The international hemp sector continues to evolve rapidly, and we at CBD Seed Europe are closely following developments around the world. A significant recent change comes from South Africa, where the new Plant Improvement Act has officially redefined hemp for industrial and agricultural purposes.
Under the updated law, hemp is now classified as plants or parts of Cannabis sativa L. intended for industrial or agricultural purposes, provided they have a maximum THC content of 2% in the leaves and flowers — a major increase from the previous limit of 0.2%. This adjustment aligns regulations with South Africa’s local climate and agronomic conditions, allowing for more flexibility and stability in cultivation.
For producers, this is a game-changer. The higher threshold reduces the risk of crop losses caused by natural variations in THC content and opens the door to increased investment in the country’s industrial hemp sector. Key industries that could benefit include textiles, bioconstruction, composite materials, bioplastics, and other hemp-derived products.
From a global perspective, South Africa is now unique in allowing more than 1% total THC in industrial hemp. This move has the potential to create new international opportunities, attracting attention from investors, manufacturers, and growers worldwide.
At CBD Seed Europe, we welcome this development as another sign of the fast-growing international hemp industry. As a European manufacturer of EU-certified hemp seeds, we are committed to supporting sustainable growth, stable genetics, and compliance across diverse climates — wherever opportunities for hemp cultivation arise.
The expansion of regulations and recognition of hemp’s industrial potential globally strengthens our shared mission: to develop a resilient, innovative, and legally compliant hemp sector that benefits growers, processors, and end users alike.
Source: https://cannareporter.eu/en/2025/12/12/South-Africa-officially-sets-a-2%25-THC-limit-for-industrial-hemp./
The international hemp sector continues to evolve rapidly, and we at CBD Seed Europe are closely following developments around the world. A significant recent change comes from South Africa, where the new Plant Improvement Act has officially redefined hemp for industrial and agricultural purposes.
Under the updated law, hemp is now classified as plants or parts of Cannabis sativa L. intended for industrial or agricultural purposes, provided they have a maximum THC content of 2% in the leaves and flowers — a major increase from the previous limit of 0.2%. This adjustment aligns regulations with South Africa’s local climate and agronomic conditions, allowing for more flexibility and stability in cultivation.
For producers, this is a game-changer. The higher threshold reduces the risk of crop losses caused by natural variations in THC content and opens the door to increased investment in the country’s industrial hemp sector. Key industries that could benefit include textiles, bioconstruction, composite materials, bioplastics, and other hemp-derived products.
From a global perspective, South Africa is now unique in allowing more than 1% total THC in industrial hemp. This move has the potential to create new international opportunities, attracting attention from investors, manufacturers, and growers worldwide.
At CBD Seed Europe, we welcome this development as another sign of the fast-growing international hemp industry. As a European manufacturer of EU-certified hemp seeds, we are committed to supporting sustainable growth, stable genetics, and compliance across diverse climates — wherever opportunities for hemp cultivation arise.
The expansion of regulations and recognition of hemp’s industrial potential globally strengthens our shared mission: to develop a resilient, innovative, and legally compliant hemp sector that benefits growers, processors, and end users alike.
Source: https://cannareporter.eu/en/2025/12/12/South-Africa-officially-sets-a-2%25-THC-limit-for-industrial-hemp./
