Founded in 2014, the American-Alb Hemp Company (AAHC) made history as Albania's first industrial hemp enterprise. In 2018, AAHC achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the country's inaugural import license for industrial cannabis seeds.
By 2019, AAHC took another groundbreaking step by planting Albania's first legal industrial cannabis crop. Fast forward to 2022, and the company registered two industrial cannabis varieties in Albania’s National Variety Catalog, further solidifying its role in the industry.
In 2023, AAHC is actively conducting variety tests on seven different industrial cannabis varieties. This crucial work aims for their registration in the National Variety Catalog, paving the way for future growth and innovation in Albanian agriculture.
Industrial cannabis, commonly known as industrial hemp, refers to specific varieties of Cannabis sativa cultivated exclusively for industrial and commercial purposes. According to Albanian Cannabis Law 61/2023, industrial hemp is defined as industrial cannabis containing no more than 0.8% THC, the psychotropic compound found in cannabis plants. This low THC content makes industrial cannabis varieties a non-narcotic plant with a wide array of practical uses and benefits. Historically significant, it has been utilized for thousands of years in textiles, ropes, paper, food products and even traditional medicines. Today, its versatility continues to shine through various applications such as fiber production for sustainable textiles, biofuels as renewable energy sources, innovative building materials like hempcrete and nutritious food options rich in essential fatty acids. With its minimal environmental impact and potential for economic growth, industrial cannabis stands out as a key player in promoting sustainability and addressing modern challenges.