Regulation of cannabis seed

As of October 17, 2018, the cultivation of cannabis seed is permitted in accordance with the requirements of the Cannabis Act and Regulations.

CFIA's role in the regulation of cannabis seed

The CFIA regulates the import, export, certification and grading of cannabis seed under the following acts and regulations:

• Seeds Act
• Seeds Regulations
• Plant Protection Act
• Plant Protection Regulations

The CFIA's Seeds Act and Regulations and Plant Protection Act and Regulations regulate cannabis seed in the following ways:

• delivery of the pedigreed seed crop inspection system
• labelling requirements of the Seeds Act and Regulations will apply to seed of cannabis
• import:
  • D-96-03 Plant Protection Import Requirements for Cannabis sativa outlines the import requirements for plants and seeds
  • The Seeds Act and Regulations will regulate the import of cannabis seed. The ABCs of Seed Importation into Canada outline these requirements

Cannabis with novel traits

Cannabis could also be subject to assessment under the Seeds Act and Seeds Regulations as a plant with novel traits, if a novel trait was introduced in to the crop.

For further information contact the Plant Biosafety Office.

Additional government and industry information

• Health Canada – Cannabis in Canada