Hemp is a versatile plant that has been used for thousands of years for its many beneficial properties. It’s a member of the Cannabis sativa family, but unlike marijuana, it contains low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound that produces a high. As a result, hemp is legal in many countries worldwide, with some even having established industries around its cultivation and use. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at where hemp is legal globally.
Hemp in North America
In North America, hemp is legal in both the United States and Canada. In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the list of controlled substances, making it legal to grow and process. However, states can still have their own regulations around hemp cultivation and use, so it’s important to check local laws before growing or using hemp products.
In Canada, hemp has been legal since 1998, with the passing of the Industrial Hemp Regulations. This allows farmers to grow hemp if they obtain a license from Health Canada. The country has a thriving hemp industry, with hemp being used in a variety of products, including food, textiles, and building materials.
Hemp in South America
South America has been a leader in the cultivation of hemp for centuries. In recent years, many countries in the region have legalized hemp for industrial and medicinal purposes.
In Uruguay, hemp has been legal since 2013. The government has established a regulatory framework for the cultivation, production, and distribution of hemp and hemp-derived products. This has led to the development of a robust hemp industry, with hemp being used in a variety of products, including textiles, paper, and building materials.
In Colombia, hemp was legalized in 2016 for medical and scientific purposes. The country’s government has established a licensing system for the cultivation, processing, and export of hemp and hemp-derived products. This has led to the development of a growing hemp industry, with companies producing hemp oil, hemp fiber, and other products.
Hemp in Europe
Europe has a long history of hemp cultivation, dating back to the Middle Ages. In recent years, many countries in the region have legalized hemp for industrial and medicinal purposes.
In France, hemp has been legal since the 1990s. The country has a thriving hemp industry, with hemp being used in a variety of products, including textiles, paper, and building materials.
In Germany, hemp has been legal since 1996 for industrial purposes. The country’s government has established a regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and distribution of hemp and hemp-derived products. This has led to the development of a robust hemp industry, with hemp being used in a variety of products, including food, cosmetics, and textiles.
Hemp in Asia
In Asia, hemp is legal in some countries for medicinal and industrial purposes.
In China, hemp has been legal for thousands of years and is widely cultivated for industrial purposes. The country has a thriving hemp industry, with hemp being used in a variety of products, including textiles, paper, and building materials.
In India, hemp has been legal for centuries, and the country has a long history of using hemp for medicinal and religious purposes. In recent years, the government has established a regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and distribution of hemp and hemp-derived products.
Hemp in Africa
In Africa, some countries have legalized hemp for industrial and medicinal purposes.
In South Africa, hemp was legalized in 2018 for medicinal and industrial purposes. The government has established a regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and distribution of hemp and hemp-derived products.
In Morocco, hemp has been legal for centuries, and the country has a long history of using hemp for medicinal and religious purposes. In recent years, the government has established a regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and distribution of hemp and hemp-derived products.
Hemp in Australia
Australia has legalized hemp for both industrial and medicinal purposes. In 2017, the Australian government passed the Narcotic Drugs Amendment Act, which allows for the cultivation and production of hemp for medicinal purposes. In addition, the country has a long history of cultivating hemp for industrial purposes, with the first hemp crops being grown in the early 1800s. Today, Australia’s hemp industry is thriving, with hemp being used in a variety of products, including food, textiles, and building materials. However, it’s important to note that the legal status of hemp can vary between states and territories, so it’s important to check local laws before growing or using hemp products.
In conclusion, hemp is legal for both industrial and medicinal purposes in many countries worldwide. North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa have all legalized hemp in some capacity, with some countries having established industries around its cultivation and use. Australia has also legalized hemp for both industrial and medicinal purposes, with a growing industry for hemp-based products. However, it’s important to note that the legal status of hemp can vary between states and territories within each country, so it’s important to check local laws before growing or using hemp products. As more countries continue to legalize hemp, it’s likely that we’ll see an even greater expansion of the industry and more innovative uses for this versatile plant.