EU Court Of Justice Approves Indoor Hemp Cultivation
Humans have cultivated hemp under the sun for centuries, making use of their hemp harvests in several ways from making rope to paper to textiles. In recent years, the hemp plant has become the focus of significant research aimed at developing medications and other therapies.
Additionally, consumable hemp products have risen in popularity and availability across the globe thanks to regulatory changes and product innovations. ‘Floral hemp’ or ‘cannabis light’ products are particularly popular on the European continent.
How hemp is cultivated has evolved in recent decades. While hemp is still cultivated in large fields under the sun, many cultivators are growing hemp indoors under artificial lighting and incorporating cutting-edge techniques. According to a recent decision by the European Union Court of Justice, indoor hemp cultivation using hydroponics is permitted. Per excerpts from reporting by EU News:
According to the EU Court of Justice, member states cannot ban hemp cultivation in indoor hydroponic systems. The only limitation is respect for public health, that is, compliance with the legal limit of THC not exceeding 0.2 per cent.
According to the Court’s findings, hydroponic cultivation increases agricultural productivity, develops technical progress, and ensures better use of inputs. In addition, it ensures the security of supply, as it is not subjected to direct weathering, and reasonable prices to the consumer. Not allowing hemp farmers to benefit from the CAP with this innovative technique would cause significant economic damage (taking into account that the criteria for receiving funding are strict and well-defined at the European level to avoid illicit cultivation).
Hemp policy in the European Union remains hazy, with many regulations either involving a lot of grey areas, or nation-level regulations conflicting with EU-level policies and regulations. The current situation creates a lot of uncertainty for entrepreneurs, investors, and consumers.
The European Union is not the only jurisdiction to struggle with modernizing its hemp policies and regulations. Every other continent is also struggling to create sensible hemp policies and regulations as the global hemp market continues to evolve.