Worldwide Hemp Regulation

Law Library of US Congress Releases Comprehensive Global Hemp Regulation Report

The Law Library of Congress has released an extensive 137-page report titled “Regulation of Hemp,” which delves into the regulatory landscape of hemp in 14 selected jurisdictions, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Israel, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, the Slovak Republic, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Additionally, the report provides an overview of hemp regulations in more than 90 countries worldwide.

Published in November 2022, the report was recently highlighted in the LOC blog post by author Tariq Ahmad. It is one of the most comprehensive resources available on how different countries approach the regulation of hemp and its cannabinoids, such as CBD.

The report discusses when hemp cultivation and production were legalized, definitions of hemp based on allowable delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels, and any restrictions or circumstances under which hemp can be cultivated or produced. It also covers licensing and registration requirements, testing and sampling mandates for farmers, and briefly touches on rules for processing and manufacturing hemp and hemp-containing products.

The “Regulation of Hemp” report offers a useful comparative summary of the different approaches taken by the countries studied, as well as an appendix that concisely lists details about hemp regulations in various nations. This valuable resource provides a comprehensive understanding of the global hemp industry’s regulatory landscape, making it easier for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to navigate the complexities of this rapidly evolving sector.

Link to the full report: “Regulation of Hemp”