Hemp growers in the Parkland are waiting for federal regulation changes to finally be passed.

Over the past few years, there have been successful strides in reducing red tape during discussions between local industry groups and Health Canada. 

Executive Director of the Hemp Trade Alliance, Kim Shukla is happy with the progress they’ve made.

“There has been a lot of regulation and it’s certainly has been hampering the industry. But the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance has been in discussion with Health Canada over the last three to four years. And in the last year we’ve made some tremendous progress with them as it relates to the changes we want to see. Number one was the ability for farmers to utilize the whole hemp plant, as currently that is not permitted.”   

Shukla is anticipating the new regulations will come into effect by late July or August or early September.