The newly established Federation of International Hemp Organisations (FIHO) has released a position paper calling for standardised hemp terminology, aiming to draw a clear line between hemp and other forms of cannabis.
Although high-THC marijuana and low-THC hemp are both varieties of the same plant species, Cannabis sativa L., the two are frequently conflated by lawmakers and regulators around the world.
FIHO said its recommendations would support individual jurisdictions in crafting regulations that account for country-specific differences while drawing a firm distinction between marijuana and hemp.
Under the body's proposed framework, "hemp products" would cover all goods derived from hemp that meet the regulatory requirements of the jurisdiction in which they are sold.
"Hemp" itself would be defined as a variety of Cannabis sativa L. — the scientific name for the plant species that encompasses both hemp and marijuana.
The definition would extend to any part of the hemp plant where the concentration of THC in the flowers and leaves does not exceed the maximum threshold set by local authorities.
Most jurisdictions currently apply a 0.3% THC limit to field crops, though some have recently moved to, or adopted, 1% THC as the applicable threshold for hemp.
The recommendations would also draw a distinction between hemp crops and hemp products, anchoring THC limits to concentrations found in finished products rather than in the harvested plant material.
FIHO said establishing a shared vocabulary would open the door to innovation and make it easier to incorporate hemp products into global supply chains.
"Humankind's global relationship with hemp spans millennia; with production and trade in a large array of hemp products, used for many purposes across time, continents and civilisations," said FIHO board chair and president of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance Ted Haney.
"It is about time that we use the same language and terminology across continents to define hemp in all its aspects."
FIHO vice board chair and president of the European Industrial Hemp Association Daniel Kruse added: "With this new position on terminology, major global actors [in] the hemp sector show their capacity to work together and speak with one voice.
"We now expect policy makers to embrace this position and apply common terminology in all regions and countries of the world."
FIHO was formed last year by a coalition of 20 global hemp organisations representing 50 countries, with the goals of tackling key industry challenges, engaging with relevant international bodies, and presenting a unified global voice.
Prominent Australian hemp advocate Charles Kovess holds the position of secretary within the new organisation.
