§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many legal cannabis plantations there are in the UK; and what plans there are to increase this number. [11152]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthThe cultivation of cannabis (hemp) for industrial purposes is licensed, per growing site, on an annual basis to cover that particular year's growing season. This year, 119 such licences have been issued. There is no restriction on the number of growers or growing sites that may be licensed during any particular year. Any increase or decrease in the number of licences issued would be influenced by commercial decisions and the ability of growers to meet the licence criteria.