For nearly a century, governments have tried to find a sustainable replacement for the many uses that industrial hemp served prior to 1938, when it was banned. And these governments have failed. No plant or resource has been able to replace industrial hemp without pollution and depletion of other natural resources.Up to until the early 1900’s, industrial hemp was in common use. Hemp was used for various purposes, such as food, clothing, building, paper, rope, oil, and medicine in North America. Industrial hemp, also known as
Cannabis sativa L., had a global place appeal. Industrial hemp was grown on a large scale in many counties around the world to meet the demands of the people each of these countries populations in the early 20th century. In 1937, twenty-five million acres was cultivated with industrial hemp in the United States alone. Hemp was valued for its durability, versatility, and sustainability.
Awareness of pollution and depletion of natural resources, combined with the ever-increasing demand for materials to meet consumer needs and a change in global climate, has resurrected the interest in industrial hemp. Technological advances enable better hemp-based replacements of common products. Hemp creates an interesting value proposition for farmers, processors, traders, end user product manufacturers and users alike. Hemp does not pollute. Hemp does not deplete resources. Hemp is sustainable. Hemp is a solution.
The Industrial Hemp Western Australia Association (hereafter iHempWA) represents the state-based industrial hemp industry. On behalf of all stakeholders, the growers, processors, traders and hemp product manufacturers, we need to create increase awareness of the enormous sustainable economic and sustainability potential the industrial hemp industry has in Western Australia, and indeed the whole of Australia.
Competitive farming techniques, processing and innovative manufacturing has the potential to make Western Australia a leader in industrial hemp. Emerging markets such as carbon credits only make this proposition more valuable. Hemp is the way forward in Western Australia.
Definitions:
iHempWA means Industrial Hemp Western Australia Association;
Cannabis means the plant of the genus Cannabis (by whatever name designated) or part of that plant;
Industrial hemp means Cannabis, the leaves and flowering heads of which do not contain more than 1% of tetrahydrocannabinol, generally agricultural purposes;
Hemp products means any products derived from industrial hemp, such as fibre, hurd, oil, seed, food, cosmetics, textiles, building materials, and bioplastics;
Marijuana means ‘maryjane’, a mexican language term referring to illicit or recreational use cannabis which typically has high levels of psychoactive;
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Cannabis, with sufficient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels to create psychoactive effects in a person, generally recreational purposes;
Medicinal hemp means a medicine extracted from Cannabis, the leaves and flowering heads of which do contain less than 1% or more of tetrahydrocannabinol;
tetrahydrocannabinol means a psychoactive compound, naturally occurring in Cannabis;
iHempWA is the trusted industry voice that connects, guides and builds the Western Australian industrial hemp industry. We drive policy, education, support for industry, research and innovation, to make industrial hemp a mainstream product in everyday life for everyone.
iHempWA is committed to promoting the industrial hemp sector in Western Australia as a viable, diverse, and environmentally friendly industry that can contribute to the economic, social, and ecological well-being of the state and its people.
iHempWA has adopted and advocates for the following positions:
- Industrial hemp is Cannabis, the leaves and flowering heads of which do not contain more than 1% of tetrahydrocannabinol. This definition needs to be adopted across all states and territories, and federal legislative and regulatory levels.
- The focus of the association is on industrial hemp. Medicinal hemp and cannabis for recreational use are not part of our portfolio and are represented by other organisations.
- Increase of awareness and acceptance of industrial hemp and hemp products among the public, the government, and the media, evidently need proper marketing of the benefits, uses, economic and sustainability potentials and case studies.
- Active involvement of tertiary education involvement and focused curriculum for the development and expansion of the industrial hemp value chain, from seed to sale is required.
- Government incentives for the use of industrial hemp products are required to establish a mainstream market for these products, leading to the economic growth and sustainability and environmental benefits experienced in other parts of the world where industrial hemp is a mainstream product.
- The industry representative body will act as a conduit by providing guidance, training, networking, and funding opportunities for farmers, processors, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
- Compliance with the relevant laws, regulations, standards, and codes of conduct, and by implementing best practices and quality assurance measures will ensure the quality, safety, and compliance of industrial hemp and hemp products.
- Innovation, research and development of industrial hemp and hemp products is achieved by facilitating the exchange of knowledge, data, and technology between academic, scientific, industry and government partners and stakeholders.
- iHempWA will represent and protect the interests and rights of the industrial hemp sector in Western Australia, by engaging with the government, the regulators, and the stakeholders, and by advocating for favourable policies and legislation.
iHempWA will promote all its members, as well as the industrial hemp sector participants, to use this position statement to promote the industrial hemp industry growth in a diligent way, upholding the values and principles of iHempWA.
iHempWA reserves the right to review and revise this position statement as needed, in consultation with its members and partners.
World Hemp Forum
