Hemp is not a weed. It doesn’t get you high.
Sarah Williams of the Sacred Seeds Foundation discussed the future of industrial hemp in Alaska with Ag Matters host Ken Hoffman. Williams believes hemp could become a major economic driver for the state.
She explained that industrial hemp can be misunderstood because of its association with marijuana. Both come from the cannabis plant family. However, hemp contains low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound that produces a high.
Hemp is not intoxicating and legal for industrial use. She says hemp has potential in Alaska. Uses range from housing materials and clothing to fishing nets, biofuel, animal bedding, and food products.
Williams moved to Alaska in 2009 from Oregon. She became involved in cannabis advocacy after Alaska legalized marijuana in 2014.
She shared her personal journey with cannabis. It helped her manage trauma and mental health challenges. However, after struggling with addiction and negative mental health effects tied to heavy cannabis use, she shifted her focus from recreational cannabis to industrial hemp as a healthier and more sustainable opportunity for Alaska.
That vision led to the creation of the Sacred Seeds Foundation. It officially launched earlier this year. The organization advocates for development of industrial hemp, food sovereignty, and local agriculture across the state. Williams believes Alaska relies too heavily on imported goods and volatile industries like oil. She sees hemp as a way to diversify the economy while supporting local communities.
One of the group’s goals is a manufacturing facility called Green Build Composites in Houston. The facility would process hemp into building materials such as hempcrete, insulation, fiberboard. It could expand to products like flooring, doors, rope, clothing, and fishing nets. Williams says hemp-based construction materials are naturally insulating, mold resistant, pest resistant, and fire resistant. These qualities are valuable in Alaska’s climate.
The organization hopes to connect hemp production with healthcare funding. Profits Green Build Composites would support future “Living Waters Wellness Centers.” These centers would provide preventative and diagnostic healthcare services focused on identifying root causes of illness instead of simply treating symptoms.
Williams says the first step is finding farmers willing to grow hemp. Although industrial hemp became legal in Alaska in 2019, only small pilot projects and trial acreage exist around the state. Sacred Seeds is working with farmers to help them navigate regulations, create business plans, and find buyers for their crops.
Hemp’s versatility is a selling point. Williams explained that hemp can be processed into flour, bread, pasta, ice cream, biofuel, biodegradable plastics, and even battery materials. Hemp seeds are rich in protein, omega-3s, omega-6s, and essential amino acids, making them a nutritious food source for both people and animals.
For Alaskans interested in getting involved, Williams encouraged listeners to connect through the Alaska Farm Bureau hemp program or visit Sacred Seeds Foundation online and on social media. She acknowledged the industry faces challenges. She says that Alaska needs bold new ideas and long-term economic vision.
Williams closed with a message of optimism, saying industrial hemp may not be an easy path, but it could help create a stronger, more self-sufficient Alaska for future generations.
Find the full interview with William on bigcabbagradio.org in Ag Matters under podcasts.
Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 6 p.m.
Tune in at 89.7 in Palmer, 89.5 in Sutton, 88.3 in Chickaloon and Glacier View or online at bigcabbageradio.org.
Please support Page 2 News. Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org.
This Page Two article was reported by Mike Chielewski and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Wednesday May 20, 2026.