The tabling of the Industrial Hemp Bill 2015 today is another demonstration of the Hodgman Liberal Government’s commitment to growing agriculture, removing unnecessary red tape, encouraging investment and creating jobs.
The Industrial Hemp Bill supports the growth of the industrial hemp sector through simplified regulation of the industry. As it stands, the current regulation under poisons legislation, is a barrier to industry growth.
This Government has listened to the concerns of the industry.
The Bill will establish a regulatory framework that supports the expansion of the sector, while not overburdening it with unnecessary regulation.
This Bill will finally cut the unnecessary red tape and recognise industrial hemp is an agricultural crop, while not compromising law enforcement of illicit cannabis.
The Bill will establish robust and simple licencing, including:
It is important to note, that this Bill is focussed on low-THC varieties of cannabis, which are grown to extract fibre and oil, and have no value as a drug.
This Bill has been developed following extensive consultation and collaboration with the industry, including the Industrial Hemp Association of Tasmania, TFGA, Tasmania Police and other stakeholders.
As a Government we are also continuing to advocate for a lift of the federal prohibition of hemp food products. We have long been advocating for the use of low-THC hemp in food, which would present a huge opportunity for our farmers. In July, the Health Minister secured agreement at the Australian and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation for work on this issue to be accelerated. This would be another great crop opportunity for our agricultural industry.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to growing our competitive strengths, like agriculture, and supporting the expansion of industrial hemp will help us to reach our target of growing the value of our agriculture produce to $10 billion by 2050, which will create jobs for Tasmanians.
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