On February 26, 1998, Canada’s Health Minister, Allan Rock announced that hemp could be grown commercially in Canada for the first time in 60 years.
Because of hemp’s versatility of use, there is a quickly growing market for the product with farmers anxious to apply for licensing. For example, In Grand Forks, B.C. about 75 potential growers have expressed interest since this announcement.
Commercial Production of Industrial Hemp

FAQ – Industrial Hemp

The Government of Canada site lists the current licensees of hemp producers and provides information on licensing requirements. In Ontario, hemp has been grown experimentally for the past couple of years.

Kenex is a privately owned Canadian company actively working on research and processing of industrial hemp. Several other hemp cooperatives and associations throughout Canada are involved and are working on developing new processing and market opportunities for this fiber.

It is still not legal to grow hemp in the U.S. but it is a fiber that is of interest to textile producers.

If you’ve tried weaving or spinning hemp, or have other news about uses of industrial hemp in your area, we’d love to hear about them.

Weaving with Hemp

A Visit to a Canadian Hemp Farm

Hemp Yarns

Paivatar
Handwovens using Hemp yarns.

Lanaknits
Hemp yarns and kits for knitters.