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Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. For centuries, its fibres have been used to make ropes, sails and clothing. The species was banned in North America in the 1930s because its leaves and flowers contain a hallucinogenic drug known as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It was banned internationally in 1961 under the United Nations' Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
In 1998, Canada created Industrial Hemp Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. These regulations allow for the controlled production, sale, movement, processing, exporting and importing of industrial hemp and hemp products that conform to conditions imposed by the Regulations.
Under the Regulations, industrial hemp seeds must be of a variety listed in Health Canada's List of Approved Cultivars. Plants and plant parts may not contain more than 0.3% THC when sampled and tested in the approved manner. Products made or derived from hemp must not contain more than 10 micrograms of THC per gram. Industrial hemp stalks, with leaves and flowers removed, and non-viable hemp seeds (grain), are exempt from the Act.
Anyone found in possession of hemp plant parts - other than the stalk and non-viable grain, without the appropriate licence - is in possession of a controlled substance and may be charged under the Act.
Industrial hemp may only be grown under licence from Health Canada. Leaf or seed residue found in vehicles or machinery, without the proper licences, may constitute possession of a controlled substance in Canada or elsewhere. Thorough cleaning of vehicles and equipment is required under the Industrial Hemp Regulations.
Industrial hemp licences are issued for a calendar year only and must be renewed if product is carried into the new year. Hemp licences are only valid in Canada. Transporting product in any form to another country, including the United States, may constitute an offence in that country.
Figure 1: Power-washing the combine to remove illegal material.
Licences to grow industrial hemp are issued for crops of 4 ha (10 acres) or more. Seed breeding and small-scale experimental activities may be carried out using Breeder or Research permits only. Applicants for any commercial hemp licence must submit a current police criminal record check with their licence application.
Because industrial hemp is a controlled substance, every aspect of its handling, production and marketing is controlled by licences issued to the operator. Information about varieties, licences and regulations may be obtain from the Health Canada's web site or by contacting:
Agdex#: 153/20 Publication Date: 08/00
Order#: 00-067 Last Reviewed: 08/00
Title: Growing Industrial Hemp in Ontario
Division:
Agriculture and Rural
History: Replaces Infosheet "Growing Industrial Hemp"
Written by: W.J. Baxter - Alternate Uses & Feasibility Analysis Program Lead/OMAF;
Gordon Scheifele - University of Guelph
Table of Contents
Introduction
Development of the Industry
Description
Varieties
Soil Conditions
Seedbed Preparation and Planting
Fertility
Weed Control
Diseases and Pests
Harvesting Fibre Hemp
Retting and Turning
Baling and Storing
Grain Harvesting Followed by Fibre Harvesting
Economics of Production
Acknowledgements
Related Links
Introduction
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. For centuries, its fibres have been used to make ropes, sails and clothing. The species was banned in North America in the 1930s because its leaves and flowers contain a hallucinogenic drug known as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It was banned internationally in 1961 under the United Nations' Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
In 1998, Canada created Industrial Hemp Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. These regulations allow for the controlled production, sale, movement, processing, exporting and importing of industrial hemp and hemp products that conform to conditions imposed by the Regulations.
Under the Regulations, industrial hemp seeds must be of a variety listed in Health Canada's List of Approved Cultivars. Plants and plant parts may not contain more than 0.3% THC when sampled and tested in the approved manner. Products made or derived from hemp must not contain more than 10 micrograms of THC per gram. Industrial hemp stalks, with leaves and flowers removed, and non-viable hemp seeds (grain), are exempt from the Act.
Anyone found in possession of hemp plant parts - other than the stalk and non-viable grain, without the appropriate licence - is in possession of a controlled substance and may be charged under the Act.
Industrial hemp may only be grown under licence from Health Canada. Leaf or seed residue found in vehicles or machinery, without the proper licences, may constitute possession of a controlled substance in Canada Original (full) Document
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