Regional economies are the biggest winners of rule changes that allow hemp seed to be treated as just another edible seed. Hemp is currently grown under permit and is used for fibre and hemp seed oil. Growing, possession and trade of whole seeds will still require a licence from the Ministry of Health.
“This is great news for the local hemp industry, which has argued for decades that the production of hemp seed foods will stimulate regional economies, create jobs and generate $10-20 million of export revenue within 3 to 5 years,” Food Safety Minister Damien O’Connor said. “Diversification is key to the health of a regional economy and the Government is committed to work with our primary sectors to get more value from what they do. “Hemp seeds are safe to eat, nutritious and do not have a psychoactive effect.
The Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006 and the Food Regulations 2015 will be amended to allow the sale of hemp seed as food, although hemp flowers and leaves will not be permitted.
Regulatory changes come into force on 12 November.
