Kazakhstan Embraces Hemp: From Ancient Roots to Global Market Ambitions

The idea isn’t new. Kazakhstan’s authorities first considered it in 2016, but the project was shelved. However, it didn’t stay buried. In spring 2025, a bill to legalize the cultivation of low-THC hemp was submitted to parliament. Lawmakers approved it swiftly, and in June, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed it into law.

The legislation sets clear guidelines. The government will determine which cannabis varieties can be cultivated—those with high THC levels are excluded. The law also outlines the procedures for both cultivation and processing.

High-security paper: Key use and export potential

Why hemp? The reasons are financial and strategic. At a press conference, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov explained:

“The main product will be high-security paper. It is a valuable export commodity, used to produce identity documents such as passports.”

The government in Kazakhstan expects production to be export-oriented. While there’s interest in other hemp-based products, development will depend on market demand.

Industrial hemp vs. cannabis: Strict regulation and 0.3% THC limit

It’s important to distinguish between industrial hemp and cannabis. The key component is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound.

Kazakh law strictly limits THC content in industrial hemp to no more than 0.3%. By comparison, wild hemp in Kazakhstan can contain up to 15% THC—a major difference. Industrial hemp, therefore, has no psychoactive effect.

The 0.3% threshold is common internationally, though some countries allow up to 1%.

Production underway: Locations and licensed producers

Plans are quickly moving forward. The primary production site will be in North Kazakhstan Oblast.

Licensing is already in progress. In April, Deputy Interior Minister Sanjar Adilov announced that four licenses had been granted. One company in neighboring Kostanay Oblast has already begun cultivation and processing.

Kazakhstan and hemp: From ancient use to a booming industry

This initiative is also a nod to Kazakhstan’s past. Archaeological evidence shows that hemp was used for rope-making as early as 3000 BC. Now, the plant will serve a modern function—producing secure identification documents.

The growth potential is substantial. Analysts at Fact.MR project the global industrial hemp market will hit $25.7 billion by 2034, with an annual growth rate of 14.5%. And that’s considered a conservative estimate.

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(Featured image by Alexander Serzhantov via Unsplash)

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First published in FaktyKonopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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