Alaska proposes bi-level THC testing fees in long-delayed hemp rule draft

Alaska wants to reward hemp farmers who use certified varieties with lower THC testing fees, a national first in the state’s long-delayed proposal for regulating commercial production.

The proposed regulations – issued more than a year after Alaska authorized hemp cultivation – gives would-be entrepreneurs a first look at how much it could cost to produce and process hemp.

The proposal includes different THC testing fees for certified and non-certified hemp varieties.

Alaska grew hemp before statehood, according to early notes from U.S. visitors, and the state joined the modern hemp industry in 2018 when Gov. Bill Walker signed a law allowing commercial production.

But Alaska has been slow to implement the law, leaving the state out of the current hemp and CBD boom. It did not record any production in 2018.

Some important points in the Alaska proposal:

• Hemp THC testing would cost $200 for certified-seed varieties, or $1,200 for non-certified varieties.
• Hemp growers would pay annual licensing fees of $200.
• Hemp processors would be divided into those making products for human and animal consumption, and those making non-consumable fiber products.
• Hemp processors making consumed products such as CBD or food products would pay $750 a year.
• Hemp processors making non-consumed products such as fiber would pay $250 a year.

The Alaska Division of Agriculture will accept comments on the proposed rules until July 3.