Hemp Licensing Changes Will Make It Easier For Farmers To Grow

The UK government has updated regulations for growing industrial hemp to assist farmers and promote investment in the sector.

Hemp, which is legally defined as cannabis with less than 0.2% THC, is grown for various legal purposes, such as in construction and textiles. 

The changes aim to make it easier for licensed farmers to cultivate hemp and extend the maximum licensing period from three to six years.

Licensing changes

The government has also asked the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to provide advice on whether the THC permissible in industrial hemp varieties could be safely raised to 0.3%.

The new adjustments, developed in consultation with farmers, include the option to apply for a licence with a delayed start date of up to one year.

These updates are set to take effect for the 2025 growing season. 

Official data reveals a significant increase in hemp licences, from six in 2013 to 136 in 2023.

Economy boost

Farming Minister Mark Spencer expressed optimism about the potential of industrial hemp in the UK, highlighting its capacity to generate revenue, expand the bioeconomy, and provide environmental benefits.

Under the Home Office’s “industrial hemp” licensing scheme, hemp can only be cultivated outdoors for fibre and seed production. 

Growers intending to utilise controlled parts of the plant (i.e the leaves and flowers/buds) for legal purposes, such as pharmaceuticals, must obtain a standard cannabis cultivation licence.

Processing the flowers for CBD or to sell as “CBD flower” will remain illegal. 

An initial hemp licence costs £580 and is issued for three growing seasons, while repeat growers pay £326, equivalent to less than £109 annually.

🌿 Sign up to our weekly newsletter to keep up to date with the latest UK cannabis news, product reviews, and insider tips…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *