List of Approved Cultivars for the 2025 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 (IHR), the List of Approved Cultivars sets out the following industrial hemp varieties for commercial cultivation under licence for the year 2025. The list may contain variety names that are synonyms for the same variety.

As per subsection 29(1) of the IHR, THC testing is required for the holder of a licence that authorizes cultivation for seed. 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: The most recent additions were Angelo, Citrico and Vendetta which were added to the list in August 2024.

Deletions: No varieties were removed from the list in 2024.

Observation: CBF1, NWG 2730, Painted Lady, Rogue, Santiam, Umpqua, Citrico, and Vendetta remain under observation.

Notes:

Subsection 26(1) of the Industrial Hemp Regulations (IHR) 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 the IHR, 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 the IHR, importation of 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.

Health Canada must be informed as per paragraph 6(1)(h) of the IHR in the event of crop failure where samples cannot be drawn for THC testing.

Proposals for the addition of new cultivars on the LOAC will be evaluated twice yearly. Proposals are to be received by Health Canada before February 1 and September 1 of each year.

Questions regarding the List of Approved Cultivars for the 2025 growing season may be submitted to:

Industrial Hemp Unit
Office of Medical Access and Specialized Authorizations
Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch
Health Canada
Address locator: 5002A
Ottawa, ON
K1G 0Z3
Email: hemp-chanvre@hc-sc.gc.ca