Industrial Hemp Plantation to Boost Economy
In line with the increased popularity of hemp production, which is used for medicinal use, medication, cosmetics and veterinarian purposes, it has seen its interest rising for industrial use, namely, for the production of fibre, seeds and other industrial agriculture products.
For this reason, the Regulatory Decree No. 2/2020 entered into force on 5th August 2020. It covers the conditionings, authorisations and supervision that affect cultivation, production, manufacture, employment, trade, distribution, import, export, introduction, dispatch, transit, detention in any capacity and the use of plants and substances, such as cannabis (Decree-Law no. 15/93, of 22nd January 1993).
Since varieties of cannabis sativa for industrial use are different from varieties with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels greater than 0.2%, of which there may be increases in THC levels above those defined by the common organisation of markets for the industrial hemp, due to natural fluctuations resulting from growing conditions, it is considered that the cultivation of hemp, regardless of the final destination to be given to the respective production, should be subject to authorisation.
This means that the decree authorises the cultivation of hemp for industrial purposes, thus allowing work to begin on new sowing and harvesting.
Supervision is carried out by the IFAP - Instituto de Financiamento da Agricultura e Pescas (Institute for Financing Agriculture and Fisheries), together with PJ - Polícia Judiciária (Criminal Police), GNR - Guarda Nacional Republicana (National Republican Guard) and Polícia de Segurança Pública (Public Security Police).
This decree is of utmost importance, not only because it monitors the licit market in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and other chemicals which may be used in the manufacture of drugs, but also because this licit cultivation at industrial level can strive the Portuguese economy.
Source: Diário da República
