With Australia’s cannabis economy growing exponentially following the country’s 2016 move to permit the medical use of cannabis, industry analysts are projecting further legislative shifts in favour of cannabis and hemp once the worst impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have subsided. In mid-June, the government approved an amendment to its legislation governing the export of narcotics, with the goal of improving access to international markets for producers and exporters of cannabis-based goods.
The Export Control Amendment (Certificate of Narcotics Exports) Bill 2020, which streamlines the process of applying for certification to export medical cannabis and hemp products, is geared particularly towards providing extra support for smaller and emerging export providers.
Australia’s Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said: “The bill broadens current legislation that certifies agricultural exports to allow for certification of legitimate exports of narcotic products. In the past year we have seen producers wanting to export to markets that need Australian government certification: this bill means exporters can now access those markets and have the confidence to invest in this industry.
“The industry will be able to export markets in Southeast Asia, China, Canada and the lucrative US market. The Australian government is committed to assisting our agricultural producers and exporters to create and maintain new international export opportunities, while providing assurance to our trading partners through certification. This bill will enable agricultural industries to come out firing after the threat of COVID-19 has passed.”
Read more at helius.co.nz