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Industrial hemp licence UK 101
Calling all first timers! For some, the prospect of applying for a hemp licence in the UK – or even thinking about applying for a licence – is enough to put them off the whole idea of growing hemp.
But while it may not be easy, it’s not impossible. And most importantly, it IS legal to grow hemp in the UK – for certain end-uses.
We’re here with the facts – and some expert advice from someone who has successfully applied for hemp licences multiple times – to help you on this part of your hemp growing journey.
The UK has relatively strict laws and regulations when it comes to growing hemp. In short, growing hemp for CBD is not an option in the UK. Currently, industrial hemp is the only viable option for growers. But fear not: as we wrote in our blog last week, there are over 50,000 different end-uses for industrial hemp!
Step one: applying for a control licence from the Home Office
Attaining a hemp growing licence in the UK is a two step process with the Drugs and Firearms Office (DFLU) at the Home Office. The first stage is applying for a control licence from the DFLU.
The control licence permits the holder to grow the “controlled substance” under certain conditions. Part of the reason it’s tricky to get a hemp licence in the UK is that hemp is still categorised as ‘Cannabis’ (despite its low THC quantities) which is a controlled substance under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act.
At this stage of the application process, you’ll be asked various questions. You’ll also have to get an enhanced DBS security check. Once you have that in place, you can submit a site-based application. These applications won’t be looked at until the beginning of January – so make sure you get your timings right!
Step two: outlining the specifics of your grow site
More applications! The second application requires you to have things set up: field reference numbers, grid references, maps to show the locations of your grow. This statement must also include details of the type of seed sown, the THC content and evidence the variety is approved by the EU. Seeds must produce plants with no more than 0.2% THC.
Fill out your application with these details and include all the supplementary information and supporting documents required. Once you submit that licence, you’ll pay the fee. New hemp cultivation licences cost £580. A licence renewal costs £326. Licences are valid for three years (again why it’s best to get your licence in at the start of the year before the first growing season).
At this point, the Home Office may come back with some questions depending on how robust your initial application is and how much detail is in it. The more detail the better!
Advice from a hemp farmer: ”You need a few ducks in a row”
One of the farmers we work with, Jamie, has been growing hemp for a number of years. He’s successfully submitted and had granted a number of licences. But it took some time to fine tune the art.
“For my first one in 2018, I had a bit of toing and froing. Like anything, I didn’t know all the additional information that was needed.”
The form, he says, doesn’t ask for all of the additional information that the Home Office wants to know – which means it’s up to you to ensure you’ve dotted all your i’s, crossed all your t’s and included every piece of relevant information. “The first one took us 12 weeks to get granted,” says Jamie. “After that one, I put together supplementary information packs with all the additional information they require. Now, I get applications turned around in 8 weeks from submitting them to getting them granted.”
Why would my application get rejected?
The most important elements to be confident in when you apply for a licence to grow hemp in the UK is what you’re growing the hemp for, what your end-use is and who your end-user is.
But in terms of rejections, there’s something that trumps all else in the UK, and that’s being super clear about how you’re going to destroy the controlled parts of the plant. These are the leaves and flowers. Farmers in the UK may only cultivate the stems and seeds of the hemp plant.
Another element to factor in is location. The Home Office won’t grant a licence for a field of hemp in the middle of a town or city or a field with footpaths running through it. Jamie says they are particularly sensitive when it comes to the site’s location.
Other no-gos? If you apply to extract CBD, that will typically result in a blank no, as the flowers and leaves are restricted and this is what you need to extract CBD.
Patience and planning: a hemp licence is yours!
With some planning and patience – and adherence to the different regulations – attaining a licence to grow hemp in the UK is both feasible and affordable.
We wish you good luck if you’re just beginning this process – and feel free to get in touch with us if you’d like any more advice or information!