Hemp: 'My department supports crop diversity'

Production would require expertise says Environment Minister

The environment minister has told Manx Radio his department is open to the idea of growing hemp on an agricultural scale, but says major investment will be needed.

A two-part online consultation was launched this week seeking the public's views on the current legislation surrounding the potential medicinal use of cannabis.

It also looks at the granting of licences to cultivate industrial hemp, a commerical crop currently grown in over 30 countries around the world.

Geoffrey Boot says a Manx operation would require both hi-tech expertise and a production facility.

But, he says discussion have been held with local famers on the possibility.