We all know that cannabis is one of the most buzzed about plants, with legal Canadian adult recreational use set to take effect on October 17, 2018. This change is opening a brand new, legal, multi-billion dollar market. But don’t forget to keep your eye on the other newly legalized plant: hemp. Alongside the new Cannabis Regulations, Canada’s Industrial Hemp Regulations have been updated and are set to come into effect in October as well. There are some significant changes and new opportunities coming to hemp producers here in Canada.
Canada first licensed hemp, which are cannabis plants that have less than 0.3% THC in the leaves and buds, for commercial purposes in 1998, based on an interest to help the promote the Canadian agricultural and industrial sectors. Under the old industrial hemp rules, the branches, leaves, and flowering heads were to be destroyed after harvest, effectively wasting significant value from the plant. As of October 17, 2018, the new Industrial Hemp Regulations will come into force, allowing hemp producers use or sell these plant parts. They may sell these to another Licencee under the Hemp Regulations or Cannabis Regulations.
Canada is currently the world’s leading industrial hemp grower. The US has been prevented from capitalizing on hemp production due to a mixed and challenging set of laws. While this is currently the case, it looks like this will change soon. In the US, the Senate has passed the Farm Bill, which has provisions to legalize the cultivation, processing and sale of industrial hemp. While this bill is not yet finalized, this the time for Canadian producers to capitalize on the updated Canadian industrial hemp regulations and laws.
Other highlights of the updated Industrial Hemp Regulations coming into effect as of October 17, 2018 include:
Given all the changes coming in the cannabis and hemp markets both domestically and abroad, this is a great time to look to how best capitalize on the upcoming cannabis boom and to not forget the other plant under debate, hemp. While this is all exciting, the regulatory environment is complicated and ever-evolving these days. Have questions? Contact dicentra Cannabis Consulting for more information!
dicentra Cannabis Consulting is committed to keeping you well informed and educated on the Cannabis Act and the cannabis regulatory framework. We are committed to providing you with news, updates and information as the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations come into force on October 17, 2018 and into the future. For any cannabis related questions, please contact us at 1-866-647-3279 or info@dicentra.com.