Source: abc.net.au
Tasmanian Industrial Hemp Association president, Phil Reader
The Industrial Hemp Association in Tasmania says changes to laws regarding the growing of hemp will open up the industry in the state.
Association president Phil Reader said for years industrial hemp had been positioned under the Poisons Act, but the change would now mean hemp is regarded as an agricultural crop.
The new laws also mean an increased THC threshold, bringing Tasmania in line with most other states, plus an extension of licensing for five years.
"We've been working for a long time on this and I give the government credit for passing the new laws before the end of the year," Mr Reader said.
"From now on we'll be dealing with one government department instead of five government departments.
"I've had a lot of people contact me for information about growing industrial hemp, but an expansion of the crop won't happen overnight.
"Everything has to fall into place with people wanting to buy the product, and the development of downstream processing," Mr Reader said.
"Farmers now have a clearer picture of the future, and obviously we are waiting for approval for industrial hemp as a food crop."
Industrial hemp crops in Tasmania are traditionally planted in November, and about a dozen growers are part of the small industry in the state.
Mr Reader said the industry now had big potential through the new laws, but he would not compare its potential to the multi-million dollar poppy industry.
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