Consultation is open on the draft Industrial Hemp Amendment Bill 2023 and associated Regulations following a thorough review of the Act.
Minor legislative amendments are proposed to improve the Act's clarity, efficiency, and transparency.
Proposed amendments to the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2016 will clarify the assessment process for special research licences and remove unnecessary duplication with the Act.
NRE Tas is also immediately making complementary improvements to industrial hemp licensing and policy and to support growers to use more of the hemp plant and to value-add, while maintaining efficient enforcement of illicit cannabis activities.
The Review found that most issues raised by stakeholders can be addressed by updating the grower's licence conditions and policy to better guide and inform licensees of their obligations and assist them to maximise the use of their crop.
NRE Tas will work with the Tasmanian Hemp Association so that updated licensing arrangements are in place prior to the 2024 growing season.
Consultation will close on 25 October 2023.
More information and a copy of the Final Report into the Review of the Industrial Hemp Act 2015 are available here.