Industrial Hemp Licensing 2023-07-03
2023-07-03
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
A meeting was held on May 17 between the Department and industry representatives to discuss industrial hemp licensing. The number of licences has increased from six in 2013 to 134.
Whether her Department has had recent discussions with the industrial hemp industry on licensing.
The hon. Gentleman will recall that the two of us met just a few weeks ago, on 17 May, together with industry representatives, to discuss hemp licensing. I thank him for taking the time and trouble to organise that meeting. As he knows, there is a light-touch process for licensing industrial hemp. Since 2013, the number of hemp licences has increased from six to 134.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The growth of industries using industrial hemp is hindered by complicated regulations and a poor application process, leading to foreign companies taking the lead in this area.
To protect UK farmers and encourage UK industry, will the Minister consider giving the licensing process over to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and making the process farmer friendly?
It is, of course, important to make sure that UK industry can compete globally, and a light-touch regulatory framework is important in that. We should be aware that some parts of the plant contain high levels of THC—tetrahydrocannabinol—and do need regulation, which is the Home Office's concern. I will be meeting DEFRA colleagues in the near future to make sure that our approach to regulation is as light-touch as possible, because, like him, I want to see our domestic industry flourish and I do not want any excessive regulation.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to transferring licensing process to DEFRA but acknowledged the need for a light-touch regulatory approach.
Will Be Meeting Defra Colleagues
Response accuracy