Consultation on Health Canada's Review of the Industrial Hemp Framework

The Industrial Hemp Regulations (IHR) which allow for the commercial production of industrial hemp came into force on March 12, 1998. Following recommendations by the Red Tape Reduction Commission and in response to a number of issues identified both internally and externally since the IHR came into force, Health Canada is conducting a review of the industrial hemp framework, including the IHR and associated Health Canada policies and manuals. The purpose of the review is to create a more efficient framework that will benefit both Health Canada and the hemp industry, while continuing to protect the health and safety of Canadians.

A Notice to Interested Parties (NOI) regarding the review and potential amendments to the IHR was published in the  Canada Gazette, Part I on August 31, 2013.

These consultations aim to engage Canadians in discussions on a range of issues pertaining to the IHR. Health Canada would like to hear from Canadians about the key issues and suggested changes under consideration. Interested Canadians will have an opportunity to provide comments between November 4, 2013 and December 20, 2013.

How to Get Involved

Please select and read through the link below titled "consultation document". Once read, please submit your comments online, by email or by mail. Please be sure to include the title of the consultation document on which you are commenting.

By email: IHR_Review-Revision_du_RCI@hc-sc.gc.ca

By mail:
Industrial Hemp Regulations Consultations
Regulatory Policy Division, Office of Controlled Substances
Controlled Substances and Tobacco Directorate
Health Canada
150 Tunney's Pasture Driveway, A.L.0302A
Ottawa, ON  K1A 0K9

Online: Consultation Document

Stakeholders are also welcome to provide input at one of two in-person stakeholder consultations, one taking place in Calgary, Alberta (November 18, 2013) and the second taking place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (November 24, 2013).

If you have any questions, or would like to register for one of the above in-person workshops, please contact us at: IHR_Review-Revision_du_RCI@hc-sc.gc.ca

Interested parties are encouraged to provide input by December 20, 2013. Comments received during this consultation process will be considered as Health Canada moves forward with future changes to the IHR and other associated Health Canada policies and manuals.

Additional Information

For more information on the IHR and other Health Canada policies and manuals related to industrial hemp, please visit the following:

• Industrial Hemp Regulations
• Industrial Hemp Technical Manual
• Policy on the Exemption of Industrial Hemp Varieties from THC Testing During the Growing Season
• Policy for the Inclusion of Cannabis Varieties on the List of Approved Cultivars

Reporting to Canadians

Health Canada will make the results of this consultation available on this Web site.