Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
592. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to protect the rights of hemp farmers to have access to the market for products resulting from the first stage processing of their crops, if not, the details of the scientific evidence that warrants such a position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11996/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe growing of hemp by farmers is subject to specific licence granted by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), which operates under the auspices of the Department of Health. In addition, the cultivation of hemp (Cannabis genus) is restricted to varieties having less than 0.2% content of the narcotic compound Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis (which includes hemp) is listed in schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017, as amended, which means it is subject to the strictest level of control.
In 2019, my Department conducted a broad consultation which included relevant bodies/agencies in an examination of growing hemp commercially. The consultation included the Departments of Health, Justice and Law Reform, the Health Products Regulatory Authority, Teagasc and the representative bodies for Hemp at that time. A clear view arising from respondents in the consultation involved in regulation is that the domestic hemp industry should continue to be controlled and regulated by the Department of Health and that the current stringent controls in relation to growing hemp should continue. This strict regulation is in line with the situation in many other countries.
The legislative position is primarily therefore a matter for the HPRA and Department of Health.
