CALLS for the establishment of an industrial hemp industry in SA are gaining traction, with the SA Government to host a roundtable on the matter on January 30.
Industry associations, lobby groups, research bodies, companies and government departments have been invited to attend the roundtable, to discuss the potential future and potential barriers for both the industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis industries.
Industrial hemp can be used to make clothing, building products and cosmetic products.
While it’s legal to possess these processed products in SA, it’s illegal to grow the plant that produces the fibres.
Greens MLC Tammy Franks introduced a bill into parliament late last year, which will be voted on early this year, seeking to make the practise legal.
On October 30, amendments to the Federal Government’s Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 came into operation, allowing the controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal or scientific purposes under a national licensing scheme.
The Commonwealth Government is solely responsible for issuing licences and permits under this scheme.
Following federal changes to the scheduling of medicinal cannabis from November 1, in SA certain cannabis products are considered in the same class as medicines such morphine, available under prescription by authorised medical specialist.
Medicinal cannabis products made from Australian-grown cannabis crops could be available this year.
Manufacturing and Innovation Minister Kyam Maher says the SA Government recognises there is a potential for the industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis industries to set up in the state, which could in turn deliver economic benefit and jobs.
“On January 30 we will bring together key stakeholders to talk about industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis, to identify any barriers and coordinate our approach to potential opportunities that exist for the agriculture and manufacturing sectors in SA,” Mr Maher said.
“We are happy to examine any proposal that has the potential for industry development and jobs in the state.”
