Industrial hemp is varieties of Cannabis sativa that have a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content generally below 0.35 percent. Industrial hemp varieties are controlled drugs and are listed in Schedule 3 Part I of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.

It is an offence to advertise hemp for psychoactive purposes or to supply it to unauthorised persons. The Director-General of Health determines which varieties of Cannabis sativa can be cultivated. For further information please consult the guidelines below or contact the Medicines Control office.

Licence fees

A licence is issued for a period of one year.

A general licence is $511.11 including GST. This allows for the cultivation, processing, possession and supply of low-THC cannabis varieties approved by the Director-General of Health.

A research and breeding licence is issued only if the applicant holds a general licence and is an additional $153.33 including GST. It allows for the cultivation and processing of approved and non-approved varieties.

Application forms

From July 2019 the following application forms are to be used to apply for a new industrial hemp licence, or to request an amendment (including extension) to an existing industrial hemp licence.

Medsafe will email application packs to licensees for renewal of existing licences reaching their expiry date.

• A1 – Application for a New Industrial Hemp Licence (General Licence), (pdf, 860 KB)
• A2 – Application for a New Industrial Hemp Licence (Research & Breeding Licence), (pdf, 860 KB)
• A3 – Application for Approval of a Cultivar of Industrial Hemp, (pdf, 801 KB)
• B1 – Application to Amend an Industrial Hemp Licence (Location, Activities, Cultivars & Cultivation Area), (pdf, 788 KB)
• B2 – Application to Amend an Industrial Hemp Licence (Replacement of Responsible Person), (pdf, 800 KB)
• B3 – Application to Amend an Industrial Hemp Licence (Composition of Board of Directors), (pdf, 798 KB)
• B4 – Application to Amend an Industrial Hemp Licence (Extension of Licence Period), (pdf, 774 KB)