Growing this plant can be criminally prosecuted if used in violation of regulations.

On March 25, on the Ministry of Public Security's website, the Ministry answered a citizen's question about the issue of taking advantage of growing and using hemp to commit drug-related violations, which will be subject to administrative or criminal penalties depending on each specific case.

"As far as I know, hemp is a plant with high economic value, which can be used in weaving, pressing oil (with a value equal to olive oil), making handicrafts, making fertilizers, fuel, etc. However, hemp is in the same family as marijuana, although its THC content is very low and has been permitted by many countries. So I want to ask about the regulations of Vietnamese law on growing and making products from hemp. If it is allowed to grow, what are the specific procedures and regulations?", people wondered.

In response to the above question, the Ministry of Public Security informed that hemp, also known as flax, with the scientific name Cannabis Satival, belongs to the Cannabinaceae family and is a plant that contains stimulants. Hemp is mainly composed of Cannabidiol (CBD), Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a narcotic substance regulated in Decree No. 57/2022/NDCP dated August 25, 2022 of the Government. However, this substance in hemp is usually low in content, below 0.3%.

In appearance, hemp is quite similar to marijuana, but in terms of composition, marijuana's main ingredient is THC.

According to Decree No. 57/2022/NDCP, hemp is not a prohibited plant. However, according to Article 247 of the 2015 Penal Code, amended in 2017, hemp is included in the category of "other plants containing narcotic substances".

Therefore, the process of handling cases requires determining the specific plant species (scientific name identification) for specimens suspected of being hemp or cannabis.

In the case of hemp, it is necessary to determine the specific purpose and behavior of the subject.

In case of planting and using hemp and hemp products for civil purposes such as: taking fibers for weaving, making animal feed, making fuel..., there will be no administrative or criminal penalties.

In case a subject takes advantage of growing and using hemp and hemp products with subjective intention for the purpose of exploiting addictive substances, enticing, inciting, organizing use not for civil, cultural, or traditional purposes, but committing acts violating the law on drugs, then based on the specific act, administrative or criminal handling will be considered depending on each specific case.

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