Licensing changes make it easier for farmers to grow hemp in the UK

Published 2024년 4월 10일

Tridge summary

The UK government has announced significant reforms to the industrial hemp licensing regime, aimed at bolstering the hemp industry and supporting farmers, while ensuring safeguards against drug misuse. Recognizing hemp's potential in sectors like construction, textiles, and its role in mitigating climate change through carbon capture, the new regulations will permit the cultivation of hemp across entire licensed farms and extend the maximum licence duration from three to six years, provided compliance is maintained. With a notable increase in hemp licenses, these changes, effective from the 2025 growing season, are expected to unlock the economic benefits of hemp cultivation in the UK. Furthermore, the government is contemplating an increase in the allowable THC content in industrial hemp to 0.3%, while continuing to enforce strict regulations on cannabis possession and supply.
Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Changes to industrial hemp licensing will support regulated farmers to grow hemp and encourage investment in the industry, while continuing to protect the public from drug misuse, the government said. Hemp is a variety of cannabis containing less than 0.2% THC. It has a number of lawful purposes, for example, in construction and textiles, and could potentially impact climate change through carbon capture. To make sure this is only grown for strictly legal purposes, farmers who wish to grow hemp must have a licence. This way the government aims to balance supporting farmers and protecting the public from drug misuse. Under the planned changes, licence holders will be able to grow hemp anywhere on a licenced farm, and the maximum period for a licence will be extended from three to six years, subject to compliance with the terms of the licence. The number of hemp licences has grown from six in 2013 to 136 in 2023. A first-time licence costs £580. They are issued for three growing ...

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