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.
New 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. Check out our guidelines for the notification process here.
Even people with prior convictions can legally cultivate and possess hemp. However criminal record checks will apply to the import/export of hemp.
Activities with Hemp stalk and seed are permitted. Activities with roots leaves or flower remain prohibited. This includes any form of extraction from hemp plant material.
However, any hemp material (including leaf and flower) may be supplied to a medicinal cannabis licence holder. Note though that activities related to the production of medicinal cannabis, including extraction, can only occur under a medicinal cannabis licence.
All applicable Food Safety, Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines, and Medicinal Cannabis Scheme requirements continue to apply.
NOTE: Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) is still an illicit plant or controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
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.