Is It Legal to Grow Hemp Seed in China? Advice for Prospective Farmers

It’s a fair question to ask. After all, planting hemp seed used to be common practice in China, but this took a turn when communist forces came into power. Now, countries around the world are easing up on restrictions surrounding hemp cultivation. But is China on the list? Here’s what you need to know.

Is It Legal for Farmers in China to Plant Hemp Seed?

Yes. It’s legal to grow hemp seed in China. But only in certain areas. There are three provinces in China in which hemp is grown. These include Yunnan, Jilin, and Heilongjiang.

However, it should be noted, while activity is restricted to these three areas, there’s still a large amount of hemp being produced in China. These three provinces contribute to over half of the world’s total hemp production.

History of Hemp Legality in China

It seems strange that the Chinese government maintains such strict regulations over hemp farming since China is where cultivation is believed to have began. A long time ago, the people of China grew hemp so that it could be processed into farmer. Papers made from hemp have been discovered in a tomb near Xi’an that are believed to have been made sometime between 140-87 BC. Thread made from hemp was also produced during this time. Later, Chinese farmers began to grow it as a seed crop that could be used for food.

Fast forward several hundred years later and in 1921 the rise of Communism began. During this time, the Chinese government began to adopt a new attitude towards hemp and cannabis plants in general. This was due largely to an effort to reduce drug-use nationwide. Due to this political influence, the Chinese people also began to adopt a negative perception of cannabis and hemp products.

Later, in 1985, China signed the United Nations’ Convention of Psychotropic Substances. Hemp became outlawed in China at this time.

In 2010, production of industrial hemp became legal in China in 2010. However, farmers are required to adhere to the THC limit of 0.3%. After just a few short years of legalizing hemp, China has once again become a world leader in its production. Farmers are aware of its profitability and are in search of affordable sources for buying hemp seed.

Regulations at the Local Level

Cannabis production is strictly overseen and regulated in China. However, right now, China has no national laws that regulate hemp production in particular. In 2018, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs enacted a set of guidelines referred to as the “Hemp Planting Seeds Standard.” These are voluntary standards, but are also legally binding.

Individual provinces, however, have taken it upon themselves to enact their own laws regarding hemp production. For example, Yunnan province created the Yunnan Province Hemp Cultivation and Processing License Regulation. Heilongjiang and Jilin have amended their Anti-Drug Regulation laws.

Prospective hemp farmers are encouraged to research the laws that apply to their region, whether they intend to grow hemp seed in Yunnan, Jilin, or Heilongjiang.

Partner with China’s Leading Hemp Seed Supplier

CBD Seed Co. is eager to form partnerships with farmers in China who are interested in growing hemp seed. Call our office today to learn more about our services!