Canada

Abstract Canada allowed the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp in 1998. This decision was seen as a political dream: “win win” for everyone. There was very little opposition to the idea of industrial hemp: the biggest obstacle was government foot-dragging on the issue. Great expectations were raised then. Now 5 years in, many of these expectations have not been met and the cautious have been vindicated. The growth of the hemp sector has been modest and hemp has proven not to be immune to the struggles typical of any new industry.