Under the regulations, hemp farmers and businesses must be licensed by Health Canada. The regulations also specify that farmers cannot grow less than four hectares and that crops will be tested for THC content, the principal psychoactive ingredient in hemp's botanical cousin, marijuana. Furthermore, the cultivation will not be allowed within one kilometer of a schoolyard or any public place frequented by minors. Hemp advocates hope lifting the ban will enable Canada's hemp industry to become an international supplier.
Hemp products range from rope and textiles to fuel.
Canadian farmers with special research licenses have been producing small quantities of hemp but not for commercial purposes. The European Union and China are currently the largest producers of hemp. Hempline farms 10 acres of hemp, compared to the estimated 100,000 acres cultivated in the European Union.