CHATHAM-KENT -- After a lengthy battle, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Customs will allow a shipment of sterilized hemp seeds across the border.

But Jean Laprise of Canadian-based hemp production and processing firm Kenex Ltd. said yesterday the American government had yet to fully release the 18,000-kilogram shipment.

In August, U.S. officials seized the seeds in Detroit because they contain minute traces of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

"We now have a guarantee from the DEA and U.S. Customs that they will not seize any future shipments of hemp products from our company,"

Laprise said."It's a big win for the Canadian hemp industry." He said his firm is considering suing the U.S. government.

letters@lfpress.com