Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the British Hemp Alliance (BHA)?

The British Hemp Alliance is a non-profit organisation that advocates for the growth and development of the UK hemp industry. We work with farmers, businesses, researchers, and policymakers to unlock the environmental, economic, and social potential of industrial hemp.

2. What are the main goals of BHA?

  • Reform outdated UK hemp licensing laws

  • Promote hemp as a sustainable crop for food, feed, fibre, and medicine

  • Support farmers and producers through education and policy change

  • Encourage innovation in hemp-based bioplastics, textiles, construction, and carbon sequestration

  • Create a thriving, regenerative hemp industry in the UK

3. Why is hemp important for the UK?

Hemp is a highly sustainable crop with many uses. It improves soil health, absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide, and requires minimal pesticides. Hemp can support multiple industries — from construction and textiles to bioplastics and nutrition — offering green economic opportunities and helping the UK meet its climate targets.

4. Can farmers legally grow hemp in the UK?

Yes, but under strict regulation. Farmers must apply for a licence from the Home Office to grow industrial hemp, even though it contains negligible levels of THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis). BHA is actively campaigning to modernise these laws to support British agriculture and industry.

5. What are the challenges with current hemp legislation?

Current UK law treats hemp as a controlled drug, despite its non-psychoactive nature. Farmers cannot use the whole plant (such as the valuable flower and leaf), and the licensing process is slow and costly. These restrictions make it hard for UK growers to compete globally and limit the crop’s full potential.

6. What parts of the hemp plant can be used?

  • Fibre (stalks): For textiles, insulation, construction (hempcrete), and biocomposites

  • Hurds (inner stalk): For animal bedding, bioplastics, and carbon-negative building materials

  • Seeds: For nutritious food, oil, and animal feed

  • Leaves & Flowers: Rich in CBD and other cannabinoids – currently under legal restriction in the UK

7. Is hemp the same as cannabis?

Hemp and cannabis come from the same plant species (Cannabis sativa), but they are grown for different purposes. Hemp is cultivated for its industrial uses and contains very low levels of THC. It does not produce psychoactive effects.

8. Does BHA support medical cannabis?

While BHA focuses on industrial hemp, we acknowledge the importance of medical cannabis access and support broader cannabis reform. However, our primary mission is to develop the industrial hemp sector.

9. How can I support the British Hemp Alliance?

  • Join our network as a supporter, partner, or organisation

  • Share our campaigns and advocate for hemp law reform

  • Donate to help fund our research and lobbying work

  • Get involved as a farmer, academic, policymaker, or innovator in hemp-based solutions