$1M Fine Threat Halts Hemp Cosmetics Sale

A SOUTH Australian cosmetics store has been warned it could be fined up to
$1 million if it sells a new range of hemp oil products to minors.

The Body Shop, which has five outlets in Adelaide, has imported a range of
Hemp brand cosmetics, including hand cream, massage oil, elbow cream, lip
gloss and soap.

The vital ingredient in each product is oil from the hemp seed.

The SA Body Shop franchisee, Mr John Phillips, has been given legal advice
that the products cannot be sold legally in SA - the only State where such
a ban applies.

Although imbibing the products would have no effect, they are technically
prohibited because of the level of the active ingredient,
tetrahydrocannabinol.

Mr Phillips, who said the range was due to be launched nationally today,
has written to the Human Services Minister, Mr Brown, seeking a change to
the regulations.

"My initial reaction was just to press ahead and sell it anyway because it
seemed ridiculous," he said.

"Obviously the products are not any sort of narcotic.

"But once the lawyers looked into it, we found the fines are horrendous -
and my staff and customers could be liable as well."

Mr Phillips sought the help of pro-drug reform MLC Mr Mike Elliott, who has
also written to Mr Brown offering support for a change to the law.

In his letter, Mr Elliott said it would be "absurd" for the products to be
banned only in SA.

"I understand that the product range of five contains only industrial hemp
with minuscule THC levels - I understand that it is about 8 to 10 parts per
million," he wrote.

Yesterday Mr Elliott said a change to the Controlled Substances Act
appeared necessary.

"This is not a drugs issue - it appears there's just an irregularity in the
legislation or regulations," Mr Elliott said.

"Every other State is allowing the products to be sold - it's very silly."

Mr Elliott said be would support swift action to change the laws before the
end of this parliamentary session.

Checked-by: derek rea