Georgia's industrial hemp dialogue enters a new phase in 2026

In March 2026, more than 40 participants gathered at the Rooms Hotel in Tbilisi for a landmark roundtable - among them agronomists, lawyers, NGO representatives, and several members of Parliament. The central question was clear: can Georgia create a legal framework for industrial hemp that remains compatible with European Union standards? Speakers presented research showing that Georgia's climate is ideally suited for industrial hemp cultivation, particularly in the Kakheti and Imereti regions. Experts estimated that low-THC varieties could yield two harvests per year, significantly boosting export potential. Particular attention was paid to the EU's 2023 directive setting the THC threshold at 0.3%. Georgian legal analysts argued that adopting an analogous standard domestically would help attract international investors, since businesses need a clear legal framework to commit capital. One of the most spirited debates centered on the licensing model. Some participants favored the Canadian approach, where licenses are issued centrally; others recommended Switzerland's decentralized system, where local cantons manage regulation themselves. In the end, attendees agreed that a hybrid model would be the best fit for Georgia. Agribusiness representatives also emphasized the employment potential. By their estimates, a regulated industrial hemp sector could create up to 3,000 jobs within the first two years - mostly in rural areas where unemployment is above the national average. The meeting concluded with a draft action plan calling for legislative proposals to be prepared by the second half of 2026. Organizers noted that the next session would take place in Batumi, where participants will also discuss the specific conditions of the Adjara region.