An Alaska bill making a series of changes to the state’s industrial hemp program has become law without the signature of Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy.
Senate Bill 208 became law on August 10 after Dunleavy neither signed nor vetoed the measure. The Alaska Legislature now lists the bill as Chapter 60 of the 2026 Session Laws of Alaska.
Under the Alaska Constitution, a bill automatically becomes law if the governor takes no action within the allotted review period. When the Legislature is in session, the governor has 15 days, excluding Sundays, to sign or veto a bill. Alaska lawmakers convened a fourth special session on July 27, several days after SB 208 was transmitted to Dunleavy on July 23.
The new law establishes tiered categories for hemp growers, including a micro-grower designation for those cultivating less than one-quarter acre or fewer than 200 plants. Micro-growers are eligible for reduced or waived fees and scaled reporting, testing and inspection requirements.
The law also establishes risk-based testing frequencies, allows hemp to be harvested for up to 30 days after samples are collected and eliminates in-state transportation requirements for shipments between registered participants when accompanied by approved documentation.
Hemp testing above the federal limit of 0.3% delta-9 THC but no higher than 1% may be retained and reconditioned, remediated or converted to a nonintoxicating industrial use. Crops testing above 1% are subject to destruction.
Enforcement provisions prioritize corrective action, including written notice and an opportunity for growers to address violations before penalties, suspensions or registration revocations are imposed.
The measure also specifies that Alaska’s marijuana tax does not apply to compliant industrial hemp or products made from hemp containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis.
SB 208 passed the Senate 20-0 in May before being amended and approved by the House 39-1. The Senate subsequently voted 17-3 to concur with the House changes.
The law includes several provisions unrelated to hemp, including changes governing the sale and lease of state land for agricultural purposes. It also designates the O-S Cross cabbage, commonly called the giant green cabbage, as Alaska’s official state vegetable.
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