In a significant policy shift, the UK government has accepted the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs' (ACMD) recommendation to raise the permissible tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in industrial hemp from 0.2% to 0.3%. This change aligns the UK with international standards set by the European Union, the United States, Canada, and China.
The ACMD concluded that increasing the THC limit would provide access to a broader range of hemp varieties, potentially yielding economic and environmental benefits. The government plans to implement this change as part of a broader reform package for the industrial hemp sector, aiming to enhance the crop's contribution to the UK's net-zero carbon emissions targets through its high carbon sequestration capacity.
Additionally, the government has agreed to apply the lower licensing fee of £580 to cultivators growing hemp with THC levels up to 0.3%, reducing financial barriers for farmers and encouraging expansion in the industry.
These reforms are expected to stimulate growth in the UK hemp industry by providing farmers with greater flexibility and access to diverse hemp varieties, enhancing competitiveness in the global market. The environmental benefits, particularly in carbon sequestration, further underscore the positive impact of these changes on the UK's sustainability goals.
The Home Office will conduct an assessment of the impact of this legislative change after two years to ensure that the benefits are realized and any unintended consequences are addressed.
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