How to become a hemp producer: the rules you need to know
|
|
Reading time 4 min
CONTENTS
So, you dream of becoming a hemp producer? My dear, be careful: just because you see CBD everywhere doesn't mean you can plant your seeds like tomatoes in your garden. Cultivation is regulated and monitored, and the government doesn't like people doing whatever they want. Come on, Mama will explain.
Things to remember
- Yes, hemp can be grown in Ireland, but only with authorized varieties.
- Hemp flowers for direct consumption are prohibited.
- Becoming a producer means complying with the law, declaring your crops, and accepting inspections.
The legal framework for hemp production
Let's start with the basics: hemp is legal, but under certain conditions.
In Ireland, you can only grow this plant if its THC content is less than or equal to 0.3%. Not 0.1% more, otherwise you'll be on the side of illegal cannabis.
And be careful, don't choose your seeds at random! You must only grow hemp varieties that are listed in the European catalog of authorized seeds. This means that any varieties you see circulating on obscure forums should be forgotten immediately.
In addition, all hemp cultivation must be officially declared. You must therefore inform the prefecture, or sometimes the police, where you are growing, how much land you are planting, and which variety you have chosen. These are the rules of the game, and if you don't play fair, beware of penalties!
Finally, you should know that there are two main types of culture:
- Conventional agricultural hemp for its many uses, employed for its fibers (textiles, construction) or its seeds (food, oils);
- Hemp for CBD extraction, which attracts many entrepreneurs but remains closely monitored.
What are the requirements to become a producer?
Who can become a producer? In reality, it's not just for agricultural giants, but you can't improvise either. You must either be a registered farmer or work with an authorized organization.
Next, you must buy certified seeds. You are not allowed to collect "home-grown" seeds or buy from dubious websites. The seeds must be accompanied by certificates proving that they are legal and compliant.
Then, you declare your cultivated area, your seed supplier, and the variety you have chosen. And after that, you have to accept inspections. Yes, the police or agricultural authorities may come and take samples of your plants to analyze their THC content. And if it exceeds 0.3%, you can say goodbye to your harvest and you risk penalties.
The CBD market and its limitations
Many farmers are turning to hemp because of the CBD boom. Oils, cosmetics, dietary supplements... it's everywhere!
It should be noted that CBD has no officially recognized therapeutic effect, but some people say it could help manage stress better, feel calmer, or regain a little well-being in everyday life. We say "could" because science has not yet reached a conclusion.
The problem is that French law remains strict. Yes, you can grow cannabis, but you are not allowed to sell raw hemp flowers directly (as you see in some shops, such as Mama Kana, for example). Your own flowers are prohibited from being sold, even if they are rich in CBD and low in THC.
What you can do, however, if you decide to go ahead, is to use your hemp for:
- The extraction of CBD to make oils or cosmetics;
- Food (in the form of shelled seeds or hemp oil).
- Textiles or construction.
Practical steps to get started
Now that you know the rules, let's see how you could, in practice, become a legal hemp producer.
- Finding suitable land: Hemp thrives in rich, well-drained soil. The good news is that it requires few pesticides and grows fairly quickly.
- Choosing your seeds: only purchase them from the European catalog and from a reputable supplier.
- Declare your crop to the prefecture and sometimes to the police. Put everything in writing, it's safer.
- Get in touch with a cooperative: the hemp industry is currently being organized in Ireland. Cooperatives can help you sell your production and find the right outlets.
- Choose your market: textiles, food, cosmetics, CBD extraction... it's up to you to decide where you want to invest your money.
- Plan for inspections: accept that someone will come to check your fields and analyze your plants. This is normal, so there's no need to stress.
Tu vois, mon petit, devenir producteur de chanvre en France, ce n’est pas impossible, mais il faut jouer le jeu de la légalité : semences certifiées, THC < 0,3 %, déclaration en règle et acceptation des contrôles.
The market is full of promise, especially with the craze for CBD, but it remains very tightly regulated. So if you want to get started, do so with seriousness, transparency, and a good dose of patience.
There you go, Mama has explained everything to you. Now, if you dream of green fields stretching as far as the eye can see, you know that you'll also have to play by the rules.
Article written by Benjamin Poirel-Nadal
Passionate about natural well-being and plants with multiple virtues, I've been exploring the benefits of CBD and its various forms for several years.
My aim? To share with you clear information, honest opinions and practical advice to help you integrate CBD into your daily life with confidence and serenity.
