legislation, hemp is now considered to be all parts of the plant which contains less than 0.3% THC, including derivatives, extracts and cannabinoids.

Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate (R-AL) stated that his department’s intention with the program is to ensure it is administered in an efficient manner.

“This is the department’s fourth year to administer the hemp program,” said Pate. “It has always been our goal to manage the program in a fair and timely manner to benefit Alabama farmers and hemp producers and develop industrial hemp as an alternative crop.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL