A decree allowing the cultivation of industrial cannabis for use in textiles, paper and other products is expected to be signed by the authorities before the end of the week.
Speaking to the media, Minister of Agriculture Nicos Kouyialis confirmed that European legislation allows the cultivation of specific hemp plants for industrial purposes. He added that Cyprus is obliged to harmonise its law with the EU as at present the cultivation of all forms of cannabis is prohibited on the island.
"I hope that soon the decree will be issued and signed as necessary by the Minister of Health. The decree has been revised by the Legal Services and once it signed it will end this fiasco."
Authorities were on alert earlier this week after news that two farmers - in the Nicosia and Limassol districts - had already started cultivating industrial cannabis without the proper authorisation and even applied to the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation for funding.
Drug Squad (YKAN) officers raided the three hectare farm in Nicosia on Tuesday and inspected the premises before taking samples of the hemp plants which are being examined at the State Laboratory. Koyialis explained that once the decree is signed cultivation of industrial hemp will be allowed but only under strict EU regulations. "If the investigation reveals that these farmers have broken regulations then the state will take appropriate action against them."
Solon Gregoriou who has started cultivating cannabis in Limassol said he purchased the seeds for his first crop from a French company and signed for them at a post office in Cyprus in the presence of Green party MP George Perdikis.
He added that industrial hemp could help Cyprus ailing economy while combating unemployment through the creation of new job positions.
Manager of the Nicosia hemp farm Maria A said many farmers in Cyprus are ready to start growing hemp for industrial purposes.
"Cyprus should have harmonised this law in 2005 but there have been many hurdles."
Commissioner of the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation Payment Costas Petrides described media controversy over the two hemp plans as a lot of fuss over nothing.
"Industrial cannabis does not contain any narcotic substances and cannot harm anyone."
Industrial hemp has many uses, including paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food, and fuel and is produced in over thirty countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France and Germany.
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