HEMP ON THE MENU FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT SIGN-OFF

THE Queensland government has confirmed its support for the sale of hemp foods in Australia, after last Friday's decision by the Forum of Food Regulations (FOFR) which allowed low-THC hemp seeds as a legal food substance in Australia.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick says the government voted in favour of permitting hemp seeds, which contained low amounts of psychoactive THC, at the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation held in Adelaide last week.

He says the vote is a win for both health-conscious Aussies and licensed hemp growers and processors who are contributing to a budding economic sector.

"We know that hemp seeds and their oil are already used extensively in foods in North America and Europe, so enabling it to be a legal food source will provide many opportunities," says Dick.

"Hemp is already cultivated in Australia under strict licensing agreements as a source of fibre for clothing and some building products, however it is currently illegal to sell the product as a food.

"Enabling hemp seed to be a legal food source will also provide entrepreneurial opportunities with new types of food products that can be sold, particularly health foods."