NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's Department of Agriculture plans to hold a public hearing to gather input on the permitting and regulation of industrial hemp.

The department says the purpose of the Nov. 18 hearing is to gather public comment on the department's commitment to fulfill the requirements of a state law to develop a licensing and inspection program for the production of industrial hemp.

The department says industrial hemp is found in a variety of products, including fabric, textiles, fibers and pharmaceuticals.

More than 30 nations grow industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity.

The meeting is scheduled to be held at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville.