The UK government has taken a step towards easing restrictions on hemp farming, introducing changes that could benefit the industry. Starting with the 2025 growing season, licensed hemp growers will enjoy greater flexibility, no longer needing to specify the exact location of their hemp plants on their licensed farms. This move simplifies the licensing process and provides more freedom in crop rotation. Additionally, the maximum duration for a license has been extended from three to six years, and applicants can now postpone the start date by up to a year. These changes, expected to come into full effect before the 2026 growing season, aim to make hemp farming more accessible and efficient.
However, the government’s announcement falls short of addressing key concerns raised by the industry. While the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) recommended raising the THC limit for industrial hemp to 0.3% to align with international standards and expand seed options for farmers, the government has remained silent on this proposal. Similarly, the high licensing fees, currently set at £4,700 ($6,060), haven’t been touched, despite the ACMD’s suggestion to reduce them to £580.
While the government emphasizes its commitment to simplifying regulations and promoting the economic and environmental benefits of hemp, it remains clear that cannabis remains a controlled substance. Strict enforcement against illegal use will continue.
Meanwhile, the push for wider access to medical cannabis continues. Families struggling to obtain life-saving medicine through the National Health Service (NHS) have again taken their plea to Westminster. Parents of children suffering from treatment-resistant epilepsy argue that medical marijuana has been life-changing for their children, offering seizure freedom that traditional treatments failed to achieve. This advocacy is fueled by a recent study highlighting the potential cost-effectiveness of medical cannabis. An independent analysis commissioned by the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) and Drug Science found that prescribing medical cannabis for chronic pain could save the NHS nearly £4 billion ($5.19 billion) annually.
However, the debate on medical cannabis is complicated by concerns about the potential for misuse and safety. A recent study revealed that up to 90% of illicit cannabis samples tested in the UK contained contaminants like mold, yeast, lead, E.coli, or salmonella. This data, compiled from laboratory analyses of seized cannabis samples, surveys of cannabis consumers, and data from the Welsh Emerging Drugs database (WEDINOS), underscores the need for quality control and regulation within the illicit cannabis market.
The UK’s approach to cannabis remains complex, with a balancing act between acknowledging the potential benefits of hemp and medical cannabis while maintaining control over its use. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing demand for a more nuanced and progressive approach to this multifaceted plant.
