LONDON, Feb 18, Reuter - The British government said on Thursday that its farmers could grow cannabis, as long as it was the variety known as hemp, used to make rope and paper products.
The Home Office (interior ministry) said this would bring Britain into line with other European Community farmers who have been cultivating hemp, a member of the cannabis sativa family, for more than 20 years.
Home Office minister Michael Jack said in a statement that the crop would be subject to strict licensing controls to minimise the risk of illegal cannibis cultivation.
He said strains which met EC requirements -- those bred to contain low narcotic levels -- had been grown in continental Europe for more than 20 years without any problems.
One British company has already applied for permission to grow hemp. Farmers will even be able to claim an EC grant of about 250 pounds ($360) an acre (nearly half a hectare).