HEMP ALLIANCE GETS FUNDING FOR REVIEW

The Ontario Hemp Alliance is working to put together a review of
Health Canada's regulations in three months.

The organization received $215,000 from the Advancing Canadian
Agriculture and Agri-Food program (ACAAF) to carry out a complete
regulatory review. It must be submitted by March 31, 2009.

Over the last three or four years there has been a steady increase
in the processing of hemp, and the development of many small
businesses engaged in developing new products and marketing of
these products. Work is well underway to evaluate hemp as
a potential source of producing pulp and fiber out west and many
Canadian hemp food companies are developing a wide range of products
from snack foods, to basics like flour and edible oil. There are
shampoos and conditioners, moisturizers, commercial paints, beer
and aromatherapy and cosmetic products. In addition, industry
experts estimate that 1/3 of Canadian hemp seed production is
certified organic, a sector growing 20 per cent annually.

Also encouraging is the collaboration between the National Research
Council Canada (NRC) and Hemptown Clothing Inc., a manufacturer of
hemp clothing. This partnership is meant to develop enzyme
technology to process hemp to make fabric. The technology
promises dramatically improved fiber quality (softer,
whiter fabric) using environmentally friendly methods.

As a result, the Hemp Alliance says it's time for a review of the
industry and the creation of industry standards. The regulatory
review is a first step.

Niels Hansen-Trip was head of the Industrial Hemp Section of Health
Canada when the first regulations were announced. He's now
completing the 2009 review.

He says, "Our greatest challenge will be getting everyone to the
table within our timeline. We have scheduled a series of meetings to
get input from people who work with hemp and we need them to come
out and provided their ideas." Those who have an interest in hemp
are encouraged to contact the OHA at www.ontariohempalliance.org to
learn more or contact Niels at info@ontariohempalliace.org.