It was necessary to find an alternative to the numerous agricultural lands, which were occupied by cane fields in the past. The Council of Ministers has therefore taken the decision to authorize research for the cultivation of industrial hemp. This research will be carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Agro-Industry and the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI).
At first, as explained by an official of FAREI, the 5 kg of imported hemp plants will be examined and tested in the research centers. The experts will then determine the most appropriate regions to host the hemp fields, the fertilizers that should be used and the distances that should be respected between each plant. The committee in charge of this research will then make recommendations to the relevant authorities.
Industrial hemp is classified as a variety of Cannabis Sativa, whose delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentration is less than 0.3% and whose psychotropic effects are weak. It has nothing to do with cannabis used for recreational or therapeutic purposes.
Industrial hemp is used in cosmetics, in some clothing, bags, ecological products, food and beverages with a high protein content for consumption, office papers, insulating materials for vehicles and electrical cables, biofuels, anti-corrosion paints and solar panels, among others.
A move welcomed by Kunal Naik of the Collectif Urgence Toxida (CUT), one of the many activists who for several years have been advocating for the regulation of cannabis for medical, industrial and recreational use by responsible adults.
He hopes that “this small step towards a pilot project will pave the way for larger drug policy reforms, starting with medical cannabis and then the regulation and taxation of cannabis for adult use. He believes this is the only way to eradicate the use of synthetic drugs.
The idea of diversifying our industry was also welcomed by the president of the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC), Professor Theeshan Bahorun. As a reminder, he chairs a technical committee on the use of medical cannabis. “I continue to do my job as requested by the government. I can tell you that the research is on the right track,” he said.
The main producers of hemp are Canada, China, France, the United States, Lithuania and Germany.
