Hemp has been legalised as a food product in Australia. In April, regulators approved low-THC hemp for human consumption as food. Initially, health and police ministers worried that hemp products would interfere with road-side drug testing; however, this has been ruled out, with hemp seed being shown to have no or very low traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the drug component of marijuana.

Associate Professor in Nutritional Science at University of Canberra, Dr Duane Mellor, says hemp has been consumed in other countries for many years and that it offers a great source of protein and vegetarian source of omega 3 fatty acids.

Hemp can be used as a crushed seed, flour, oil or protein powder, and has been used internationally to make foods such as hemp milk, protein powders, snack bars, bread and ice cream.

Hemp seed is a rich source of essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals and is suitable for vegetarians, vegans and people with soy, dairy and gluten allergies and intolerances.

Australian farmer, Harry Youngman, says hemp is one of the most versatile and eco-friendly crops in the world and that many areas of Australia are perfect for growing it.

Dr Mellor adds: “Hemp is a great crop; it grows quickly and provides a sustainable protein source as well as raw materials for fibres that can be used to make clothes. Typically using less water, land and resources than other options.”

Find hemp foods on the shelves of your local health food stores (previously marked “for external use only”) from November 2017 onwards, or you can buy hemp seeds wholesale from companies such as Hemp Foods Australia, which grows hemp in Bangalow on Australia’s east coast.