Hemp seed sales are growing and claims of their health benefits are spreading. But there is an under-the-counter element to their trade, with the prospect of fines for selling a product that is climbing the superfood charts.
Despite no evidence that consumers can get high from hemp seeds, bans are in place. A Food Standards Australia New Zealand investigation concluded ”hemp does not have any psychoactive properties”. It said it did not identify any safety concerns about consumption and ”hemp seed is a nutritious food containing sizeable amounts of protein, polyunsaturated fats and dietary fibre”.
A Melbourne restaurant that serves dishes containing hemp seeds could be pursued by the Health Department if its identity were disclosed. Cannabis is a prohibited substance under the Food Act, so it is illegal to sell hemp seeds, or hemp seed oil, as food. The fine is $40,000 for an individual and $200,000 for a corporation.
A restaurateur who serves hemp-seed chocolate fudge claims she was unaware she was committing an offence. She relied on information from supplier Lariese, whose owner Ron Williams claims he has a permit for hemp to be sold for human consumption. ”I don’t exactly see the hemp squads knocking on people’s doors,” he said.