Spain: Congress approves non-legislative proposal to regulate industrial hemp

The Agriculture Commission of the Congress of Deputies in Spain approved a non-legislative proposal (PNL) presented by the United We can, Republican Left of Catalonia, and Bildu to regulate industrial hemp in the country. This measure was welcomed by many in the sector, as it will provide legal certainty to the activities of production, marketing and consumption of products derived from industrial hemp. The proposal received 22 votes in favor and 15 against. Today, a hearing is being held at the Spanish Congress to debate medical cannabis.

Passage of this hemp proposal is significant because it differs from other cannabis measures that were introduced to Congress last year. It is important to note that non-legislative proposals such as this one are not binding and do not become law. However, they show the position of a committee on a subject.

For the first time, the PSOE, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, also voted in favor. PSOE's support is essential as it is currently the ruling party in Spain. This means that the proposal is more likely to be implemented.

“The Socialist parliamentary group considers it reasonable to move forward with the regulation of industrial hemp with the aim of establishing a clear legal framework that provides a solution to the points that cause uncertainty regarding the agricultural production and commercialization of industrial hemp and that clearly defines the separation between the cultivation and production of hemp and other crops and productions that are subject to narcotics control”, said Ariagona Gonzalez.

The PSOE presented an amendment that was accepted and the PP presented another that was not accepted. The PSOE amendment aims to emphasize the necessary respect for autonomous powers and the principle of subsidiarity in protecting the safety of citizens, health and agriculture. It also requests the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products expressing its position on the production and marketing of industrial hemp and the possible consequences of non-compliance with the decision of the Superior Court of Justice of the European Union.

The amendment to the PSOE also aims to limit the percentage of THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, in order to guarantee the absence of narcotic effects and in compliance with European regulations. This will ensure that Spain is not at a disadvantage compared to other countries in the region, which may have less restrictive laws. The Socialist deputy also mentioned the need to regulate the production and trade of all parts of the hemp plant.

The approval of this proposal is a significant step towards the regulation of industrial hemp in Spain, as it will provide legal certainty and boost the country's agricultural production and commercialization of hemp. It now remains to be seen how this proposal will be implemented and what impact it will have on the industry already established on the ground.