Commercial production of industrial hemp - Grower or researcher licence - Queensland

Description

There are three licences available to engage in activities associated with the commercial production of industrial cannabis:

  • a grower licence.
  • a category 1 researcher licence.
  • a category 2 researcher licence.

Grower licence

You need a grower licence:

  • for commercial production of industrial cannabis plants that produce fibre or seed
  • to possess and produce Class A or Class B research industrial cannabis or seed as part of field trials conducted under the supervision of the holder of a researcher licence
  • to supply industrial cannabis plants, seed or Class A or Class B research cannabis or seed to persons legally entitled to possess the plants or seed.

Research licences

You must have a licence to possess industrial cannabis plants and seed for research or breeding programs.

There are 2 types of research plants:

  • class A research cannabis plants - have a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of 3% or more in its leaves and flowering heads. These plants must be grown in a locked glasshouse.
  • class B research cannabis plants - have a THC concentration of more than 1% but less than 3% in its leaves and flowering heads.
     
Category 1 researcher licence

This licence allows research using cannabis plants and is required to:

  • research the use of industrial cannabis as a commercial fibre seed and seed crop (e.g. field trials using fertilisers or irrigation and different planting rates)
  • conduct plant breeding programs for developing new or improved strains of industrial cannabis
  • supply industrial cannabis plants, seed or Class A or Class B research cannabis or seed to persons legally entitled to possess the plants or seed.
Category 2 researcher licence

This licence allows research or plant breeding using class B research and industrial cannabis plants and seed to:

  • research the use of industrial cannabis as a commercial fibre seed and seed crop (e.g. field trials using fertilisers or irrigation and different planting rates)
  • conduct plant breeding programs for developing new or improved strains of industrial cannabis
  • to supply industrial cannabis plants, seed or Class B research cannabis or seed to persons legally entitled to possess the plants or seed.

Service type

Licence

A licence defines the need to obtain recognition / certification and registration to undertake a certain business activity.

Exemptions

Other participants in the industrial hemp industry, who are not growers or researchers, do not need licenses. However, they have to abide by the Drugs Misuse Regulation 1987 (Qld).

Eligibility requirements

Eligibility

Applicants for any licence must not have been:

  • convicted of a serious offence within the previous 10 years
  • declared bankrupt.

Applicants for a research licence must also have the necessary qualifications and experience for plant breeding or other research.

Suitability

When assessing your suitability, we will:

  • seek confirmation of character, honesty and integrity for licence applicants and close associates
  • check your criminal history
  • evaluate your ability to perform the activities authorised under a licence
  • interview your nominated referees
  • review any suspensions or cancellations of previous licences
  • seek details on receivership or liquidation placed on corporations.

Fingerprints

You may be required to have your fingerprints taken as part of the criminal history checking process. Applicants pay the costs of fingerprint checks.

Duration

The licences are issued for a term of 3 years.

Fees

Please note: Criminal history checks are required for both applications for initial licence and applications for licence renewal. Applicants pay the cost of these checks.

Fees and charges for industrial hemp licences are not refundable.

Check fees

Other resources

Task Business Structure Resources
Common All Industrial cannabis production (Opens in new window)

Application process

How to apply

Contact our Customer Service Centre to request application forms. When you submit your application you will need to provide:

  •  a completed application form
  •  a completed supplement to licence application
  • 2 recent, passport sized photographs
  • details of 3 character referees for each applicant, close associate or executive officer
  • payment of the relevant fee.

How you will be assessed

Licences are not granted automatically. Submit your application at least 2 months before you intend to undertake activities proposed under the licence to allow enough time for the assessment to be completed.

Transfer process

This licence cannot be transferred.

Administering agency

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Biosecurity Queensland

Plant Biosecurity and Product Integrity

Contact details

Contact Email, Phone and Address Details for this service in simple two column table format, header then data.

Please use these contact details for help or more information:

Customer Service Centre

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Phone: 07 3404 6999
Phone: 13 25 23
Website: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Customer Service Centre (Opens in new window)