Sowing the Seed
The Hemp laws in New Zealand are set to change, which means that people will be able to grow this versatile plant without a licence.
At Rua, we’re very aware of the effects that widespread non-feminised hemp seed would have on our wider communities of growers, so urge everyone thinking about getting into Hemp, to be conscious of choosing feminised seed for your crops where appropriate.
See below for more information about the regulatory changes.
Proposed Hemp Regulations
The procurement, cultivation, processing, supply and possession of hemp will no longer require a licence.
Hemp will be defined as any Cannabis sativa plant containing no more than 1% THC by dry weight.
Growers will need to notify NZ Police and Ministry for Primary Industries before planting hemp, on an annual basis.
Even people with prior convictions can legally cultivate and possess hemp.
The new rules allow for more parts of the plant to be used, including the potential to supply hemp biomass (flowers and leaves) to licensed medicinal cannabis producers.
Official Links
Sowing Seeds for the Future
At Rua Bioscience, we’re very aware of the effects that widespread non-feminised hemp seed would have on our wider communities of growers, so urge everyone thinking about getting into Hemp to be conscious of choosing feminised seed for your crops, where appropriate.
A single male plant can release millions of pollen grains that travel kilometres. If this pollen drifts into another cannabis crop, it will pollinate their female plants, causing them to divert their energy into producing seeds rather than maximising flower growth.
Feminised seed means no male plants and no stray pollen drifting onto neighbouring crops, protecting their yields just as much as your own.
So if you’re thinking about growing hemp - for uses other than hemp seed - make sure you get your seed from reputable sources that can verify it is feminised.