Günter Herneth, is the founder of Hanfama, Europe’s largest producer of CBD hemp, a company that grows cannabis in greenhouses. He describes cannabis as one of the easiest plants to cultivate, far simpler than basil or tomatoes.
Hanfama: from gardening to producing cannabis
Herneth had experience in horticulture, and when his last company, a sizable garden shop, failed, he found himself in serious financial difficulties. But he switched to growing cannabis, concentrating on CBD hemp that was non-psychoactive and had THC concentrations under 0.3%. He was able to overcome early criticism and local worries about his plants’ odor by switching to strains that had a stronger strawberry and lemon scent.
The Tobacco Tax and the value of CBD
Herneth is mindful of the hype surrounding the benefits of CBD and thinks it has considerable therapeutic value, especially in palliative care. Although he admits that there aren’t enough studies on CBD products, he maintains that they have practical use in medicine.
His business specializes in creating premium CBD oils and flowers for smoking. But according to new laws in Austria, smokeable CBD flowers are now considered tobacco and must only be sold by authorized tobacconists. Herneth first opposed this action, but he now believes it is essential to stop the illicit sale of cannabis goods.
Cannabis’s future in Austria and its economic advantages
Herneth is hopeful about the future of cannabis in Austria despite market obstacles. He argues that appropriate cannabis legislation might boost the economy and raise money for Austria’s pension system through taxes. He advocates for a similar strategy in Austria, citing countries like the Netherlands, with relevant regulation of the cannabis cultivation.
“Industrial production can produce cannabis 70 percent cheaper than the black market. The state could use this to finance its pension system.”
Given that the consumption of cannabis in Vienna alone is already thought to provide significant profits, he thinks that a properly controlled market could bring in millions of dollars in tax money.
Control and legalization: a way ahead
Additionally, Herneth believes that legalizing THC cannabis will improve safety and decrease the criminal market. He emphasizes the necessity for regulation and education while admitting that many people already obtain cannabis illegally.
He thinks the cannabis industry could flourish, lower crime, and contribute to the funding of public services like pensions with the right regulations. Herneth’s ultimate goal for the cannabis sector is for it to be similar to other regulated agricultural products, which will be beneficial for society and the economy.