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Proposal to overturn a ban on hemp food rejected

Australian and New Zealand ministers have decided to maintain the ban on low THC hemp as food due to law enforcement concerns.

Several concerns were raised by some Forum Members, including law enforcement issues, particularly from a policing perspective in relation to roadside drug testing, cannabidiol levels as well as the marketing of hemp in food may send a confused message to consumers about the acceptability and safety of Cannabis.

The Forum agreed that further work would be undertaken promptly to consider law enforcement, roadside drug testing and marketing concerns in consultation with relevant Ministers.

Since December 2012, the Forum has twice requested advice from FSANZ on the issue. In the FSANZ latest review, which was considered on Friday (30 January), FSANZ re-affirmed its support of the variation to the Code.

FSANZ recommended approval of the sale of hulled and non-viable hemp seeds after conducting an economic analysis as part of its assessment, which concluded the approved variation would provide moderate benefits to industry and consumers

The Forum noted that FSANZ found that foods derived from the seeds of low THC hemp do not present any safety concerns as food, and that concerns regarding the impact on police THC drug testing fall beyond the remit of FSANZ.

One day before the decision, the Premier of Tasmania, Jeremy Rockliff said that his government would “continue to strongly support and lobby for Federal approval for the use of industrial hemp products in food, which has huge potential to open new markets for the industry."

 

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