Hemp Foods Now Legal in Australia
As of yesterday, November 12th, hemp food products are legal in Australia.
Toasted hemp seeds.
The new changes to the Food Standards Code were approved in April. The changes legalizes sale of low-THC hemp seed for use as food or to be placed in food products (such as cereals and baked goods). For hemp seed to be legally used as food, it must contain less than 0.5% THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient found in the cannabis plant and found in minuscule amounts in hemp plants.
“Historically, hemp has been used as a source of fibre and oil”, states a press release from the Australian government. “Hemp seeds and oil are used in other countries, including in Europe, Canada and the United States of America, in a range of foods. Hemp seeds contain protein, vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids.”
In Australia hemp has been legal for some time now for various uses including textiles and body care products. However, now is the first time hemp has been legal for consumption.
