Jersey Hemp, the sole farm authorized to grow hemp in the British Isles, was recently shut down by the UK government, following the discovery of minimal THC traces in their products.
As reported by the BBC, this decision forced co-owners David Ryan and Blair Jones to halt operations and let go of half their staff. In response, Jersey Hemp released a press statement on June 23 indicating their intention to possibly take legal action against both the Home Office and U.K. Food Standards Agency.
Jersey Hemp, which had obtained a cultivation license in 2019, has over the past three years strived to comply with all the national operational requirements. The company fears this event might negatively impact the entire CBD industry. If this decision stands, it would essentially make the entire UK CBD market illegal, greatly damaging Jersey Hemp’s business viability. The fallout has already led to significant financial repercussions and layoffs affecting over half its workforce.
Hemp exports fall under the Misuse of Drugs (Jersey) Law 1978 and are licensed on a “shipment-by-shipment” basis, according to the BBC. However, a UK Home Office agency spokesperson has remarked that while pure CBD isn’t controlled, a CBD product containing THC or other controlled cannabinoids could be regulated.
Statements from Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture Kirsten Morel and Minister for Health and Social Services Karen Wilson show that they are aware of Jersey Hemp’s predicament, but further details are not provided. They state that licensed cannabis cultivators are responsible for compliance with the legislation of the jurisdictions they export products to.
Despite this, a June 2022 poll showed that a fifth of British adults have tried CBD in flower or oil form, with 58% believing CBD offers health benefits. This suggests a desire among UK citizens for better access to cannabis and similar substances.
However, the UK government has blocked attempts by territories like Bermuda to legalize cannabis as of September 2022. But there’s a silver lining, with increasing support for cannabis and psychedelics. UK police chiefs have called for decriminalization of cannabis for first-time drug offenders. Additionally, institutions like the University of Exeter have introduced courses on clinical psychedelics, further fostering a dialogue on drug reform.
