USDA Approves Alaska Hemp Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) last week approved Alaska’s hemp plan, allowing the state’s hemp farmers to market their products nationwide for the first time.

Division of Agriculture Director Dave Schade noted that “almost every legislator and the governor have supported the establishment of the hemp industry in Alaska.”

“The goal is diversification of Alaska’s economy with the addition of a new crop for our farmers. Industrial hemp is one crop where Alaska is not years behind the Lower 48 in development.” — Schade in a statement

Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) said state officials see “great opportunities in local, national and international markets” for ‘Made in Alaska’ hemp products.

“As food security, and all of agriculture, is a high priority of my administration, I am excited to see what production and markets develop in Alaska,” he said in a press release.

A Leafly report published last year found cannabis cultivated for adult use is the state’s highest-value cash crop.

Under the USDA-approved plan, the production, manufacturing, and sale of all industrial hemp products require registration with the Alaska Division of Agriculture, and any persons or companies found to be operating without complying with Alaska statutes and regulations will face immediate enforcement action, the Department of Natural Resources said in a press release.

According to Alaska Division of Agriculture figures, there were more than 250 entities registered to cultivate hemp in the state through 2021 under its pilot program.