For section 9(4) of the Act, the Secretary is required to refuse to grant a special research licence to a person if the Secretary is not satisfied the person has demonstrated the following:
scientifically valid research methods and approaches will be used for scientific research carried out under the licence;
the potential benefits to the industrial hemp industry of the scientific research, instruction, analysis or study;
appropriate safety and security measures will be put in place to ensure the hemp is secured against loss, theft or unauthorised interference.