Industrial Hemp Bill 2015 released for public consultation

1396
Image credit: www.ihat.org.au

The Hodgman Liberal Government has released the Industrial Hemp Bill 2015 for public consultation prior to its finalisation and introduction to Parliament later this year.

Image credit: www.ihat.org.au
Image credit: www.ihat.org.au

Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jeremy Rockliff said the introduction of the Bill will help grow Tasmania’s industrial hemp sector and remove the unnecessary red tape that is stifling the development of the industry.

“We have already shown our commitment to grow the industrial hemp sector with the introduction of a number of reforms earlier this year. This Bill will establish a regulatory framework that supports the expansion of the sector while not over-burdening it with unnecessary regulation,” the Minister said.

“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. The Bill has been developed with extensive consultation with the Industrial Hemp Association of Tasmania, Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, Tasmania Police and other industry and Government stakeholders.”

Adertisement

He said the Hodgman Liberal Government was also continuing to advocate for a lift of the federal prohibition of hemp food products with low concentration of THC.

“We have been a long-time advocate for the use of low-THC hemp in food, which would present a huge opportunity for our farmers,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Last month the Health Minister Michael Ferguson secured agreement at the Australian and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation for work on this issue to be accelerated.”

Copies of the proposed Bill can be found at: www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au.