New Caledonia creates its Hemp Syndicate

New Caledonia moves up a gear for CBD. The Association des Chanvriers de l'archipel has just been transformed. From now on, it will be known as the Syndicat du chanvre de Nouvelle-Calédonie, with Frédéric Gérard at its head. Objective: to legalize (at last) hemp in this French territory.

This union has no connection with the Syndicat du chanvre de métropole, or with the Polynesian Hemp Syndicate in Tahiti. But the objective is the same: to advance mentalities... and the law.

For New Caledonia is an autonomous collectivity, whose laws differ from those of mainland France. It has its own government and parliament, for example. And locally, the CBD is banned since a 2018 order. The substance is considered a narcotic in the archipelago, which prohibits its use and marketing.

In addition, New Caledonian law prohibits the import of hemp seeds, which are considered to be hazardous substances. «Invasive species. French legislation limiting THC levels to 0.3 % makes hemp cultivation very complicated, if not impossible. Indeed, New Caledonia's tropical climate mechanically increases THC levels.

Reunion Island has, for example, introduced derogations for to test hemp cultivation at 1%.

«A 1969 law bans all hemp.»

The recent legalization of non-psychotropic cannabinoids in France doesn't change a thing. A heresy for this new union, which wants to make its voice heard. Its aim is firstly to use hemp in industry, and secondly to produce hemp for its own use. cannabinoids.

«There's a 1969 law that prohibits anything to do with Indian hemp, but allows me to apply for a license to grow poppies or coca., said the union president ironically on the Caledonia TV channel. So it's time, given that the UN reclassified the plant in December 2020, to classify hemp as a narcotic with medical use.»

During the interview, Frédéric Gérard explained that he was in contact with the DASS, the local Ministry of Health. But the authorities have so far failed to respond. «really convincing».