List of Approved Cultivars for the 2019 Growing Season: Industrial Hemp Varieties Approved for Commercial Production 

As referenced in the definition of an “approved cultivar” in subsection 1(1) of the Industrial Hemp Regulations, the List of Approved Cultivars sets out the following industrial hemp varieties for commercial cultivation under licence for the year 2019. The list may contain variety names that are synonyms for the same variety.

Beginning October 17, 2018, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) testing requirements have changed. THC testing is now required for the holder of a licence that authorizes cultivation for seed as per subsection 29(1) of the Industrial Hemp Regulations. THC testing is also required for plant breeding and the inclusion of an industrial hemp variety on the List of Approved Cultivars. No varieties are exempt from THC testing requirements.

Additions: Rigel was added to the list this year.
Deletions:  No varieties were removed from the list this year.
Observation:  No varieties are under observation.

Please Note:

Subsection 26(1) of the Industrial Hemp Regulations requires all seed planted for the production of industrial hemp in Canada to be of pedigreed status (Certified or higher class), other than seed used for plant breeding. This means that farm-saved non-pedigreed seed cannot be planted, and inspectors may request official seed tags as evidence of compliance.

Furthermore, under section 16 of these Regulations, seeds that are imported into Canada for purposes other than plant breeding must be pedigreed seeds of approved cultivars that are recognized under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Seed Schemes or by the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA).

Similarly, under section 17 of these Regulations, importation of viable grain into Canada must be from a country that participates in the OECD Seed Schemes or a country that has an agency that is a member of AOSCA.

The Health Canada Industrial Hemp Licensing Unit must be informed as per paragraph 6(1)(h) of the Industrial Hemp Regulations in the event of crop failure where samples cannot be drawn for THC testing.

Questions regarding the List of Approved Cultivars – 2019 may be submitted to:

Industrial Hemp Licensing Unit
Health Canada
AL 0300A
Ottawa, ON  K1A 0K9
Email: hc.hemp-chanvre.sc@canada.ca

Mike McGuire
Director
Office of Medical Access and Specialized Authorizations