Geochang-gun, Intensive Inspection to Eradicate Wild and Illegal Cannabis Cultivation

Inspection of 11 Cannabis Cultivation Sites and Education for Cannabis Growers

Geochang County Office Exterior View

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] Geochang-gun, Gyeongnam Province, announced on the 28th that it will conduct intensive inspections of 11 hemp cultivation sites in the area to manage the narcotic 'hemp' under the 'Narcotics Control Act' due to a recent increase in reports of wild hemp.

The county is currently under police investigation after more than 30 mature wild hemp plants were found on unauthorized farmland near licensed hemp cultivation sites. Taking this opportunity, the county plans to focus on guiding and inspecting hemp cultivation sites to fundamentally block the supply of narcotics and eradicate illegal cultivation activities.

Since 'hemp' is managed as a narcotic, cultivation must be authorized by the head of the relevant city, county, or district office. Hemp leaves, excluding seeds, roots, and mature stems, must be incinerated or buried for disposal in the presence of officials designated by the city, county, or district office.

Furthermore, failure to fulfill reporting obligations, such as possessing hemp leaves without disposal or falsifying disposal reports, is punishable by imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million KRW. Buying, selling, or smoking hemp leaves can result in imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million KRW.

Therefore, the county urges residents to immediately report any illegal hemp discoveries to the responsible police station through active publicity encouraging reporting of wild hemp and providing guidance on precautions for hemp cultivation, to prevent innocent citizens from being penalized with fines or imprisonment due to illegal cultivation out of ignorance.

Gu In-mo, the mayor of Geochang-gun, stated, "Unauthorized hemp cultivation is a critical issue in narcotics control," and added, "We hope illegal narcotics will be eradicated through active guidance, supervision, and smooth cooperation from residents."