Hemp Around the World

Below is a list of countries around the world that have legalized (or never outlawed) the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp. While the list is a bit out of date, it is clear that most of the industrialized world is moving ahead with hemp cultivation while the USA remains mired in the politics and polices of the past.

Source: hemphousemaui.com

Australia allows research crops. And in Victoria, Australia commercial production is now licensed.

Austria has a hemp industry including production of hempseed oil, medicinals and Hanf magazine.

Canada started to license research crops in 1994 on an experimental basis. In addition to ,crops for fibre, one seed crop was experimentally licensed in 1995. Many acres were planted in 1997. Canada now licenses for commercial agriculture with thousands of acres planned for 1998.

Chile grows hemp mostly for seed oil production.

China is the largest exporter of hemp paper and textiles.

Denmark planted its first modern hemp trials in 1997. Committed to utilizing organic methods.

Finland has had a resurgence of hemp (hampu) beginning in 1995 with several small test plots.

France harvested 10,000 tons in 1994. France is the main source of viable low-thc hempseed.

Germany only banned hemp in 1982, but research began in 1992 and many technologies and products are being developed. Clothes and paper are being made from imported raw materials. Germany lifted the ban on growing hemp November, 1995. (hanf)

Great Britain lifted hemp prohibition in 1993. Animal bedding, paper and textiles have been developed. A government grant was given to develop new markets for natural fibers. 4,000 acres were grown in 1994. Subsidies of $230 Eng. pounds per acre are given by the govt. for growing.

Hungary is rebuilding their hemp industry, and is one of the biggest exporters of hemp cordage, rugs and hemp fabric to the U.S. They also export hemp seed and hemp paper.

India has large stands of naturalized Cannabis and uses it for cordage, textiles, and seed oil.

Japan has a religious tradition which requires that the Emperor wear hemp garments, so there is a small plot maintained for the imperial family only. They continue to import for cloth and artistic applications.

Natherlands is conducting a four year study to evaluate and test hemp for paper, and is developing processing equipment. Seed breeders are developing new strains of low-thc varieties.

Poland currently grows hemp for fabric and cordage and manufactures hemp particle board. They have demonstrated the benefits of using hemp to cleanse soils contaminated by heavy metals.

Romania is the largest commercial producer of hemp in Europe. Total acreage in 1993 was 40,000 acres. Some of it is exported to Hungary for processing. They also export to Western Europe and the United States.

Russia maintains the largest hemp germ plasm collection in the world at the N.I. Vavilov Scientific Research Institue of Plant Industry (VIR) in Saint Petersburg. They are in need of funds.

Slovenia grows hemp and manufactures currency paper.

Spain grows and exports hemp pulp for paper and produces rope and textiles. (canamo)

Switzerland is a producer of hemp.

Egypt, Portugal, Thailand, and the Ukraine also produce hemp.

United States has not granted any hemp permits in 40 years. Importers and manufacturers have thrived using imported raw materials. Twelve states in the United States have introduced legislation. VT, HI, ND have legislated for research to be done.